Between January 2019 and April 2021, about 7.5 million people became first-time gun owners. Over half of these people were women, and learning to use and handle a firearm properly can improve your skills when practicing at a shooting range. Whether you've just purchased a firearm or have owned it for some time, building up your confidence can take some time. Below are several strategies to help.

How Can You Become More Familiar When Using a Gun?

1. Enlist Professional Training

One of the best ways to feel comfortable with a firearm is through expert instruction. An experienced, licensed instructor can teach you about the individual parts of the weapon and how everything works. For example, they can disassemble the firearm to show you how to clean and maintain it. They can even teach specific techniques for aiming, gripping, and firing, helping you shoot accurately. Regular practice at a shooting range is also highly recommended, as practice is the best way to improve confidence. 

2. Create Safe Experiences

For some new firearm owners, anxiety about having accidents may make them apprehensive. In addition to receiving proper instruction about safe handling and storage, having precautions in place can reduce stressful feelings. For example, while protective goggles and headphones are necessary to protect your health, they also help you focus more on controlling the gun. Insulated ear muffs are particularly important, as they muffle the sounds from shooters in other lanes. If you have a rifle or shotgun, investing in a shoulder pad can improve your handling and stability with the weapon. 

3. Becomes Tactile-Familiar

Before handling any type of firearm, make sure there is absolutely no ammunition present. After establishing a safe zone, start getting a tactile feel of your gun. Familiarize yourself with all the components by touching them. Practice operating the different parts, such as the slide, trigger, and hammer, so that you can get used to the firearm's weight and grip. The more you acclimate to its feeling, the more your confidence will grow with handling.

If you need training or a safe practice range for your new gun, visit Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. For more than 15 years, they have been selling guns and ammunition, providing concealed carry training, and helping people learn about firearms. They also host shooting competitions at their indoor range. Call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a team member, and visit the website for more information about their classes.