Whether you’ve recently purchased your first gun or are a long-time owner, understanding your weapon is extremely important. Practicing at the shooting range is an essential task that allows you to use the firearm safely. Below are several reasons you’ll benefit from regular target practice at a local range.

Why Gun Owners Should Continue Practicing at a Shooting Range

1. Practice Technique

Shooting a gun for the first time can be jarring, and you need to get a feel for it to build your confidence. Form a V with the index finger and thumb on your dominant hand and grip high around the back strap of the firearm. This helps to balance the gun and control the recoil. Rest the dominant hand’s pointer finger straight along the side of the gun—not on the trigger. Place your other hand high on the grip and rest the butt against your palm. Stack your thumbs for maximum control.

Continuous practice will help you develop muscle memory and get used to the gun’s recoil and sound. The more confident you are, the better you’ll remember how to safely handle your weapon.

2. Improve Aim

This is an area where gun owners can always improve. Shooting regularly helps you learn to aim quickly and more accurately. If you’re shooting slightly off, practice not pulling the trigger so hard or providing more support in your wrists. You’ll find a helpful community of staff and fellow enthusiasts at the range who can give you pointers.

Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart or dominant foot slightly forward. Keep your elbows moderately bent, and raise your arms and the firearm to eye level. Practice looking directly down the handgun’s barrel and aligning the sights. Aim the top of the sight where you want to shoot, and slowly squeeze the trigger.

3. Focus on Safety

Firearm safety is a responsibility every gun owner must embrace. You can practice what you’ve learned in a foundational class when you visit the gun range. Increasing the frequency of practice sessions will help you remember the basics, like only putting your finger on the trigger when you’re ready to shoot. Always point the gun in a safe direction, and treat every weapon as if it’s loaded. Many ranges offer safety courses to enroll in if you want to brush up or learn about local firearm laws.

If you’re in need of shooting practice, turn to Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. This retailer maintains a full-service range and a large inventory of firearms. Their skilled team makes safety a priority and invites guests to join concealed carry training and shooting competitions. Call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a sales associate. Connect on Facebook to view their event calendar, and learn more about the range online.