Trigger Talk …..Getting started in Shooting
Okay, so you’ve wanted to learn to shoot for a long time. There are many reasons you have come to this conclusion. Perhaps you are concerned about crime in your area and want a gun for home defense, or your friends at work are hunters and you’d like to join them. Or maybe you are concerned about your 2nd Amendment Rights and want to purchase a firearm before an anti-gun administration tries to take away your rights. Whatever the reason, how do you get started?
Here in the Midwest, the changing landscape has also changed the way many of us get started in shooting. Over the last 50-60 years the shift from a rural farming population to urban and suburban living has reduced both the available space and opportunities to begin a lifetime in the shooting sports. Getting that first BB gun followed by shooting tin cans off a fence post with a .22 after dinner with a parent or grandparent is not an option for many people.
Many people think they know how to handle a gun, after all they played “Cops and Robbers” as a kid and certainly all those hours playing video game war simulations must have taught them something… right? The truth is: Proper training in the use of firearms is essential; the first thing you will need to understand is safe gun handling.
A good way to get started is to attend a “First Shots” or “First Steps” class designed for people with absolutely no firearms experience. At one of these introductory sessions you will typically receive:
- An introduction to the safe handling and use of firearms
- A basic introduction to different types of firearms and ammunition
- Classroom and firing range instruction.
- An understanding of the local requirements for purchasing and owning a firearm
There are many places you can go to seek out this type of training. A good place to start is your local gun store. These may range from a small individually owned gun store to one of the large chains such as Cabela’s, Gander Mountain or Bass Pro Shops. Some of the individual gun stores such as the “Firing Line” in Westland also have on-site gun ranges, with instructors and gun rental available. Another source is a local Gun or Sportsmen’s Club which can add the benefit of a social club environment to the learning and enjoyment of the shooting sports. Most counties including Washtenaw and Livingston have several to choose from. A quick internet search for “Firearms Instruction” or “Places to Shoot” in South East Michigan revealed dozens of locations from which to choose. Each of these options will have a list of places and instructors to get you started on your journey to responsible gun ownership.
A popular introduction for women is the NRA’s “Women on Target” events held exclusively for female shooters. Women of all ages are introduced to Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun shooting including “Trap” or clay pigeon shooting. Both the “First Shots” and “Women on Target” are typically offered in conjunction with local ranges and clubs.
Next month we’ll talk about the types of guns best suited for your initial training and skill development. Future topics will include personal defense training, Concealed Carry handgun and ammunition selection, gun cleaning, storage and more!
Until then …….Safe Shooting