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How easy is it to learn to shoot with left hand if your right handed?

Whenever you go to a shooting school, you will see that there are plenty of things that you will learn before you fire your first shot. One of those things is to learn which one of your eyes is the dominant one. You will also learn how to shoot with your other hand. Your dominant eye is the one that will look directly at an object. If you want to find out which eye is your dominant one, then extend your arms and put your palms right ahead. Make a triangle of space by using your fingers. When you have done this, choose an object that’s far away and look at it through the hole you have made. You then need to close your right eye. If you’re still able to see the object then you have a dominant left eye. If you cannot, your right eye is the dominant one.

Your Field of Vision

Shooting with both of your eyes open is very important if you want to hunt, or if you want to go target shooting. If you are hunting pheasants or even clay, you will need to see it from your weak side. If you can do this then you will have additional time to mount your gun and acquire the target. Having both eyes open will give you a much bigger field of vision. If you put your shotgun in line with the dominant eye and you have both eyes open, then you will be able to see the sight at the end. If you can, try and switch hands and mount the gun in front of your less dominant eye. When you do this, you may find that the barrel appears crooked and that you have two sights at the end. This is why people shut one eye to shoot.

Changing your Hands

If you want to try and shoot with your left hand then you need to try and use your less dominant eye, and most likely, your less dominant hand. To begin with, you need to practice with the safety on and off. With the grip in your hand, you then need to practice releasing the magazine. When you feel very safe and comfortable, you then need to send a few rounds down at the range. Shooting the rifle will probably not offer you any huge obstacles, but the pistol is usually what causes people problems.

It’s worth practicing swinging and mounting the shotgun before you go to live fire if you are using a gun like this. You will soon find that you are much more relaxed and that you are also able to adjust better. If you are changing hands then it’s worth trying to make sure that you use a gun that you are most comfortable with as well, so make sure that you keep this in mind if possible. If you can make sure that this is the case, then you will soon find that you end up being much more comfortable.

 

CategoriesShooting
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How long does it take for the average person to be trained in shooting a firearm?

If you want to become trained in shooting a firearm then you should know that there’s a lot of things that you need to know. You have to make sure that you have a good understanding of the gun you are using, and you also need to make sure that you are proficient in understanding the mechanics of your weapon too. If you want to go from being a novice to a decent beginner, then this will take around 40 hours with a handgun, and 1500 rounds You will have a lot of dry fire practice here as well, so that you can expand on your foundation of knowledge.

Training Explained

If you took a Concealed Carry class, then you will usually get around 9 hours of practical shooting with instruction. You will also get two hours of training which is dedicated to gun safety. The rest of the class will be dedicated to gun handling, marksmanship and a course of fire. You will also spend a few hours learning how to load up guns, how to unload them and also learn more about gun safety in general. This will help you to reach that beginner status, and it will separate you from a novice.

Defining “Decent”

Decent for some people means being able to hit a man-sized target from a blind draw under your clothing at around 7 yards. It’s also being able to hit three rounds in under 4 seconds.  Some define decent as being able to drop and then reload the magazine by feel. For a rifle, you may need to hit a 12-inch circle at around 400 yards, if you are prone. By these standards, you may be able to classify yourself as decent. Shooting a rifle with accuracy is way easier than using a pistol. Most people who have never been able to fire a gun before can learn how to shoot a rifle in less than a day. They can do so with accuracy and shoot their targets with pride. If you learn how to shoot a rifle, then this will most likely stick with you. If you learn how to shoot a pistol and then don’t pick one up for quite some time, then you may find that you go rusty and that you start to regress.

With this in mind, you need to know that some guns are easier to master than others and that sometimes if you are able to get proficient in one, that doesn’t mean that you will continue to be proficient in it if you do not keep up with all of the right training. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you go on a training course or if you simply take the time to practice your shooting at a range because it is more than easy for you to progress your skills if you put in the right amount of time and effort.

The time it will take you to become proficient will depend on your overall adaptability, reaction time and your determination. Everyone is different, but everyone can learn.

 

 

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting Tips & Tricks
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What’s the best eyewear for shooting?

What’s The Best Eyewear For Shooting?

Your eyes are one of the most essential tools you’ll have at your disposal when shooting – so what’s the best firearm eyewear?

If you’re serious about shooting, whether you’re at the range or in an outside environment, you’ll need a serious set of eyewear. We won’t faff with the lower end gear here, but we will still give you value for money. We’ve selected two of the best options out there – one that’s a bit pricier, one that’s excellent value for money, but both are excellent options for firearm eyewear.

Keep reading to find out why they’re so good and which one is best for you.

The Top Dog Of Firearm Eyewear: Oakley SI Tombstone Spoil With PRIZM Shooting Glasses

The Oakley SI Tombstone Spoil with PRIZM shooting glasses are built for tactical use primarily, and with their high specs, they’ll last you for years to come.

These Oakley shooting glasses are some of the best because they asked veteran marksmen exactly what they should include when designing them. After going through several designs, they’ve come up with a pair that enhance your field of view to a full 120 degrees.

The Specifications:

  • Unobstructed field of vision that’s the best you’ll get from any glasses.
  • PRIZM tech included in the package so eye strain is decreased and you can fine-tune the lens depending on the environment.
  • Oakley also allows you to choose from a range of other lenses to tailor the glasses to your needs.
  • Full UV protection.
  • Unobtanium nose strip that guarantees they’ll stay in place even when wet.
  • A wide field of view of 120 degrees.
  • The Switchlock Quick Lens Exchange means that you can swiftly change the lenses with ease.

The single downside to the Oakleys’ is that they don’t come cheap – they’re a complete investment for serious shooters.

The Top Shooting Glasses For The Money: Pilla Outlaw X Shooting Glasses

The Pilla Outlaw Shooting glasses are an excellent option for those looking for a reliable standard pair of firearm glasses that won’t break the bank. They offer lots of options for these glasses, so making them personal to you is easy. Plus they have a wide range of colours available which is always a bonus when you want something individually suited to you.

The Specifications:

  • The Pilla Outlaw X has configurations available for shooting, archery and action shooting.
  • Big range of colours and colour combinations.
  • 4 kits to choose from for lens filtration; Progressive Lens Kit, Truck Kit, Bank Kit and Boost Kit.
  • Prescription inserts can be an added feature.
  • Two temple options. There’s no metal wire here either, so they’ll give you lots of comfort.
  • 5 positions to adjust the glasses, so they have longevity and versatility.
  • 2 size options and a lightweight build.
  • Extremely protective.

There are no proper cons with this pair of firearm eyewear, but they don’t quite reach Oakley’s heights. That’s to be expected; the price drop will mean they don’t have the spec of expensive options. But they’re versatile, protective and have a crazy amount of customisations available so you can’t go wrong.

These are just two of the options out there, and both companies offer other shooting glasses at various price points. Just remember that it’s worth your time looking into the options available and protection should be at the top of your priorities

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting
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Is electronic target practice solutions a legitimate way to practice using your firearm?

Are Electronic Target Practice Solutions A Legitimate Way To Practice Using Your Firearm?

When you first purchase a firearm, all you want to do it get on a shooting range and get on with it. But if you’re going to improve at shooting, can electronic firearm practice options be a better way to progress?

To be a great shooter, you’ll have to put in the hours of practice. Bad habits hide in loud bangs and the recoil of live fire. Going for an electronic option can help correct mistakes as you can review how you’re doing instantly. Not only will it improve your shooting, but you can practise anywhere, at any time.

Is this new tech really up to scratch, and does it provide a legitimate way to practice using your firearm?

Electronic Target Practice

Electronic Target Practice solutions are, put very simply, a way to track your practice shots at the range or home. You can still use live ammunition with them, so you don’t lose the feeling of using real rounds, and you get to review how you’re doing.

Pros:

  • Electronic targets are built to be used with live rounds. They’ve generally got armoured steel or bullet-resistant plates.
  • The TrueZero target system works as a sensor bar that can be used with their target sheets, paper ones at a range or other electronic targets. Hence, there are loads of options with smart targets that’ll fit your style of shooting.
  • All electronic target systems connect to an app in some form. This means that you can review all of your shots as and when you make them. It’s an invaluable tool that means you can learn on the spot and alter your shooting for instant results.
  • The ones you buy yourself are all portable, so you’re not restricted by using them at a range.

Laser Trainers

Laser trainers are basically an enhanced version of dry-firing that uses lasers, that isn’t strictly a form of electronic target practice. But you get an in-depth record of training when you use the lasers with a relevant electronic target.

Pros:

  • The laser picks up any movement that the shooter causes. It enables on the spot self-evaluation. Plus you can work on keeping the laser as steady as possible for some real-time results.
  • Whilst you can use it on the shooting range, you can also use it at home. Or pretty much anywhere really.
  • Some companies offer laser bullets too, like iTargetPro. Combine them with their Sled Target Sheet and app for the best experience possible. You can see exactly where you’re hitting, and the app keeps track of your scores. It even analyses your shots in real-time, pretty nifty.
  • Lasers can be combined with other target practice options too. The combination of the two enhances your target practice if you want just to hone your skills.
  • Lasers are great when you can’t use live ammunition for safety reasons.

Are Electronic Target Practice Solutions Worth It?

Looking at everything together, yes. They’re super versatile and have loads of options to be able to cater them for you, and your budget. Most importantly, though, they’ll help you become a better shooter. Whatever choice you go for, they all give you an extra layer during practice that means you can take the time to correct your mistakes, safely.

CategoriesShooting
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How effective is dry firing with snap caps?

How Effective Is Dry Firing With Snap Caps?

What is dry firing? Well, dry firing is defined as discharging a weapon without ammunition in the chamber. There is the perception that dry firing is not good for the weapon itself. In all reality, what determines whether or not a gun is safe to dry fire is what type of weapon is being used.

Newer guns are more dry fire-friendly than older weapons. Older guns are designed so that the firing pin in the weapon hits the rim of the casings. So if the gun is not loaded and is dry fired, there is an increased chance of damaging the weapon. The pin will hit the shoulder of the chamber wall, increasing the likelihood that it breaks. Still, that is not the case with every gun, so check the weapon’s manual to figure out whether or not dry firing is safe to do with a given weapon.

With that being said, some people prefer not to dry fire regardless of what the instruction booklet says. So if someone has reservations about dry firing, they have the opportunity to use what are called “snap caps”.

Snap caps are fake rounds that are made to protect your weapon by relieving any potential stress that could be placed on the firing pin during dry fire. So using snap caps is a precautionary measure if someone does in fact want to dry fire without any inherent risk.

Some people confuse snap caps with “dummy rounds” but there is a difference between the two. Contrasting from snap caps, dummy rounds are made up of plastic and are only intended to use while dry firing. Snap caps on the other hand are made up of real casing and a primer to protect the firing pin and simulate the weight and feel of live bullets.

So why would someone dry fire in the first place? Well, dry firing allows shooters the possibility to work on their marksmanship skills while not physically having to be in a gun range. It also allows people the opportunity to practice gun safety by replicating the weight of a loaded weapon without actually having a live round in the chamber.

Snap caps help this practice immensely. For example, using snap caps to teach a first-time gun owner to load a weapon properly is much more ideal than letting said first-timer load a chamber with live rounds. Also, snap caps can help with making sure the gun’s functionality is working properly without actually having to fire anything that puts people in danger.

Overall, dry firing with snap caps is a worthwhile thing to do. There has been the consistent question of how effective dry firing with snap caps actually is, but if someone wants to become a better marksman using snap caps does not hurt in the slightest. They can teach a lot about one’s shot, and how to better maneuver with a gun in hand. And in all honesty, there is no point in not using snap caps because their intended purpose is to help, not to hurt.

Sources:

https://skyaboveus.com/hunting-shooting/The-Benefits-of-Dummy-Rounds-or-Snap-Caps-in-Dry-Firing

https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/category/Snap-Caps-training-cartridges

https://www.concealedcarry.com/safety/simple-and-effective-why-you-need-to-use-dummy-rounds/

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks
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How to choose the best first handgun?

How To Choose The Best First Handgun

When picking out anything for the first time, it can be a little stressful. In today’s world, there are so many variations and options to choose from that it would be easy to spend all day either at the store or staring at the computer screen with an open tab titled “Amazon”.

Still, some items definitely take a little more investigating when picking out. For example, deciding between cars is much different than choosing between red or blue sneakers. It also becomes even harder when you are buying said object for the first time. That is especially true when that object is a handgun.

So what makes a good first handgun? Well, there are plenty of factors:

What will it be used for?

There are plenty of uses for a handgun. They can be used for target shooting, home and/or self-defense, hunting, etcetera. So when deciding on what handgun to buy, try and find the best gun for the purpose intended.

For example, a 9mm pistol is great for self-defense being a smaller caliber gun, but a 45 caliber maybe something preferred for target shooting. Then again, someone may prefer the larger caliber weapon for self-defense, so in the end, it is up to the buyer’s preference.

What size caliber bullets?

Similar to the intended use of the weapon, the caliber size is at the discretion of the consumer. Nevertheless, it is still an important topic to think about when purchasing a handgun.

Larger caliber bullets would obviously do more damage. So if knocking down a possible home intruder for the count would make it easier to sleep at night, a 45 would be a better purchase than the aforementioned 9mm discussed.

Revolver or a magazine?

Handguns can be categorized into two groups: a revolver or an automatic. Revolvers do not have magazines and have to be manually loaded. They have a cylinder that typically maxes out at six bullets. On the other side of things, an automatic weapon can usually hold up to 14 bullets in a magazine.

That may make the decision seem easy, but some may think a revolver is more dependable than an automatic. There is a decreased likelihood of jamming a revolver due to the simplicity that lies with that type of weapon.

How much are you willing to spend? 

Money is valuable. No matter how obvious that statement is, it is true. So when deciding what handgun should be someone’s first, the price can play a very big role. It could even be the determining factor in the end.

For instance, a Heckler & Koch USP Compact 9mm pistol is priced up to $900. At the same time, there is the Springfield Armory XD-3 Subcompact that sells for $350. If the buyer wants to spend up, by all means, but some people are unable to drop almost $1000 on a handgun. So at the end of the day, the best first handgun is the one that the consumer finds most appealing. They do say the buyer knows best, right?

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks
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How do I know if the handgun is too big for my hand to handle before buying?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when purchasing a handgun, especially for the first time, is how well the size of the firearm fits your hand size and shape. Why does this matter, you may ask? It is something often overlooked by customers, but ensuring that you have an optimal grip on your gun is crucial and plays a massive part in the result when firing it. Although the sizing of guns can seem pretty simple, they’re just like shoes; you might be a size 9 in one brand, but that doesn’t go to say you couldn’t be a 10.5 in the next shop.

 

It wasn’t until recent years that manufacturers caught onto the importance of fitting guns to the user’s particular hand size. Still, more and more models are now being made with interchangeable backstops to accommodate to all customers without adjustments. However, there’s still a long way to go before this is universal within the industry. So, where should you start when handgun shopping to ensure you find your perfect fit? The first step is to get a general feel for how the firearm feels in your hands. Is it generally comfortable? Do you feel as if you have a strong natural grip on the gun? Does it feel big and clunky? These are all the kind of things that need to be running through your mind when you first get hold of your potential new gun.

 

After these initial checks, you might want to get a bit more specific. The next step is to place the web area of your hand as far up on the back-strap as you can and to align the weapon with your forearm. A dead giveaway that the gun your handling might be too big is if you feel tempted to tilt you shooting arm and re-orientate it to reach the trigger more comfortably. This can cause serious injuries in the long run, as the majority of the gun’s recoil is then absorbed by the thumb rather than the larger arm bones. This can also reduce your ability to shoot accurately, as the time it takes to get back on target after a shot can be much longer.

 

After this, it’s always useful to get somebody to take a bird’s eye view photo of your grip on the gun to be sure. Look out for the gap between your index finger and the handgun with your finger on the trigger. If your finger is flat against the gun, then this is a sign that the gun may be too big for you, and there is not much room to manoeuvre your grip when shooting.

 

Overall, the most important thing is to find a handgun size that you feel comfortable both handling and shooting. The key to this is to ensure a solid and easy grip and to find a firearm you can shoot without compromising this grip. As previously stated, the growing use of hand-straps is making many guns more accessible to those with smaller hands. Still, it is essential to remember that even though you may love a particular handgun, if it is not the perfect fit, then it will not work well for you.

CategoriesShooting
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How often do you need to train to noticeably improve accuracy?

How often do you need to train to noticeably improve accuracy?

The speed at which you progress depends on a couple of factors: first, how much experience you have with firearms already, and second, at what point you define being “good” with a gun. Assuming you have little or no experience yet, and that by “good accuracy” you are just looking to be able to hit your target where you want at reasonable speeds, here is a breakdown of what your training routine should look like.

The most important step for anyone without much experience in improving firearm accuracy is not to be tempted to try out lots of different firearms. Most shooting ranges will have a moderate to large selection of different types of weapon, which can be useful for experimenting and trying out new firearms when you are a more comfortable shooter, but you will not progress quickly if you are attempting to master several different types of firearm.

Instead, familiarity is key. Pick out one weapon, ideally a weapon that you yourself own, and make sure you equip yourself with a good quality holster. You may also want to supply yourself with your own safety equipment, such as goggles and ear protection.

Experts have found that as accuracy improves, the time for aiming increases (known as “quiet eye”) and the time to stabilise the gun decreases. What this means is that accurate shooters spend more time aiming but need less time to adjust their posture and weapon to get an accurate shot. Less advanced shooters, in contrast, will spend more time posturing up and angling their firearm and less time aiming.

Dry firing drills are a common and effective way of working on stance and getting your sights aligned with your weapon. Essentially “dry firing” just means shooting with no ammunition. Because of this, it’s also much cheaper than spending all your time firing live rounds at the shooting range.

Use dry firing as an opportunity to focus down the end sight on your firearm, lining it up with your target. Also think carefully about how you engage the trigger, making sure to feel whether you pull the trigger to one side or the other, which could offset your shot. To avoid “slapping” the trigger, you should let it reset before taking your next shot.

These drills will be the backbone of your training, but the good news is that they can be done at home and require very little time. The key, as with all training, is regularity.

The NRA Law Enforcement Training Division recommends dry firing practice three times a week, and live firing at least once every two weeks. However, whilst that should serve to maintain skill, if you want significant improvements, you will need to dry fire 10-15 minutes every day, and you should go to the shooting range around twice a week.

Remember not to overtrain though. If you recognise you have hit the point of diminishing results, it’s best to end the training session. Otherwise, you will only ingrain bad shooting habits.

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting
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Why don’t more people have the sense to get trained?

Why don’t more people have the sense to get trained?

Firearm training is essential to being able to use a weapon safely and effectively. Yet an extensive study conducted in 2017 by epidemiologists at the University of Washington found that only 61% of all gun owners in the US reported receiving official firearm training.

This begs the question: why are around four in 10 gun users not properly trained? Here are some reasons why people might not seek out training courses, and why these reasons should absolutely not be an object in the way of you getting the coaching you need.

 

The cost of official training

A survey conducted by Reuters in 2017, researched independently of the Washington investigation, sent out volunteers to try firearm training courses across different states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. They found the average cost of a six-hour training course was $130.

Some courses take place over multiple weeks, reaching costs of around $300, and the difference between a two-week and four-week course could be $100.

Many opponents of mandatory firearm training as part of gun ownership argue these courses add unwanted costs to purchasing a weapon. But if you intend to buy a gun, it is your responsibility to know how to use it. A mistake can land you with a long prison sentence. $300 split over 20 years becomes $15 per year.

 

Misconceptions around self-defence

In the aftermath of the Sutherland Springs mass shooting, Mike Weisser, author of the blog Mike the Gun Guy, an NRA member and firearm instructor, said: “American have become more convinced that a gun makes you safer.” But as he explains, to defend yourself in a potentially lethal situation, “You would need more training than 50% of sworn active law enforcement officers in [the US] ever get.”

A 2018 investigation by Harvard University concluded people used guns to defend themselves in only 0.9% of crimes from 2007-2011.

Although the common belief is that having a gun will keep you safe, the chances are you will never have to use it in self-defence. However, you have the opportunity to mishandle it every day.

 

Courses are seen as ineffective

The 2017 Reuters survey listed 70 subjects that should be covered in a firearm course including firearm anatomy, firearm operation, the law surrounding guns, appropriate storage, theft prevention, accident prevention, suicide prevention, self-defence use and live fire practice.

Whereas topics like basic pistol anatomy and target identification were covered in 90-95% of courses, subjects like suicide prevention, the leading cause of firearm deaths, was only covered by one in 10 instructors. And gun theft was covered by only 20%, a problem considering most guns involved in crime are acquired by theft.

However, the perception that because one course does not contain all the answers it is not worth attending any of them is illogical. It is better to know as much as you can than to know nothing. Instead, save up and attend as many different courses as you can. Hopefully, you will learn something new from each one.

CategoriesShooting
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Is SA/DA really better than SA/SA?

Is DA/SA really better than SA/SA?

Whether or not you prefer double-action (DA), single-action (SA), or a combination of the two (DA/SA) will depend largely upon your level of experience, as well as what you are looking for in a pistol. But, before getting into comparison features, it is important to understand what these terms mean, especially for beginners.

 

Single-action and double-action

Originally applied to revolvers, the terms SA and DA refer to firing the gun with a cocked or down hammer. If the hammer is pulled back (cocked), the trigger action will be shorter and quicker, or single-action; if the hammer is down, the trigger pull will be longer and harder, as the hammer needs to pull back and then snap forwards again, making it double-action. As weapons technology has advanced, these terms can be applied to semi-automatic pistols as well.

A single-action only (SAO or SA/SA) pistol will always have a short trigger pull, such as the Smith & Wesson M & P or Colt 1911. A double-action only (DAO) pistol always has the longer trigger pull, such as revolvers with a covered hammer like the Ruger LCR. DAO pistols are required by some police departments like the New York Police Department because of this longer pull.

A double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistol is usually semi-automatic and unsurprisingly refers to a mixture of both designs. The first trigger pull will be long and in the DA style, but all subsequent pulls will be SA for swifter follow-up shots.

 

Use in self-defence

When using revolvers, a DA/SA style is usually preferable, offering both fast and slow shooting capabilities. Some covered-hammer DAO revolvers can be beneficial for a quick draw, as there is no risk of the hammer snagging on the holster, but you will only get that harder pull that can make it more difficult to aim. SA/SA revolvers are a worse option because they do not have the DA’s swing-out cylinder, which allows for simultaneous ejection and loading of all 5-8 rounds. Instead, they have to be fed one round at a time through a loading gate, wasting time.

Semi-automatic pistols were originally all SA/SA. Examples like the Colt 1911 are enduring favourites and provide that clean action for quicker, more accurate shots. However, SA/SA pistols can be more dangerous to carry. If they are holstered without the safety engaged, you are essentially carrying around a cocked weapon. A DA/SA pistol’s longer first pull can help add an extra layer of security to prevent accidental discharge.

 

For beginners

The transition from a DA to SA trigger action can be disconcerting for many new shooters. Even though the heavier trigger action can hinder accuracy, DAO pistols are often used by police departments for the extra safety of a double-action trigger and because they allow for a more controlled rate of fire.

Ultimately, it depends on what you want from a firearm. SA/SA will provide swift, easy action, whereas a DA/SA or DAO weapon adds an extra layer of security when holstered. Whatever the case, remember that training is the most important factor.

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