Shooting sports have grown in popularity over the past few years. With over 11,000 NRA-sanctioned shooting tournaments around the country each year, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in sports shooting. If you are interested in becoming a competitive shooter, you can start by training for local competitions.
Don’t know where to start? Keep reading to learn more about how to get involved in shooting sports.
Find a Local Range
The best way to prepare yourself for competitive shooting is to get some hands-on experience at the range. You can use an online shooting range map to help you find an accredited range near you.
Clean Up Your Equipment
Keeping your pistols and shotguns clean is of the utmost importance. Powder residue, additional dirt, and gases accumulate in the action and on the barrel due to repeated firings. This can have an impact on your gun’s performance over time, making it less dependable and unpredictable.
To keep your tools organized, you should invest in equipment and take the time to learn to disassemble and clean your firearm. Use this link to learn more about firearm care.
A multi-tool is a compact, useful item that houses all the equipment you could require to disassemble your gun in one location. Multi-tool cleaning kits are helpful because small items don’t easily get misplaced when in a centralized kit.
Stock Up on Supplies
When it comes to shooting gear, there are several manufacturers, and your choices will depend on your preferences and your budget. Some materials you may want to stock up on include:
- Range bag
- Firearm and firearm case
- Magazines
- Ammo
- Eye and ear protection
This equipment is essential to be successful in shooting sports. Having high-quality equipment can help you effectively care for your tools.
Preferred Competition Firearms
At shooting competitions, there are usually options to shoot pistols, rifles, and shotguns. For pistols, the most common caliber used by shooters is 9mm semi-auto, while certain divisions also favor the.38 Super and.40 S&W.
When competing with rifles, the majority of professional competitors use MSRs in.223 calibers with barrels that are 18 to 20 inches in length and 30-round magazines. For shotguns, you can use any dependable pump-action or autoloading shotgun that will function with a lengthened magazine tube.
Start Your Training
Despite your level of firearm experience, taking a firearms class is a great way to put your skills to the test in a variety of situations. These courses will help you refine your gun handling skills.
To get some hands-on experience with peers, you should join a league. This will give you low-stakes opportunities to go head to head with potential competitors. In a shooting league, you can network with fellow sportsmen while learning and developing practical skills.
Attend Local Matches
It’s likely that they host matches if you already shoot at a local range. Browse their website because it’s likely to contain a calendar or timetable that will inform you of upcoming events.
Become a Competitive Shooter
Once you invest in the necessary equipment, you can get involved in shooting sports. Becoming a competitive shooter is a great way to stay active and hone your tactical skills.
Liked this article? Browse our site to read more like it.
