How do I get started in sport shooting? A detailed guide for beginners

experienced shooter, author of the YouTube channel “Gun Baron”

Sport shooting is not the most popular sport, but it is one of the oldest. We can say that its history begins with the invention of long-range weapons (crossbow, bow). With the advent of gunpowder, this sport became more similar to the modern one. In 1896, sport shooting appeared at the summer Olympic Games in Athens and since then it is always part of the program of competitions.

Advantages of shooting sports and its types

Shooting sport is a complex functional load, which allows you to develop strategic and tactical thinking, train reaction speed and strength. It can be practiced at almost any age, starting at the age of 10. Classes are suitable for people with poor physical health, as well as for athletes who like a lot of strength work. The degree of exertion depends on which type of shooting sport you choose.

There are several types of shooting sports:

Benchrest shooting. This is a sport in which participants shoot from a fixed position at a fixed target. The shooter usually sits on a bench and the firearm is mounted on a stand. This provides a high degree of stability and accuracy, as the athlete can focus solely on aiming and pulling the trigger. Benchrest shooting is often conducted with rifles and is used to test the accuracy and consistency of both the shooter and the firearm itself.

Bullet shooting or target shooting. Here participants shoot at a stationary or moving target. The goal is to hit the center with maximum accuracy. Competitions are usually held with pistols, rifles or shotguns, indoors or outdoors. Competitors are judged based on their accuracy and consistency, and tournaments may include shooting at different distances and with different types of weapons.

High-precision shooting. The goal of this type is to hit the center of a target at an extremely distant distance. In this case, the results are influenced by: weather, shooter and target position, ballistics of the weapon and ammunition, and how well you know your weapon and how correctly you assess all external factors.

Practical Shooting. This sport is close to the conditions of actual gun use. Exercises include moving around a specially equipped stand and speedy hitting of targets, which are very often fixed in inconvenient and hard-to-access places for the shooter.

Shooting and benchrest shooting are the most popular types of shooting sports. They require a high degree of skill and accuracy, as well as a thorough understanding of firearms and safety rules. Athletes often spend hours practicing and honing their technique, as well as learning the gear and equipment.

How do I choose my first sporting firearm?

Each shooting sport purchases a weapon that is appropriate for the specific activity. For benchrest shooting, almost any smoothbore, break-action or semi-automatic weapon is suitable, the only restriction is to equip it with no more than two cartridges. Bullet shooting is divided into pistol and rifle shooting. Weapons for this discipline are used pneumatic or small caliber.

On this basis, it is worth selecting a weapon, having determined what type of shooting is suitable for you, as well as depending on your budget.

The most comfortable option for a beginner is to rent equipment. In the initial stages, you don’t need to buy something expensive. Most shooting ranges and clubs have rental equipment, so you can try out whatever you want before investing in your own.

When you decide on the type of sport shooting and decide to buy personal equipment, at the start you can choose a simple, inexpensive weapon within 25-30 thousand rubles. It will be enough for training, if sport shooting is a hobby for you, not a professional activity.

You can still save on the purchase of weapons, now well-developed market of used equipment, and buy something suitable for 12-15 thousand rubles. And if you want to engage professionally, you can move to a more expensive, specialized weapons.

After you choose a type of sport shooting and purchase equipment, it is worth thinking about the setting of the training process.

What kind of training do I need for shooting sports?

If you have chosen bullet shooting as a hobby, it is worthwhile to engage in general physical preparation. Standard strength and cardio training, which consists of the following exercises, will help you achieve your goal:

1. Pull-ups
2. Press
3. Squats
4. Breathing exercises
5. Running
6. Movement Coordination and Static

Tips for beginners

• Come to the shooting range and decide on the most interesting type of shooting and then choose the appropriate equipment. Each type has its own equipment, weapons and ammunition. Somewhere you’ll need a cap, and somewhere you’ll need goggles.
• Take a safety course: it should be your top priority. Many ranges and clubs offer courses that will teach you the proper handling and storage of firearms.
• Take a training session with an experienced trainer right away to acquire the right skills. Each type of shooting has its own gait, its own movement. To hit the target, you need to know how to properly hold the gun and pull the trigger. This can only be advised by a specialist.
• It is better to start shooting in the company of amateurs or professionals to see the correct technique of interaction with the weapon. Shooting in a team of like-minded people is much more interesting and useful, you can always ask for advice. In addition, there is a competitive spirit, which makes an athlete improve his technique and be motivated to win.
• Practice regularly: the key to becoming a master sports shooter is practice. Start with the basics such as stance, grip, and breathing techniques. Pay special attention to concentration exercises.
• Work on your accuracy and speed.

Shooting sports can be a fun and challenging hobby. Enjoy the experience and keep improving your skills!