Best Concealed Carry Calibers

Best caliber for concealed carry

Gun owners will rarely agree on the best caliber to use for concealed carry guns. Obviously, the type of gun will dictate, to a degree, what type of ammunition you will use. The type of weapon and ammunition will also depend on your level of experience.

Training

Novice shooters should complete a training course before shooting or buying any gun or ammunition. Range practice will guide you to choose the right gun and ammo for your unique situation. Instructors can help you decide which ammunition is comfortable for you to shoot, given power and recoil. The instructor will also help you to decide which type of ammo would work best in situations you may encounter. Most people carry concealed for personal protection. You should ask yourself why you want to carry concealed. The answers to those questions will help you choose between a .22, 9mm, .380, .357 or a many other choices.

Choosing the Best Caliber

Shooters choose the following calibers most often for concealed carry: .22LR, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 9mm. Each

.22 LR

The .22LR is a light round that many argue isn’t powerful enough for concealed carry. However, that’s not always true, especially if your aim is to scare off an intruder.

.357 Magnum

Munitions makers designed the .357 Magnum by adding more powder into the case of a .38 caliber. Law enforcement liked the round and it became a go-to for defensive shooting.

.380 ACP

The .380 ACP is a shorter version of a 9mm round. The ammo has light recoil and sufficient stopping power for this purpose.

.40 S&W

The .40 S&W was created by shortening a 10mm cartridge as well as reducing the powder charge. The round is larger than a 9mm, but it can fit in a pistol designed for 9mm. The round, a good choice for self-defense and concealed carry, remains a popular choice for law enforcement and civilians.

.45 ACP

Gun enthusiasts love the .45 ACP. Its incredible stopping power has made it popular with the military, law enforcement and those that want to carry a large caliber for protection. The only downside is it muzzle flash and recoil, which are still manageable for the right user.

9mm

The 9mm Parabellum is the most used ammunition cartridge in the world. Police and military use it for most pistol applications. It has good stopping power and is readily available from most manufacturers.

Conclusion

Shooters should educate themselves not only on the caliber of a round but also the various types of ammunition that are made for each. These include full metal jacket, hollowpoint, and soft hollowpoint, among others. You must discover which caliber is best suited for your use, is the most practical and most affordable. Once you do that, you will enjoy your weapon for many years to come.

Rocking the .38 Special

.38 Special ammo remains popular

Smith & Wesson Introduced .38 Special ammo in 1898. S&W designed the centerfire cartridge as an alternative to its .38 Long Colt. The military had used the Long Colt as a service cartridge, but complained that it lacked stopping power in battle. Law enforcement officers from the 1920s up until 1990s, used the .38 Special as a standard issue service cartridge. WWI soldiers carried the round into combat. The revolvers and ammunition faded from every day use, but remain the symbol of the law.

Shooters buy .38 Special rounds frequently for competition shooting, pest control, target practice, and self-defense. Most opt for a full metal jacket round for plinking or range training while jacketed hollow point rounds are chosen for self-defense and personal protection.

Military Use

The U.S. Army used the .38 Long Colt as a standard issue sidearm from 1892 – 1911. However, as the M1892 progressed, the military said that the round was no longer effective. They complained that it performed poorly during the Spanish-American War as well as the Philippine Insurrection. Soldiers said the ammo wasn’t accurate, nor did it have adequate stopping power.

Smith & Wesson produced the .38 Special Military and Police revolver in 1902, which quickly gained recognition among troops and civilians.

In 1909, Colt also introduced a revolver chambered in .38 Special ammo. The gun compared to the .38 S&W Special, however, Colt’s firearm had the flat-pointed bullet design.

The Colt Detective Special

John Henry Fitzgerald, an employee at Colt, designed the “Fitz Special” in the mid-1920s. Fitzgerald’s snubnosed revolver was a pared down version of the .38 Special Police Positive Special. He believed that reducing the barrel size would make it easier for law enforcement officers to carry concealed. He shortened the ejector rod and removed the front of the trigger guard. Fitzgerald shortened the ejector rod, removed the trigger guard, and changed out the hammer spur so it could be a faster draw. Colt made some alterations to the design of the Fitz Special and rebranded it as the Colt Detective Special. Since its release in 1927, the six-shot revolver has been called the most iconic snubnosed revolver in firearms history.

Self-Defense

People choose the .38 Special as a standard for self-defense purposes. Police officers carried lead-nosed rounds, dubbing the ammo “.38 Special Police.” It is known for deep penetration and causing extreme damage to its target. Shooters choose the .38 Special for concealed carry when use with snubnose revolvers. The small size is easy to conceal in a purse, jacket, or in an ankle holster.

Target Shooting

Competition and target shooters purchase full metal jacket bullets as a preferred round, followed by hollow point. Likewise, when range training, the FMJ is the preferred choice as it doesn’t expand when impacting a soft target. Target shooters choose the ammo for its economical price and aren’t dissuaded by the less than perfect performance.

Experts train novice shooters with .38 Special ammo because of the ease of use, low noise, and low recoil.

Best .44 Magnum Ammo for Target Shooting

Best ammo for target shooting

Firearms enthusiasts have one thing in mind when they see a .44 Magnum – Dirty Harry snarling, “Make My Day.” The iconic 1970s movie boosted sales of the gun and kept it soaring ever since. Clint Eastwood cherished his S&W Model 29 and called the .44 Magnum “the most powerful gun in the world.” The statement wasn’t exactly true, but Dirty Harry was cool, and no one seemed to care.  The .44 Magnum has been surpassed by more powerful cartridges, but the legend keeps the gun in the public eye. Surprisingly, law enforcement never embraced the .44 Mag as one might expect.

The .44 Magnum is most often sought as a self-defense weapon. The round will do the job, but it may be more than what the shooter bargained for when firing the monster revolver. The recoil is heavy, and the muzzle flash is equally strong. It is especially daunting to novice shooters and those of a smaller stature. Hunters also flock to the .44 Mag for medium to large game although there may be better choices for bear and big game.

History of the .44 Magnum

The .44 Magnum was designed by Elmer Keith, the legendary sportsman, writer and firearms enthusiast. Keith is well known for developing the .357 Magnum. Keith began to design the round by lengthening a .44 Special cartridge and altering the bullet weights and grains of powder. The final product was designed in 1950, and available on the commercial market in 1955.

The .44 Magnum is a large bore cartridge that was first introduced in 1956. An accurate, deeply penetrating round, the .44 Mag was originally designed by Elmer Keith, an Idaho rancher, writer, and firearms enthusiast. Keith had previously developed the .357 Mag cartridge and solidified his reputation in the firearms community. Keith set out to create a multi-functional cartridge and convinced Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms Co. to manufacture it for the Smith and Wesson Model 29. Although Remington manufactured the first. 44 Magnum at Keith’s request, S&W is credited with introducing the .44 Mag to the public. Not many people seem to remember that Ruger beat S&W to market by a few months with a .44 Mag version of its single action Blackhawk revolver.

Development

Keith had intended for the .44 to be used for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting. The cartridge is strong and packs a big punch. The .44 is extremely precise, giving the shooter as much as a 90% accuracy rate.  However, the high-pressure causes it to carry a heavy recoil and muzzle flash, making it less than ideal for novice shooters or people of smaller stature. Those that find the .44 Mag a bit too intense may opt for the .44 Special, a slightly smaller cartridge with less recoil. Shooters should experiment using both rounds to find which is best suited to their style and experience. Note that .44 Special cartridges can be fired from guns chambered for a .44 Magnum, but the reverse is not true.

While the .44 Magnum seems to be the perfect bullet for self-defense experts often rebut the choice due to its deep penetration. They claim that the cartridge is too powerful for in-home defense and may cause collateral damage.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all .44 Mag ammo is the same. Some brands and grades are appropriate for self-defense while other, less powerful, grades are more appropriate for target and sports shooting.

Superior Ammo

The .44 Magnum has excellent good accuracy. If you load it with a heavy, non-expanding bullet, this cartridge can easily shoot through hard targets without trouble. The limiting factor of its cartridge is not terminal ballistics, but rather the trajectory of the bullet. It is going to work better if you limit your range to 100 yards or less when shooting. The casing of this ammo is slightly longer compared to other cartridges to prevent the far higher pressure cartridge from being chambered in when you are shooting, and in turn preventing possible deaths and injuries.

Compatibility

Guns deliver ammo in different ways, so it’s important to find ammo that is compatible with your gun. Shooters use different guns for different targets, so it’s likely that the ammo will change as well. Experts show newcomers the importance of finding ammo that their guns like, so they perform as expected without misfires or jams.

Reliability

Shooters rely on their guns and ammo to perform every time, so reliability is a crucial part of choosing the right ammo. Shooters dealing with misfires and other issues get distracted and could possibly lose the match. Besides, using an unreliable tool is an annoyance.

Consistency

Consistency goes hand in hand with reliability. Target shooters need a round that will perform correctly, not only the first time, but every time. The ammo must fire properly and maintain accuracy throughout each shot and each round if the shooter has any hope of winning. Smart shooters pay attention to grain as a way of gauging a consistent and accurate round.

Accuracy

A gun determines its accuracy. This means that a gun with a heavy recoil tends to be less accurate than a lighter gun since it can throw off your aim. Plinking and target shooting are about hitting the target, not taking down an assailant. Ensure that you can handle the .44 to hit your target.

Cost

Target shooting requires many hours of practice. Therefore, shooters use a massive amount of ammo. Buying ammo in bulk is the best way to reduce cost. Target shooters using large calibers buy in bulk to save a lot of money.

Best .44 Magnum Ammo for Target Shooting

Black Hills 240 Grain

Black Hills is known for producing reliable, high quality products. This new production round is Boxer primed with reloadable brass casings. It delivers a Muzzle Velocity of 1260 fps.

Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel 180 Grain Lead Hollow Point

This round is touted as one of the best for self-defense. It is a no-nonsense ammunition designed for self-defense and eliminating two-legged targets. It has a Muzzle Velocity of 1500 fps and a Muzzle Energy of 899 ft-lbs.

Buffalo Bore 240 Grain Deer Grenade +P

Deer Grenade +P Ammo was designed specifically to do maximum damage to medium sized game and does not penetrate like a hard cast bullet. It offers about 30% penetration as a typical flat-nosed bullet, perfect for target shooting or taking down shallow game like whitetail deer. Deer Grenade has a Muzzle Velocity of 1550 fps. Great choice for the Redhawk or Super Blackhawk.

Cor-Bon Barns DPX 225 Grain 

Cor-Bons Barns DPX uses a solid copper hollow point bullet. It has a lighter recoil and faster recovery than most heavy weight rounds. It offers deep penetration while maintaining soft tissue integrity. DPX has a Muzzle Velocity of 1350 fps.

Federal Ammunition American Eagle 240 Grain Fusion

This medium-priced American-made Fusion bullet with brass casing delivers 887 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy.

Fiocchi Ammunition: 240 Grain JSP

Coming in at the same price as the Remington, this foreign made, jacketed soft point, 240 grain self-defense round offers 1838 FPS velocity.

Hornady Ammunition 200 Grain XTP

HornadyXTP is highly recommended by seasoned shooters. The American-made cartridge makes the list for the best .44 hunting ammo. It’s slightly more expensive than the Remington, but also more powerful. It boasts a higher velocity of 1500 fps.

PMC Bronze .44 Remington Magnum Ammunition JHP 180 Grains

Poongsan Corporation makes “PMC” (precision-made cartridges) ammunition for competition shooting and hunting. The company has a solid reputation for high quality and currently exports more than 100 different types of ammunition. This jacketed hollos point has a high velocity of 1,750 fps.

Remington Ammunition: 240 Grain HTP Rounds

Top of the list of the best .44 ammo for self-defense. Available in 240 grain SP and SJHP rounds, this American-made defense load is inexpensive, but powerful. It boasts 1180 FPS Muzzle Velocity and 742 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy.

Winchester Ammunition Supreme Partition Gold 250gr 

Partition Gold offers a low velocity resisting weight loss upon impact. The bullet’s rear lead core is locked in place for extra bullet integrity. It offers a Muzzle Velocity of 1250 fps.

Conclusion

Plinkers and target shooters may not always agree on using .44 magnum ammo. The .44 Magnum is a powerful gun that is not well suited to concealed carry. It is an excellent choice for self-defense although some claim that the .357 Magnum is easier to carry and aim. Choose what round suits you best, practice, and make the end decision for yourself.

 

 

.380 for Self-Defense

.380 is a popular off duty weapon for police.

People who carry concealed for self-defense often choose larger calibers for their stopping power. The .380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) remains one of the most popular rounds on the market. Shooters prefer the round because it is lightweight and easy to carry with minimal recoil and muzzle blast. Police officers often carry a .380 as a backup weapon. Hobbyists and competition shooters choose the ammo for backyard shooting, competition and plinking.

 Development of .380 Ammo

John Moses Browning created .380 ammunition for the Colt Model 1908 Pocket Pistol in 1908. Browning designed the ammo after the .38 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) cartridge, which was made for blowback pistols. The military used .380 ACP ammo until it was replaced with the 9mm.

In 1912, .380 ACP ammo was introduced in Belgium, where it was named the “9mm Browning Short.” Military forces used the round throughout World War II until many replaced it with the more popular 9mm cartridge.

Other names for .380 ACP cartridges  include 9mm Browning, 9mm Browning Court, .380 Auto, 9mm Short, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, and 9×17mm. The .380 Auto should not be confused with .38 ACP.

The .380 Auto for Self-Defense

People looking for a self-defense weapon may choose the .380 ACP for its accuracy. The round has a moderate recoil and muzzle blast which works well for novice shooters. The round feeds easily and the guns chambered for this round are dependable. The ammunition is better than the .32 Auto, especially when it comes to stopping power. As a result, the .380 ACP has become the standard minimum chambering for law enforcement, military and self-defense use.

The popularization of the 9mm caused a decrease in sales for the .380 ACP until the mid-2000s, when the demand increased for lightweight pistols suitable for carrying concealed. Manufacturers have responded to the demand for weapons chambered in .380 ACP and have also begun to mass produce the ammo to be sold in bulk. The mass production allows consumers to buy .380 rounds for less money at retail sites as well as through online markets.

Stopping Power

The stopping power of .380  ammo is sufficient to stop a threat.  Some experts dismiss the round because it is smaller and less effective than larger handgun calibers. For example, the 9mm has more firepower, but the performance isn’t much different. The .380 round performs like a .45 cartridge rather than the .32 ACP, which is closer to its size.

While the cartridge may be weaker than larger calibers, the lower recoil is a benefit to novice users since the gun is easier to fire. The shooter also has less recovery time and can fire faster, which means a great deal when the shooter is acquiring a target. Manufacturers continue to chamber handguns for the .380 ACP, including subcompact models that are ideal for concealed carry.

 

How to Make Wildcat Cartridges

WIldcat ammo includes all shapes and sizes

What is a Wildcat?

Wildcat ammo, AKA “wildcats,” are custom-made rounds. People create the rounds rather than ammo companies. People make wildcat cartridges to improve upon existing rounds to get better accuracy, range, performance, velocity, etc. The downside  is the lack of precision. Law enforcement and military can’t use the rounds because of the differences.

Creating Wildcats

Creating a new type of ammunition can be  fun. Patience, time and skill to make a good round are key. Makers of wildcat rounds want to create something new or to change a load that doesn’t meet their needs. Below are the reasons for creating a wildcat:

  • Increased efficiency: Increased efficiency means better accuracy.
  • Increased energy: The round increases energy by changing the capacity of the case or changing the caliber.
  • Higher velocities: A higher velocity is a result of reducing the caliber or increasing the case capacity .
  • Greater consistency: Changing the diameter, weight or velocity will increase consistency and accuracy.

Methods

Methods used to make wildcat rounds include:

Fire Forming

Fire forming changes bullets in one of two ways. The method changes the parent case by cold forming. Then it is loaded with a light bullet and light powder, and then loaded and fired from the gun of choice.

Cold Forming

Cold forming changes the case by using heavy lubrication and then carefully forcing it into the right reloading die.

Trimming

Both fire forming and cold forming  have the same problem: The case is too long for the end product so it has to be trimmed to the correct length. Trimming is a standard reloading method.

Changing the Case Diameter

Changing the case diameter expands the range of bullets that can be used in the case. Shooters refer to it as “necking up” or “necking down,” Changing the diameter can improve the wind resistance, power and/or velocity.

Necking Back

This uses a cold forming method to push the neck back, reducing the case capacity. Cold forming is used on rifle ammunition to make rounds for an autopistol.

Changing the Shoulder Angle

This means changing the casing to resemble a standard cylinder, which allows for a more efficient burn.

Rim Modifications

Experts avoid making rim modifications by hand. The process is difficult.  It is a highly difficult method usually performed by commercial ammo manufacturers.

Increased Case Length

Increased case length allows for added propellant. As a result, the round gains energy. The process is difficult, therefore it is simpler to make a new case than to change a commercial round. It requires special skills and tools.

Blowing Out

Blowing out uses a fire-forming technique. It moves the shoulder forward to raise the case capacity.

Should You Make a Wildcat?

We may not need new cartridges, but we still want them. The advantages they offer aren’t great; the gain rarely justifies the expense.  If you plan to make wildcat rounds, educate yourself. Makers should have skills for the dangerous process. Manufacturing rounds also needs enough space, special tools and equipment for each process.

Sports Shooting For Kids

Youth Sport Shooting Competition

You think your kid may be a natural in the sports shooting arena, and you want to get him involved. Sports shooting can teach kids several skills including responsibility, independent learning, handling peer pressure, and functioning in stressful situations. However, there are some things to consider before you get started. Consider the child’s age, interest, and ability to focus.

Age

There are differing opinions on the age when a child should be introduced to guns. Some organizations will start at age 8 while others suggest ages 10 and above. For the most part, it depends upon the child’s interest and maturity level. Children at younger ages tend to start off with simple weapons like BB guns and air rifles. As the child ages, the weapons become bigger and more lethal.

Interest

One parent stated that you should wait until the child expresses interest in guns before heading out to the range. If a child is not interested in shooting, then pushing the issue is not going to have a great result. Consider the reason for wanting to teach the kid to shoot. Is it because he is interested or simply because you want a plinking buddy or future Olympian? No matter what the reason, start off easy and gauge if it’s a sport that interests your child.

Ability To Focus

The ability to focus is the most important aspect when it comes to being educated about guns. A child should never be given a gun without knowing the basics and being versed in safety. Keep the instructions short and to the point, but reinforce it often. If the child only wants to play and refuses to listen to the rules, then forging ahead can lead to disaster. Table the activity or choose another sport that is less dangerous.

Lessons Learned

There are many lessons that can be learned from sports shooting. Many can be transferred to other areas of a child’s life. The best part is that the child will probably not realize he’s in a school of a different kind.

Learning To Fail

Learning to fail may be one of the best skills we can teach our children. While no one wants to fail, it creates great opportunity for growth. A child that never learns to fail won’t be able to handle it when things don’t go his or her way. In sports, success and failure are instantaneous. If you hit a target, you’ll know it. If you miss, that too is obvious. It gives the child the chance to use critical thinking to correct what went wrong and fix it. Success after a failure is more powerful than hitting the target on the first try.

Competition

Sports shooting is highly competitive and can teach the child how to challenge himself. In competition kids are often pitted against adults. This may seem unfair but it’s one of life’s best lessons. It creates persistence and tenacity. Additionally, children will be exposed to every type of competitor, from the newest of the new to old timers that have been competing before their parents were born. It teaches children how to relate to people in other age groups, learn from experience, and perhaps gain a mentor.

Quality Time

Shooting sports are not age or gender specific. Unlike Hannah’s soccer game or Bobby’s wrestling match, shooting is a sport that everyone can participate in at the same time. The entire family can have a great day plinking or attending a competition. If one or more members of a family compete, the family may have the opportunity to travel across the country. It’s a bonding experience that will last a lifetime.

Education

Ray LeBlond said, “You learn something every day if you pay attention.” What can shooting sports teach children? Critical thinking, time management, math, and physics, for starters. Children who participate in sports show much higher levels of success in math and science than children who do not.

Choosing a Sports Shooting Rifle

Introducing Shooting

 The Gun

After educating your child on the basics and safety procedures involved in shooting, the next step would be to find an appropriate gun. Until you gauge your child’s interest in sports shooting, using a gun already on hand is the smartest and most economical way to go. When choosing a gun, make sure it’s one that the child can handle safely. If a child is injured on his first day out, chances are that’s the end of it.

When choosing a gun, consider if the child is best suited to using a rifle or a handgun. Also, consider the ammo needed and the amount of recoil. 

Fun Targets

Shooting should be fun, especially for kids. To keep it light, pick out some fun targets. There are paper targets on the market that incorporate several games to keep the child’s interest. Family members can compete against each other in a lighthearted way. It builds the child’s confidence and skill level without adding pressure. You might also want to choose tin cans or steel targets that create a noise when hit. Moving forward, you may want to incorporate skeet shooting. Every kid likes to see things explode.

Keep it Simple

Remember that teaching shooting should be easy and fun. Approaching a lesson like an Olympic trial isn’t going to make the kid want to continue. Always keep safety measures in mind, but create games to engage the child. If the child makes a mistake, point out what he did right and help him to correct his mistakes in a gentle way. Pushing too hard will cause a child to lose interest.

Bring a Friend

Kids like to be around other kids. If your child has a friend who would like to tag along, encourage it. Maybe that friend has a parent or sibling that also enjoys shooting. Creating a fun day out will only encourage your child to continue, and by continuing, to improve.

Three Rules of Safe Gun Handling

Despite not being the most popular of sports, target shooting is a favorite pass-time of many. It goes without saying that shooting sports can be quite dangerous and are not for the faint at heart. Here are three safety tips for every shooting sport enthusiast.

Mind Your Muzzle

The muzzle is the most important part of a gun when it comes to safety. Gun-fire accidents occur when an individual points their gun muzzle at something they didn’t mean to.

As a responsible target shooter, you should see to it that your muzzle always points in a safe direction. Safe in this context refers to the direction in which bullets will cause no harm if you fire them accidentally. When determining a safe direction for your muzzle to face, you need to remember that bullets have the ability to penetrate through ceilings and walls, as well as possible ricochets.

The safe direction can either be up or down depending on the nature of the situation and the immediate environment.

Always Use The Correct Ammunition

The type of ammunition you use on your gun also has a great bearing on how safe you are handling the gun. It is your responsibility as a shooting enthusiast to ensure that the type of ammunition you use matches those specifications outlined in your gun’s user manual. For example, rimfire ammo should only be used with rimfire guns and so on.

In addition to this, you need to ensure that the cartridges on your gun are of the right caliber and gauge. Failure to do this will put you at great risk of personal injury if you damage the firearm as a result of using improper ammunition.

Do Not Modify Your Firearm On Your Own

Guns are not nearly as simple as they may look. They are expertly designed to work well in their original condition. Making changes or modifications to your gun can make it a very dangerous weapon. This is for the simple reason that you lack the expertise required to make such modifications or alterations. Any modifications on your firearm should be undertaken by a licensed expert.

You need to remember that your safety and that of other shooting enthusiasts (and any other third parties), is in your hands. Though not very common, target-shooting accidents are often fatal.

How to Stay Safe With Your Sporting Shotgun

Shotguns can be dangerous in any context especially in the sporting arena where people have dropped their guard and thrown caution to the wind. Most accidents in the US involving shotguns come from negligent actions that are preventable. Below are some guidelines you can apply to stay safe with your shotgun whether at home or in action.

Treat You Sporting Shotgun Like It’s Always Loaded

First, treat it as if it were always loaded. This way you will not make jokes and there will not be a chance for accidents. Do not be point the gun in any direction either to yourself or to a friend. Treat it as though it is loaded Make sure you wear your protection for the eyes and ears when in action. This will keep any debris off your eyes thus enhancing your experience. It is wise not to attempt to place your finger into the trigger position unless you are ready to fire. If you are not firing, keep the barrel aimed up or down to the ground. Always remember the shotgun is not just a toy but a powerful tool.

Firing Your Sporting Shotgun

When ready to fire, place the gun on your shoulder. It must be firmly supported with the butt lying on your shoulder to dispel any kick on firing effect. Your posture must always respect the dangerous tool you are holding. Your feet should be at least 75 cm apart and you must bend a little to lower your center of gravity. In the same breath, do not shoot straight ahead. Always turn about 40 degrees from your target, to keep you stable.

In addition, never should your fingers be on the trigger unless you are actually firing. Place them always on the stock to support the gun as well as restrain the rest of the fingers from firing accidental shots. Finally, be careful what you are shooting. Usually, shotguns are best for moving targets like birds or game. For learners, ,make sure your first shots are fired in a rural or game setting, thus steering clear of any resulting damage that may come from any acts of negligence.

Considering the Range

According to what you wish to shoot, make sure you consider the range of the gun you end up purchasing. The shotgun must be quality, with approved ammunition such as the 30 06 ammo. Most guns have a range of up to 300 meters which may be dangerous for beginners. Look for something mild then go for more powerful power with experience. At the end of the day, what will really count is the amount of fun you manage to squeeze in between all those precautions. Whatever you do, make these safety concerns second nature and make the best of every opportunity to be happy.

Essential Safety Regulations for Gun Users

Now that you are the proud owner of your own gun, it is important that you consider these precautions and follow certain safety regulations for gun users to ensure that you are on the right track.

Direction Is Important

At all times, it is essential that you keep your gun aimed in the right and safe direction. It should not point in the direction where you do not desire to shoot. Under any circumstances, do not direct your firearm towards any person. Depending on the place or situation that you are in, it is important to gauge the safe distance and act accordingly.

In general, when not in use, there are two ways of keeping your gun in a safe position. One is with its muzzle pointing directly towards the sky and the other downwards toward the ground. If your weapon fails to fire even after you have gone ahead and pressed the trigger, then it is important to exercise extreme caution with regards to the direction in which you place or point your firearm; it’s a good idea to throw the dead cartridge away or put the safety latch on.

Finger Positioning

Another important regulation to keep in mind while handling guns is your finger positioning. Always remember to keep your finger away from the trigger, unless you are absolutely ready to shoot. There exists inherent and real danger if you keep your finger in the area of the trigger guard or on the trigger—especially if you have not taken the decision to shoot.

The safest place to keep your trigger-friendly finger is by the side of the gun or on the outside of the trigger guard. These are the areas which have the least probability of any accident taking place. The many dangers of keeping your finger on the trigger include the possibility of something startling you or your hand slipping at the wrong time –thus shooting out your 40 cal ammo or any other pellet that you may be using for your purpose.

Awareness of Surroundings and the Target

Total awareness of the target and your immediate surroundings is a must too. There always exists a chance of missing your target while you are firing your gun (especially true in the case of inexperienced people), and so it is crucial to keep a watchful eye on the area that is located beyond the target. Unexpected things or people may appear between you and your target and so along with the target you have to keep the surroundings in mind also.

Last but not the least, safe storage is one of the main fundamentals of the safety regulations involved with guns and ammo. Proper precautions at all levels are a must. These safety regulations for gun users will help you have more enjoyable experiences with your weapons.

All the best!