woman shooting handgun at range with ear muffs

Target Practice for Beginners: 3 Vital Shooting Range Tips You Should Know

Imagine this: Your friend has asked you to accompany them to the shooting range this weekend.

There’s just one problem… you literally have no idea about target practice at a shooting range. 

man shooting rifle with scope on range

Target shooting has become a popular sport in America. For example, over 11 million people participated in rifle target shooting in 2023. And, did you know that in 2022, there were over 8,500 shooting ranges in the country? 

The popularity of target shooting has led to a few therapeutic benefits, including increased self-confidence and improved hand-eye coordination.

And, while these are great, we almost forgot… you’re still worried about not looking like a beginner during the target practice session!

Below, we’ll discuss a few strategies and tips you should know to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience at the shooting range.

Shooting Range Tip #1: Always Prioritize Safety

target showing through rifle scope

Before you set foot in a shooting range, you need to be sure you familiarize yourself with the range regulations and be sure you have the right safety gear.

IBISWorld reports that the revenue generated from safety equipment was over USD twenty-one billion dollars in 2024.

When it comes to the gun range, beginner safety gear should include the following:

  • Protective eyewear. (Shields eyes from debris and the muzzle flash.)
  • Earmuffs and earplugs. (Guards the ears from gunfire’s high decibel levels.)

You might also consider:

  • Comfortable shooting vest. (Keeps the gear organized.)
  • Gloves and closed-toe shoes. (Good-quality ones that allow a better grip.)
Wild Hare Shooting Gear Range Vest - Sage with Distressed Leather (X-Large, right)
Wild Hare Shooting Gear Range Vest - Sage with Distressed Leather (X-Large, right)
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Safety doesn’t stop there. As a beginner, you must know a few things about firearm safety. According to the The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), these tips include the following:

  • Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  • Unload the guns when not in use and keep your finger off the trigger.
  • Always keep the safety on when not using the gun.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Use the right ammunition.
  • Clear the barrel of any obstructions before firing.

Apart from this, learn more about the gun you’re using. This includes its handling and mechanical characteristics.  

Tip #2: Explore Firearm Options and Choose Wisely

gun belt on man

According to Gallup, there’s 32 percent of firearm ownership among adults in America. That’s about eighty-one million people above the age of eighteen. Among the guns in ownership, handguns are the most popular.

A shooting range will often have the following firearms that you can choose from:

Beginners should choose a firearm that suits their skill level and intended use. For instance, rifles are ideal for sport shooting and hunting. When choosing, ascertain the firearm’s caliber, take note of the grip, etc. 

Some beginner weapons you can choose from include the following:

  • A manageable .22 caliber rifle or pistol because of its low recoil and easy controls. 
  • Semi-automatic handguns and revolvers can also be a versatile option for beginners for their reliability and simplicity.
  • LWRC AR-15 due to its adaptable and customizable features. 
  • Many beginners will be intrigued by the LWRC AR-15 rifles. Before trying one out on the gun range, you should first learn more here about their modular design, light weight, and versatility. According to Xtreme Guns & Ammo, this rifle can come with a proprietary gas piston system that ensures precision and exceptional reliability. (Upgrades include a one-piece nickel-boron-coated bolt and cold-hammer-forged spiral fluted barrel.)

Tip #3: Understanding the Commands At The Shooting Range

However, long-range, large caliber rifles (exceeding .80) are often prohibited.

youth shooting shotgun at range

As a beginner, you’ll have to learn about the various yardage ranges. 25-yard to 200-yard shooting ranges are typically designated for hand-held rifles, muzzleloaders, pistols, etc. You can also use shotguns with slugs as well as revolvers.

NRA states that it’s crucial to understand range commands if you’re new to target practice. The common ones given by the officer include the following:

  • Range hot: It means shooting is about to commence. 
  • Load: You can load the firearm once on the firing line.
  • Commence firing: You can start shooting at the target.
  • Cease firing: You must stop firing immediately and remove your hand from the trigger.
  • Range cold: You must unload or reload the firearms. 

Before you start target practice, remember to: 

  • Assume a stable stance by placing your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Lean your body forward and keep your knees bent slightly. 
  • Grip the gun firmly with both hands, but keep your shoulders relaxed. 
  • Focus on sight alignment to get a centered and clear target range. 
  • Breathe properly and gently squeeze the trigger.

When pulling the trigger, ensure that it’s controlled and smooth. Always avoid jerking the firearm off the target. 

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Final Thoughts

Target range shooting can be a fun and therapeutic, but can be dangerous if you aren’t aware of certain target practice tips. So, be sure to do your homework, be prepared and alert, and prioritize safety when handling any firearm.

Safe shooting!

N1 N-tune nock tuning arrow wrap on arrow in target

Should I Use Arrow Wraps? | Here’s What To Consider

If you participate in the sport of archery or bowhunting, at some point you may wonder, “should I use arrow wraps or not?”

Well, you’re certainly not alone. Arrow wraps have been a topic of discussion by archers and bowhunters for years.

Wraps are typically used to add visual appeal to arrows… but what else are they good for? Is there a downside to using them?

N1 Outdoors N-Tune nock tuning arrow wraps on arrows

If you’re currently trying to decide whether or not to use them, you may want to explore the pros and cons of wraps and consider how they impact your arrows visually, as well as their potential impact on performance, how they affect visibility and how they could potentially affect your arrow’s performance.

So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using arrow wraps!

Pros of Using Arrow Wraps

  1. Enhanced Visibility: Arrow wraps come in and endless array of colors and designs. Choosing a bright, or high visibility arrow wrap or tracer can make it much easier to spot your arrows in the field, especially in areas of tall grass or brush. After all, arrows are expensive! This can also be particularly useful in hunting scenarios where quick recovery of arrows is crucial to properly trailing and harvesting your game animal. Arrow wraps and tracers can be made in fluorescent and even reflective material, making it much easier to find your arrow, even in low-light conditions.
  2. Easy Customization: With wraps, you can easily customize your arrows to reflect the bowhunter’s personal style. You can also use them to match a particular color pattern or look of your target archery or bowhunting setup. Customization can also help in distinguishing your arrows from other shooters’ arrows when shooting in a group setting.
  3. Improved Arrow Durability: Wraps can help protect your arrow shaft from scratches, dents, and other damage that can occur during shooting or in the harvesting of a deer or other animal. This can prolong the life of your arrows and keep them in better condition for longer.
  4. Faster Fletching Replacement: If you need to replace or adjust your fletching, having an arrow wrap can make this process quicker and cleaner. If you don’t use wraps, you may end up frustrated from having to scrape the glue from the previous fletchings from your arrow shaft. (arrow shafts are expensive, remember?) Wraps can be replaced without damaging the underlying arrow shaft, and they often provide a clean surface for reapplying fletching, which is a huge benefit.
  5. Help With Nock Tuning: Some wraps help with nock tuning your arrows by providing reference points for turning the nocks when nock tuning. The N-Tune Nock Tuning Arrow Wraps and Tracers do just that.
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Cons of Using Arrow Wraps

  1. Added Weight: Depending on the material and thickness, wraps can add weight to the back of the arrow. This could affect the arrow’s FOC.
  2. Adhesion Issues: Sometimes, wraps can peel or come loose if not properly applied or when exposed to extreme conditions. So, it’s important to always take time to apply arrow wraps correctly.
  3. Increased Cost: While not overly expensive, wraps are an additional cost. For archers and bowhunters on a tight budget, this could be a consideration, especially if outfitting multiple arrows.
  4. Maintenance Considerations: Over time, wraps can accumulate dirt or become scuffed or worn. Some bowhunters and archers may not enjoy removing them and reapplying and refletching, just to keep the arrows looking good.
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Final Thoughts

Arrow wraps can offer significant benefits in terms of visibility, customization, and shaft protection, but they also come with potential drawbacks related to weight, adhesion, and cost.

The decision to use them will depend on individual preferences, shooting conditions, and specific needs of the bowhunter or archer. As with many archery accessories, the key is to weigh the pros and cons in the context of your own shooting style and objectives.

Whether you decide to use wraps or not, enjoy the awesome sport of archery!

polarized sunglasses for hunting and fishing

Why Anglers and Hunters Should Prioritize Polarized Prescription Sunglasses

Anyone who has ever been in the field or out on the water on a sunny day knows the importance of a good pair of sunglasses. And, for hunters and anglers who rely on prescription glasses for clear vision and eye protection, having polarized prescription sunglasses can be a game changer.

man fishing with prescription polarized sunglasses

In this article, we’ll look at the characteristics of these sunglasses to, help you make the best choice to protect your eyes, as well as boost your performance. Doing so will highlight why polarized prescription sunglasses are a must-have for hunters and anglers alike.

For anglers, the glare of the water is no match as polarized sunglasses help to see clearly beyond the surface and spot fish. Similarly, hunters who need prescription glasses can leverage the advantages of polarized bifocal sunglasses to locate and track targets in the field.

But, what features should avid outdoorsmen look for when it comes to polarized prescription lenses?

The importance of polarized Rx Sunglasses

There are plenty of benefits of prescription sunglasses beyond vision enhancement in nature.

Have you ever squinted through the water’s shimmering surface, struggling to spot that elusive catch? While traditional sunglasses might offer some relief, prescription fishing sunglasses take it to the next level.

With prescription lenses tailored to your vision, and polarized lenses to cut through distracting glare, you’ll see fish and lures with exceptional clarity. It’s like having an underwater viewfinder, giving you the edge you need to make the perfect cast.

By reducing glare and enhancing contrast, they make it possible to see better and detect movements, whether it’s a largemouth bass swimming past your boat, or a buck taking cover in the bushes. Enhancing contrast is one of the essential sunglasses features that hunters and anglers should prioritize, because it helps to make things stand out more clearly against their backgrounds.

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man hunting with sunglasses

It’s really quite simple; better contrast can boost your accuracy by making the difference between objects and their surroundings more obvious.

Try spotting an animal through thick brush and leave, or locating fish under the water’s surface with a cheap pair of non-polarized shades, and you’ll quickly realize it’s just much more difficult that not using polarized lenses.

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Essential features for outdoor enthusiasts

Improved vision and clarity are among the most obvious benefits of polarized sunglasses, but polarized shades with RX lenses also greatly improve safety. You’ll more readily be able to see any rocks, stumps, or other obstacles onshore or in the water.

Plus, there’s no more fumbling as you switch between your regular sunglasses and prescription glasses. This adaptability ensures that you can maintain focus on your task without unnecessary interruptions. Talk about a great two-for-one!

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Fortress Against the Elements

The sun isn’t your only adversary on the water. Wind, dust and flying hooks/lures can all pose a threat to your eyes. RX fishing sunglasses act as a protective shield, keeping your vision safe from debris and harsh UV rays. Many are also impact-resistant, providing an extra layer of security for those unexpected moments.

Protecting your eyes from UV rays isn’t just about comfort in the short term. Studies show that long-term sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. By blocking 100% of UV rays, RX fishing sunglasses are an investment in your long-term eye health.

So, ditch the squinting and blurry vision. RX fishing sunglasses are the ultimate companion for any angler who wants to see sharper, fish longer and safeguard their precious gift of sight.