There is no doubt that firearms have been one of the most controversial political and social topics out there for a while now. There are a lot of considerations that have to be taken into account when you’re thinking about purchasing a firearm. Personal safety is often the priority of most gun owners, but there are other enthusiasts who enjoy using firearms for recreational shooting.
Some users believe it is a great way to destress and wind down, while others use it to sharpen their senses and improve their reflexes by hunting. It’s important to mention that the firearms used for recreational shooting can distinctively vary from other types that are used for protection. In this guide, we’ll be mentioning a few tips that should help you settle on the best firearm for your recreational shooting sessions.
Considerations before Choosing a Firearm
If you go around asking experts about the best firearm in terms of type, caliber, length, and price, you’ll get a load of answers that rarely consolidate into one firm response. More informed responses take into account the type of use, experience required, maintenance, and many other factors to deliver good advice regarding a suitable firearm. Naturally, it’s recommended to take up a firearms training course if you don’t have a lot of experience with firearms. These courses should provide you with essential safety tips and general training to make sure you become familiar with most firearms.
If you’re planning on purchasing a firearm without going through training courses and target practice sessions, you’re wasting your time and money. Renting a firearm would be more suitable for recreational users who aren’t planning to use their firearms frequently until they decide on one. This will allow you to test more guns and see whether you have special preferences. Instead of rushing into the wrong decision, take your time to know more about firearms to land on the most suitable one for you.
Rifles
Rifles are very popular among recreational shooters, thanks to their wide range of uses and explosive power. They are designed to be fired from the shoulder and travel long distances effectively. There are several types of rifles that you should know about before making a purchase; bolt-action, lever-action, semi-automatic, and automatic rifles.
Most rifles are recognizable by their long barrel and bore. Rifles lean more on the expensive side, compared to handguns. For recreational and defense use, the AR-15 rifle is often the most popular choice. The hard part is choosing the brand and accessories you want for it, seeing as there are dozens of manufacturers. The good news is that you can find great AR-15 rifles under $1000, which is a bargain for the action you will get out of it. It’s always easier to choose a rifle if you settle on the exact use and frequency of shooting.
Handguns
Handguns are among the most versatile types of firearms that can suit many purposes. The abundance of handguns can make it difficult to easily pick a brand or type right from the get-go. Generally speaking, 9mm handguns are the most common caliber picked for multiple purposes, including recreational shooting, home defense, and concealable firearms.
If you’re looking for powerful handguns, you should check out revolvers that use .44 magnum calibers. These are known for being powerful enough to hunt big game. Make sure to maintain guns properly after every use because they can easily malfunction when they are left unchecked, so learn how to disassemble them as soon as possible to thoroughly clean and lubricate them.
Don’t Look for the Cheapest
A lot of beginners may make the mistake of underestimating the value behind the price of a firearm. While it’s quite understandable to lean more towards cheaper firearms when you don’t have a lot of experience with them, a low-quality gun can ruin the entire experience and make it less enjoyable than you thought it’d be.
Always go for known brands, and if you’d like to circumvent higher price ranges, look for used guns. It’s advisable to have a gunsmith take a thorough look at a used firearm before you purchase it. The most recommended course of action for complete beginners who aren’t exactly sure about what they’re looking for is to get something new.
The process of choosing a firearm can be fun, but being overwhelmed by the many options is still a reasonable possibility. Recreational shooting is a very popular activity that is linked to wildlife support and resource management. There is no shortage of activities you can do with the firearm of your choice, so don’t hesitate to invest some time and effort into researching the widely available options for the most suitable firearm.
