Went shooting for the 1st time

[knc512]

Just got my 12 gauge yesterday. I am going to take it to the gun range on Watt ave this afternoon. Any advice for a first time shooter and will the range officers offer help for a newbie. will any calgunners be out there today?

[Jackson_DKMG]

don't muzzle sweep other shooters and just keep basic gun safety in mind and have fun with your new shotgun.

[damon1272]

Please, please, please take a class or find someone well versed in shooting to take you out and show you how to operate your gun. There will be enough other things going on that you are unfamiliar with. Be safe.

[bsg]

Please, please, please take a class or find someone well versed in shooting to take you out and show you how to operate your gun. There will be enough other things going on that you are unfamiliar with. Be safe.

^^^ this.

[sealocan]

number 1 enjoy yourself. but be safe. yes definitely tell Range Officer it's your first time he may have someone there that can help you. if you have a tender shoulder you may want to wear several layers or a thick jacket to absorb some of the recoil. wipe down your gun to remove any grease or oil. (installed from the factory to help with long term storage ) and don't forget to wipe the inside of a barrel for the same reason.
listen to the range officer ,ask questions if you don't understand something. last piece of advice is to take your time and try to enjoy and learn something from each shot.

[Mr. E]

I forgot to take the wooden stick out of the tube my first shotgun trip.
I was pissed I bought an 8 round Mossberg that only allowed me to load 3 shells. LOL

[Mr. E]

Also if you can, bring your own eye and ear protection. Nothing worst than having someone else's sweat roll in your ear.

Wear a baseball cap. The neighbor on your left will make it rain hot empty shells.

[JDay]

Take it to Cordova Shooting Center. They do gun safety classes there and have a trap range (clays). It's a lot more fun than shooting paper.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[MasterrEugene]

welcome to calguns and the shooting community! Hope you enjoy firearms as many of the people here have... I would also like to encourage you to take a firearm safety class. I was able to take one for free at a shooting range not too far from me.

[texas_law_dog]

Congrats. Enjoy. Be safe. Don't be afraid to ask the RO questions.

[SB1964]

Always load & unload Firearm at the firing line only. Never put your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot, that is pointed downrange only. Do not "sweep" anyone by pointing your barrel, even unloaded, even away from the firing line. As stated, don't be proud & ask for a few pointers to get you started. Normally they will watch you shoot & make sure you set your gun down, or in the rack, UNLOADED with the Action OPEN. Have Fun! Practice Safety!

[knc512]

just got back from the range! Man my shoulder is sore! Shot 50 target loads and 5, 00buck. I didn't really know what to expect, but this shotgun kicks like a horse. had a lot of fun. although i left after about 30 minutes. They had to kick a guy out after filling out paperwork because he smelled like alcohol great place to go shooting (the gun Range on watt) thanks for all of your advice.

[MrOrange]

Dangit, too late! I was going to advise you to remember to always empty any firearm you have as fast as possible, while yelling "GET SOME!" at the top of your lungs.


If you burned some powder, didn't totally blow any basic safety rules, and didn't get shot, it's a win.

[chillincody]

So what kind of shotgun did you buy ??

[GeeDog]

If you listen to the range officer, keep the muzzle pointed down-range, and keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot you'll be fine. Have fun!