re: First Time gun owner Help?

Most importantly:

1. Treat every gun as if it was loaded, do not point your gun at anything you do not wish to kill or destroy... even if you think it's unloaded.

2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot. Guns were designed to be comfortable with your finger on the trigger. Get in the habit of putting your finger pointing forward just above the trigger. It takes no time to move it to the trigger from this position.

3. Know what your target is and what is beyond it. Just because you're pointing it at an inatimate object, doesn't mean there isn't something or someone behind it. Bullets can travel very far and they can glance off of things, and go through things. Once you pull the trigger you have no control over that bullet anymore.


Shooting:

1. Learn proper sight picture. Get used to it and practice, practice, practice.

2. proper trigger control. You want to squeeze the trigger steadily, not jerky. You may develop a flinch at first. You can help get rid of this by dry-firing (pulling the trigger on an empty chamber) DOWN RANGE in a safe direction.

3. control your breathing. If you're breathing while you're aiming, you're not going to be as steady. Different techniques for this but essentially you're just holding your breath as you squeeze the trigger.

Don't become complacent with firearms. Be aware of where your muzzle is pointed at all times.