If you’ve been shooting 20 years or more, what advice do you wish someone told you early on?

[Alan]

If you've been shooting for 20+ years, what tips would you give new shooters? Let’s hear the wisdom from the veterans of the range.

 

[Landon]

I'll jump in here, why do people skip safety refreshers like they’re optional? Getting too comfortable can stop you from getting better.

 

[hivel37]

Start hand loading, if you’re not already doing so.

 

[Drycreek]

Buy good single actions and don’t sell them. They only appreciate !

 

[Shane]

Don't over-clean your gun barrel. That first shot might miss, just clean it for upkeep. A bit of gunk can help accuracy

 

[Urban_Warrior]

Forget the rear sight...focus on keeping the front sight sharp

 

[Alan]

I'll jump in here, why do people skip safety refreshers like they’re optional? Getting too comfortable can stop you from getting better.

Exactly! safety refreshers aren’t optional, they keep fundamentals sharp and prevent bad habits from creeping in over time

 

[Alan]

Start hand loading, if you’re not already doing so.

yeahh, once you learn it, handloading saves money and becomes a satisfying hobby

 

[Alan]

Buy good single actions and don’t sell them. They only appreciate !

Good advice! Quality single actions are heirlooms.

 

[Alan]

Don't over-clean your gun barrel. That first shot might miss, just clean it for upkeep. A bit of gunk can help accuracy

Thanks for sharing

 

[Wendell Reich]

I see guys chasing velocity like it’s the end all be all. Find your accuracy, learn your dope and be happy.

Accuracy is king. I’d rather have a 1/2” group over 200fps increase and a bigger group.

 

[Alan]

I see guys chasing velocity like it’s the end all be all. Find your accuracy, learn your dope and be happy.

Accuracy is king. I’d rather have a 1/2” group over 200fps increase and a bigger group.

Absolutely, speed doesn’t replace precision

 

[Drycreek]

Absolutely, speed doesn’t replace precision

Exactly ! My .280 Remington Archaic Cartridge just loafs along at around 2750 fps but kills every deer I aim it at.

 

[hivel37]

The “magic” is in the 6.5/7mm bullets.
I use a 7x57 140 gr. Very effective.

 

[Brian VDW]

When the gun fires, it should be a surprise. If you don't see the flame come out the end of the barrel at discharge, you are flinching.

 

[DonD]

The “magic” is in the 6.5/7mm bullets.
I use a 7x57 140 gr. Very effective.

What's so special? You think your old school 7x57 can challenge my 300 Win Mag? Not hardly.

 

[DonD]

When the gun fires, it should be a surprise. If you don't see the flame come out the end of the barrel at discharge, you are flinching.

More BS today. I've been shooting effectively for 70 yrs and don't see flames out the muzzle. What is this, crazy day on the forum?

 

[Drycreek]

More BS today. I've been shooting effectively for 70 yrs and don't see flames out the muzzle. What is this, crazy day on the forum?

What's so special? You think your old school 7x57 can challenge my 300 Win Mag? Not hardly.

Depends on what you’re trying to kill. If It’s a brown bear, elk, moose, or similar size quarry, then the .300 Mag definitely has the edge. If it’s whitetails there is no edge under 300/350 yards if you can shoot. You can only kill them so dead you know.

Jack O’Connor hunted all over North America with a 270 Winchester, his wife with him on many of his hunts using either a 7x57 or a .257 Roberts. Bullet construction and shot placement will beat speed any day. Of course if you like to beat the hell out of yourself with the 300 loudenboomer, that’s your prerogative.