How did you learn to shoot?

[BILLY D.]

Originally posted by Gunslingergirl
Fabsroman,

Good advice, and thanks. I have to confess I'm a bit worried about the recoil. I've heard horror stories (hasn't everybody) about someone who shot a gun and got knocked on their behind. I don't think I would enjoy that.

I do trust the man who is going to teach me, so I'm sure he'll make certain I start out shooting with a gun that feels comfortable.

GSG

About recoil. All guns recoil, it's a matter of physics. If you get a chance start small and work your way up the calibers. Don't start with the ultra mags and develop a sensitivity you won't be able to overcome.

Always be aware of recoil and it becomes a matter of how much you can stand to enjoy. This isn't the time to exert macho into the picture. Guys love beating the crap out of themselves. Especially prevalent among pistol shooters who have to own the biggest hand cannon on the planet. A few years later they develop arthritis and can no longer shoot anything without pain.

There are recoil pads that you can wear that offer some protection. They help with recoil. Think of recoil like a boxer thinks. How long can you absorb that constant pounding before you start to suffer from the medical effects?

For your edification there are also recoil reducers you can have a smith install in your firearm, and also good stock pads. The main thing, find something you like and are comfortable with.

Personally I don't care if Joe Schmuck did shoot a whitetail with a 700 Nitro Express. I'm not impressed.

Now what impresses me is when Petunia Fudrucker shoots a whitetail at 90 yards with a 7mm08 in a blinding snow storm and it is a bang flop. Especially afer she stalked it for a ways.

shooting a 105 Howitzer shouldered Doesn't make you a man or a hunter. It just shows your lack of hunting skills and lack of common sense.