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I believe that firearms can teach you valuable life lessons if you listen. These tools can teach you so many valuable lessons. Here are five things that firearms taught me after a year of shooting.
Important Lessons From a Year of Shooting
1. Guns are cool, but the people who shoot them are even better
Before I entered the gun community, I assumed that people were arrogant, disrespectful and rude to others. I assumed that because firearms are loud and noisy, people who shoot them will have an obnoxious personality to match.
As time went on, I discovered that it was the opposite. The firearm community is full of kind, caring and respectful individuals. They truly want to do the best for you, your firearm and yourself.
Photo by Andy Grossman
All that matters is whether or not you are using firearms safely and are not putting yourself or others in danger when you shoot. They want you asking questions. They want you to have a good time. They are always ready to give you advice and lend a helping hand.
I have never felt excluded because of my gender or my skill level. The firearm industry has high standards for the type of people it accepts to be a part of its gun community. Rest assured, however, that you will be valued, treated equally, and most importantly, welcomed once you join this world.
2. It’s Better to Try Than Not to Try at All
One valuable lesson that I learned about shooting was that it takes time and practice for you to master the skill. It’s easy to think that you will never be as good as other shooters who have a better aim or stance. I should quit while I’m ahead.”
But I urge you to stop thinking like that. Here’s a little secret you may find shocking. The professionals that you see on the range weren’t always so good. They made the same mistakes as you. You are not an exception to the fact that we all start somewhere.
There are different levels of skill in this sport. Your skill does not make anyone less than you at the range. Shooting isn’t a race, and it doesn’t matter if you try your best.
3. Shooting is cheaper than therapy
People shoot firearms in many different ways, including for hunting, protection or sport. I’m willing to bet there is a deeper motivation behind a person’s desire to shoot.
I go to the shooting range to have fun and to practice, but I also go to clear my mind. Shooting is a loud and invigorating activity, but I find it relaxing and calming both mentally and physically.
This is the only time in my entire life that I can honestly say that I feel calm and at ease. Once I aim my sights at my target and look down, nothing else in my head matters. There is nothing more therapeutic for me than that. It is for this reason that I always find it worth my money to spend on range time, ammo, and targets.
4. Everyone has a different view of progress
From novices to advanced shooters, each skill level is a step that you must take to progress on your shooting journey. Imagine climbing a ladder. You must start at the bottom of a ladder and work your way to the top.
It is the same for each skill level. Some people may progress faster to each level than others. No matter where you are on the “skills ladder,” I encourage you to be proud of your progress.
You should always strive to improve. It is important to acknowledge your progress in your shooting journey. You should feel proud of your achievements and be proud of what you will achieve.
5. Firearms are not scary, just misunderstood
There is no doubt that firearms can be intimidating, and this can lead to the idea that they are “scary.”
These tools are not frightening. They are simply misunderstood. Social media and uneducated people will always paint firearms in a negative light. This should not stop anyone from learning the truth.
Photo by Andy Grossman
To combat any misconceptions you may have about firearms, I recommend that you take a gun safety class. Ask questions at the gun range or look up groups on Facebook.
Once you do this, I bet you that your negative view of firearms will change quickly. I know mine did.
Closing Remarks
I want you to remember that the possibilities for what you can learn about firearms are truly limitless. Each firearm has a unique story, message and lesson to share, but only if the reader is willing to listen.
You won’t regret listening to what these tools are saying.
Photo by Andy Grossman
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Keep ReadingThe article Outsider’s insights: What a year of shooting has taught me appeared first on Athlon Outdoors.
