Systematic Approach to Getting Range Ready & Free Target Download
I am very grateful that my journey in learning how to shoot has roots in shooting sports. In training for my first competition, even more important than my hits on the targets, I learned safe gun handling. The constant reinforcement of muzzle control and trigger finger discipline in organized shooting sports makes you a better, safer gun owner. I know and understand there are barriers to entry for competing such as cost, time, and access. If getting started in a shooting sport isn’t an option for you, a systematic approach to learning how to shoot and incorporating gun handling skills will help you develop the proficiency you see demonstrated by competitive shooters.
This is why I appreciate Shoot Like a Girl’s mission to encourage women to find recreational shooting opportunities that also incorporate firearm safety. It’s also why I partnered with them and Women’s Outdoor News on a 5-week series called Julie’s Challenge designed to get new shooters range ready. You can read more about it in my blog post at The Smith & Wesson Bench.
The first week of my challenge is all about firearm safety and range rules. Then each week after, I introduce ways to become more comfortable with a handgun. I build on skills developed through dry fire with a constant focus on muzzle and trigger finger discipline. The end goal is to feel confident enough to download Julie’s Challenge targets and head to the range. While I was creating the targets, I also developed a single-page option that’s great for more experienced shooters who are looking for a quick and easy way to address accuracy, multiple shots, and transitions all in one target.
There are a lot of targets you can purchase or download for free with guidelines on how to shoot them. My Julie’s Challenge Advanced Target incorporates a practice target that allows you to warm up those accuracy fundamentals before trying to shoot your best score on a precision bulls-eye. To encourage higher, one-shot on-demand accuracy, the middle features the 5 for 5 target with 5 smaller aiming points. On the bottom of the page, 2 larger squares incorporate target transition skills with single shots and controlled pairs.
The start position is up to you. You can begin at the low ready, with the gun on the table or from the draw. Challenge yourself by incorporating a shot timer with time limits that will push you. Stretch out the target distance for great difficulty. You can make this target work for you and your skill level.
Julie’s Challenge Advanced
In collaboration with Shoot Like a Girl and Women’s Outdoor News, Julie’s Challenge Advanced tests accuracy and target transitions with a box of ammo and a single sheet of paper. Print out this target, shoot and score for your next range session. Read more about the <a href="https://www.juliegolob…
While I recover from rotator cuff surgery, I’m thinking about the best ways to get back into the shooting groove. Like Julie’s Challenge, I will develop a plan that allows me to add skills over time. We all know the phrase, “It’s just like riding a bike.” When I have taken time off from shooting the adage proves to be the case. That is, as long as I am thoughtful about my training and give myself a bit of grace during the process.
If you’ve taken some time away from shooting or competing, I find it helps to work your way back through the basics. Keep an open mind and take nothing for granted. It’s a great opportunity for a clean slate and developing good habits. It can be tough and frustrating, but with a systematic approach to building skills, you may find not only are you back but better than ever.
