Does shooting ever seem like work?

[Dave R]

Occasionally, working up a load can seem like work.

But plinking? Ah, that's fun!

If shooting is seeming like work to you, then get away from the range. Save some milk jugs, or 2-litre pop bottles, or freeze some big ice blocks, etc. Get outa town and shoot 'em up. That's a better test of your shooting skills, anyway. And of course, bring some company.

 

[El Tejon]

Yes, of course. All martial arts are work and take discipline and committment. Shooting is no different.

The term most associated with Chinese boxing is "kung fu" which means "skill through effort" or "hard work." No reason gun fu is any different.

Some excellent ways to break it up, like any exercise routine, listed here. Helps to have a partner or others that are part of your ilk so that you create a culture of learning.

Competition helps, but the best reason is to have a reason beyond yourself. "I'm learning this (paying the money, enduring the heat or cold or rain, taking the time) for ___________ [to teach my sons, to ensure that I may protect my wife, my family, to teach others, etc.]"

For me, the reason is 4 young nephews. The oldest is 5 and I know so little. Get trained up!

 

[Bainx]

I second the motion to shoot blackpowder guns every once in a while to "break the monotony".

 

[P95Carry]

I second the motion to shoot blackpowder guns every once in a while to "break the monotony".

Suits me too ...... if only some other dude can clean the suckers!!

 

[CZ52GUY]

Shooting fatigue...

...I've experienced something similar.

I got back into shooting about 18 months ago after a long absence, and get out as often as I can.

I think variety has kept me in the "happy shooter" camp but I've had less than optimal sessions. Last weekend was one such session...

I enjoy the variety of firearms I've collected and shoot. Shoot indoors and outdoors. Shoot at a public range and a back-woods location. I shoot Autoloader Handguns, Rifle (Semi-Auto Assault & Bolt), Pistol-Caliber Carbine, Rimfire, HD SG, and borrow Flintlock and cowboy action SA Revolvers, as well as lever action models. I got to try my first Sharps the other day too. I love Trap Shooting (I stink at it but I love it).

I shoot with friends and go to the public range by myself sometimes.

Sometimes I clean up right away, sometimes I give it a couple days.

If I sight in an optic one time, I try not to the next trip. If I do rigorous practice and retentive record keeping of my results one time, I'll make sure the next trip is for pure enjoyment.

For me, shooting is what I make of it. I'm in charge. I AM GOING TO HAVE FUN!

Best wishes,

CZ52'

 

[SnWnMe]

Shooting: Getting weapons qual'd is work for me. Because I have to do what I am told to do and a FTDR/DQ doesn't mean I can always come back next weekend. It stresses me out, that plus you know how it is when you don't score as good as your buddies...

Before I moved to my current residence (thanks for the big raise GWB!) I had to drive 50 miles out just to shoot rifles for recreation. That was work. It was also stressful when things like magazines or tools and such were forgotten at home.

Now I am in a members only range just 10 miles away that is never crowded. I enjoy shooting there.

Cleaning: It's okay, I'm not anal about getting the guns spotless.

Reloading: Okay as long as I don't let my stocks go down too low, then catching up is work.