I'm curious to see what other people on here have learned since they started shooting. I read recently that your first carry gun will likely be sold to buy a different one once you realize what you really want, and it's somewhat true. I do not have my first gun anymore (though that is more because what I really wanted came out a month after I bought my first gun). My Mom decided she wanted a compact 380 instead of a revolver. I know there's at least one moderator on this site who came out of a thread I was in rethinking a thing or two.
So, what have you learned about guns since you started shooting that has changed the way you approach things? Whether its from experience, mistakes, or just education and discussion. Here are somethings I've learned (only #4 and #5 in a particular order):
1. If you can use it effectively, it's relative value is debatable. If not, it is ineffective. For example, 9 vs 40 is an easy debate if you cannot shoot 40 accurately.
2. Manually operated firearms like pump shotties or revolvers are still subject to mechanical or user failure. Semi-automatic shotguns are therefore not a bad idea.
3. The quality of the control surface isn't always great; testing the controls before you buy is a good idea. Some are difficult to use or feel weak and spongy, others are easy to use with a firm manipulation.
4. Capacity is king, so ditch my crummy revolvers and anything that isn't 9mm.
5. Diversity is good, especially in a shortage, so I should restock on revolvers and get every popular caliber plus a few that are not.
6. No matter how good I am with pistols in Counter Strike, long guns are better in real life.
7. Being left eye dominant, it is easier to shoot with my left hand. Therefore ambidexterity is important to me.
8. It takes more than reading a how to on the internet to gain proficiency. Practice is important.
9. Illuminated ironsights appear as black silhouettes when shining a light in front of them, or as white dots when shining a light behind them. Therefore, if you can see your target, you cannot see the illuminated sights. However, they make your gun easier to find in the dark and look cool, so they are worth it.
10. Always have a spare in the safe in case your primary breaks.
Well, some may seem like common sense and the lessons weren't too difficult, but this is what I've learned (and THR helped a lot along the way). What have you learned?
So, what have you learned about guns since you started shooting that has changed the way you approach things? Whether its from experience, mistakes, or just education and discussion. Here are somethings I've learned (only #4 and #5 in a particular order):
1. If you can use it effectively, it's relative value is debatable. If not, it is ineffective. For example, 9 vs 40 is an easy debate if you cannot shoot 40 accurately.
2. Manually operated firearms like pump shotties or revolvers are still subject to mechanical or user failure. Semi-automatic shotguns are therefore not a bad idea.
3. The quality of the control surface isn't always great; testing the controls before you buy is a good idea. Some are difficult to use or feel weak and spongy, others are easy to use with a firm manipulation.
4. Capacity is king, so ditch my crummy revolvers and anything that isn't 9mm.
5. Diversity is good, especially in a shortage, so I should restock on revolvers and get every popular caliber plus a few that are not.
6. No matter how good I am with pistols in Counter Strike, long guns are better in real life.
7. Being left eye dominant, it is easier to shoot with my left hand. Therefore ambidexterity is important to me.
8. It takes more than reading a how to on the internet to gain proficiency. Practice is important.
9. Illuminated ironsights appear as black silhouettes when shining a light in front of them, or as white dots when shining a light behind them. Therefore, if you can see your target, you cannot see the illuminated sights. However, they make your gun easier to find in the dark and look cool, so they are worth it.
10. Always have a spare in the safe in case your primary breaks.
Well, some may seem like common sense and the lessons weren't too difficult, but this is what I've learned (and THR helped a lot along the way). What have you learned?
