What is shooting, really?
This refers to all activities involving the use of weapons. By definition, in order to speak of shooting, we need a weapon—whether a firearm or an air gun—and a facility for practice, such as a shooting range or a firing range. The nature of shooting can vary, which is why we distinguish between the following types of shooting:
- sports,
- historical,
- combat,
- hunting,
- recreational.
Sport Shooting
The term "sport shooting" refers to a sport involving competition in shooting with sporting firearms or air guns at both moving and stationary targets. Shooting was included in the Olympic program as early as the first Games in Athens in 1896. Poles have won four Olympic gold medals to date: Józef Zapędzki in Mexico City in 1968 and Munich in 1972, and Renata Mauer in Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000.
Historical Shooting
Weapons used in historical reenactment can also be found in museum exhibits. They were likely used by the military, are no longer in production, or are one-of-a-kind and represent a true treasure for collectors.
Combat Shooting
It covers uniformed services and more. Participants in this training learn how to use a weapon in a threatening situation, master proper shooting stances, and move efficiently while armed. Combat shooting training prepares participants to shoot effectively, especially in extreme situations.
Tactical and combat shooting isn’t just about guns, magazines, ammunition, and ammunition pouches. Additional equipment is also used here—equipment that would only make things more difficult during a competition—such as vests with ballistic inserts, helmets, backpacks, and communication kits. These elements increase the realism of the training and make operations more challenging, allowing participants to experience conditions similar to those faced by real soldiers.
Hunting Shooting
Hunting shooting is not the same as hunting. What is the difference? These concepts differ in terms of the conditions under which hunting and hunting shooting are practiced. Hunting shooting prepares the hunter for effective hunting, so it serves as training and is the first step before actually going out to hunt.
What should you wear to the shooting range?
One of the first questions someone planning to go shooting will ask themselves is what to wear to the shooting range. This is an extremely important consideration, because when you’re shooting, you need to stay focused on what you’re doing. You can’t let a shirt that’s too tight or shoes that are too tight distract you. Therefore, the most important criterion when choosing an outfit for the shooting range should be, above all, comfort. It mustn’t restrict your movements.
If you're heading to an indoor shooting range, comfortable pants, a sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt, and shoes that cover your feet—be sure they have flat soles—are a good choice.
At an outdoor shooting range, you should take into account the weather conditions outside. In winter, it’s a good idea to dress in layers. You should also bring gloves. In summer, however, it’s very important to wear closed-toe shoes and a top with no neckline. This is strictly for safety reasons! Hot shell casings that fly off during shooting can cause burns if they get between your skin and your clothing.
What about minors? Do you have to be of legal age to shoot a gun?
For individuals under the age of 18, it all depends on the rules and policies of the specific shooting range. However, an increasing number of facilities are choosing to allow minors to participate in this activity as well. Of course, written consent from a guardian or the guardian’s presence during the session is a prerequisite.
The Shooting Range and the Mind
Anyone wondering how to prepare for a trip to the shooting range must keep one very important thing in mind—we always go to our sessions well-rested, healthy, and in a good mood! If you’re feeling tired, haven’t slept well, have a cold, or simply feel like you’re having a bad day (since a visit to the shooting range requires your full concentration)—it’s better to stay home and rest. You can always reschedule your visit to the shooting range for another time. When shooting, the most important thing is the safety of everyone on the premises, both organizers and participants.
How much does an hour at the shooting range cost?
The cost of an hour of fun at a shooting range will certainly vary. Not all shooting ranges are the same. On our website, we’ve put together several packages and vouchers that vary in the number of shots and the type of firearm. We’re sure you’ll find something that’s perfectly suited to your needs! For those who aren’t sure if shooting is the right sport for them, you can first check out how the classes are conducted with other participants.
Rules to Follow While at the Shooting Range
Before starting the course, you must complete a mandatory theoretical training session on safety rules. During this session, you will learn basic shooting techniques and how to handle a firearm.
When training with firearms, you must be extremely careful and, above all, always follow the commands and instructions of the instructor leading the session.
So how can you stay safe while shooting?
This is simply described by the BLOS principle:
- B – Always treat your WEAPON as if it were fully functional and ready to fire
- L – Always point the BARREL toward a safe area (bullet trap, target)
- O – Observe your SURROUNDINGS and always check to make sure no one is in the line of fire
- S – Do not put your finger on the TRIGGER if you do not want to fire a shot
We take a shot “only and exclusively” with the express consent of the person authorized to do so.
Before you start shooting, always make sure you are wearing your ear protection and safety glasses properly. Adjusting them while holding a firearm is strictly prohibited!
How do you aim when shooting?
When shooting, some of the most important factors are concentration, proper shooting stance, and the moment immediately after pulling the trigger.
So how should you aim when shooting to keep improving your results?
- We stand in the correct position, facing the target head-on.
- We set up what's called a "level crosshair," which means we align the sights with each other.
- We aim the crosshairs at the target.
- We hold our breath and focus our attention as much as possible.
- We slowly pull the trigger.
- After firing, we hold our position to reduce recoil.
How do you shoot?
When aiming, focus your eyes on the sights so that the target appears less distinct and slightly blurred.
What kinds of firearms are available at the shooting range?
At the shooting range, you'll find many different types of firearms, varying in how they're loaded, the ammunition they use, and their recoil: pistols, revolvers, submachine guns, carbines, rifles, and shotguns.
Shooting a Glock Pistol
Why have these pistols become so popular? Glocks feature a three-stage safety system—an external trigger safety and two internal firing pin safeties. These safeties are disengaged sequentially as the trigger is pulled. This reduces the time it takes to fire the weapon, since the round is already chambered. Glocks perform exceptionally well at close range, which is common in police, military, and security agency operations.
Revolver Shooting
A revolver is a repeating firearm in which the magazine is a rotating cylinder with several cartridge chambers. Modern models feature an automatic cocking mechanism (when the trigger is pulled, the cylinder rotates automatically and the hammer is cocked). There are also revolvers in which the hammer must be manually cocked to rotate the cylinder.
We associate revolvers with the “Wild West,” and shooting a revolver is a lot of fun. After all, anyone can become a real gunslinger!
Shooting with a Kalashnikov (AK-47 rifle)
The AK-47 rifle, commonly known as the Kalashnikov or Kalash, is a Soviet-designed automatic weapon. This weapon has gained widespread fame thanks to its simple design, ease of use, and relatively light weight. Operating the AK-47 is simpler than you might think—it involves inserting the magazine, setting the firing mode (automatic or single shot), and adjusting the sights.
Shotgun Shooting
Shotguns are classified as single-barrel or double-barrel (so-called "double-barreled shotguns"). Hunting cartridges are characteristic of shotguns. Although shotguns are mainly associated with hunting, they can also be found in police and military use, or at shooting ranges.