7 Shooting Range Tips for Beginners

Breaking into a shooting hobby is a lot of fun and a great way to build friendships and community. However, if you’re new to shooting, you may have many questions—particularly about where to practice and what to do at a shooting range. Never be afraid to ask questions and let the range staff at Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range know it’s your first time; we’re here to help. Here are seven other handgun shooting tips for first-time range visitors.

1. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Protection

You should always wear socks and comfortable shoes when visiting a range. A shirt with a tight collar is also recommended to prevent spent casings from falling down your clothes. You’ll also need eye protection and ear protection. Indoor ranges, in particular, can get loud.

2. Bring a Mentor or Friend With Experience

It takes time to build confidence with a firearm and range procedures, so bring someone who has visited a range before to help you. It will also be useful to review our range rules before you arrive, so you have a better idea of what to expect at our facility.

3. Always Check for Obstructions Before Loading Your Gun

This is a step you should do no matter where you’re practicing. Make sure the barrel is clear before you load your gun. A squib is a malfunction where the bullet leaves the casing and lodges in the barrel. If you suspect something is obstructing the barrel, you may wish to use a rod to clear it.

4. Always Assume the Firearm Is Loaded

The first basic rule of firearm safety is to treat your gun as though it’s loaded, even if you know it isn’t loaded. Only point the gun in a safe direction or the direction you intend to fire.

5. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready To Fire

This is the second rule of basic firearm safety. Rest your trigger finger on the side of the frame or slide until you are sure you are ready to fire your gun. In fact, it is also recommended that you keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to use it. This helps to prevent an accidental discharge.

6. Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It

Another rule of basic firearm safety helps you know where your bullet will end up. Indoor shooting ranges are specially designed to trap bullets and keep them from going through barriers. You should still get in the habit of knowing what is beyond your target when shooting outside of the range. You don’t want to accidentally strike something that you never intended to hit behind your target.

7. Request Help From Fellow Shooters or Range Staff

In West Springfield, Massachusetts, the shooting community is very friendly and welcoming. Never hesitate to ask for help from other shooters or even our staff when you have questions. Our priority is your safety, and you can use our shooting range for beginners and pros alike.

We’ve all started off with our guns for beginners at some point in our shooting careers. If you are new to using a firearm and wish to start practicing, Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range is a great place to get started. Use these tips to prepare for your trip and ask our friendly staff any questions you might have about our processes. Contact us today at 413-731-7666 to check our range availability. We also offer safety classes for those who are interested in learning more.

Why It is Important to Learn How to Use a Gun

Gun rights is often a divisive topic in America. However, both sides agree that responsible owners know how to use a gun safely. Even if you have no plans to own a gun, circumstances may prompt you to change your mind or to use one in an emergency. When it comes to learning about guns, most people prefer to be safe than sorry. 

Gun Safety

Many people own guns and have no idea how to use them. This is dangerous. Everyone has to start somewhere, but not everyone invests in the extra step of learning to use the gun. They believe it is as simple as pointing and shooting.

Knowing how to use a loaded gun is only half the process. Gun owners need to know how to carry, secure, and store their weapons safely. It’s also important to learn the differences in gun laws between states.

Personal Protection

Criminals often target some of the most vulnerable members of society to commit crimes. These include young women and seniors. If you fall into this demographic, it is one of the best reasons to own a gun and learn to use it safely.

A gun will not stop someone from trying to take advantage of an elderly person. It will not stop criminals from following a young woman to her car in a dark parking lot. Even so, a gun can increase the chances of walking away from that incident.

Aim Improvement

Knowing how to use a gun safely is one thing, but can you aim? Some people have natural-born talent, but these are few and far between. Even the most enthusiastic gun owners spent years learning how to improve their aim, and so should you.

Good aim ensures that should you ever need to use your gun to defend yourself or someone else, you don’t miss. The last thing you want is for a bullet to strike the victim or an innocent bystander. You can also learn to disarm your target without killing them so that they can face justice under the law later.

Hunting Plans

For some people, hunting is a way of life. The call of the wild is so strong that they plan the whole year around the places they want to visit for hunting and fishing. If you have recently befriended one such person or plan to marry into his or her family, it might be a good time to learn how to shoot.

Even if you don’t plan to pull the trigger yourself while hunting, it doesn’t hurt to learn. At the very least, you reduce the likelihood of embarrassing or hurting yourself. To add to this, hunting is fun, but it can also be dangerous. You never know when a gun might be the only thing standing between you and a wild animal.

Career Opportunities

Not everyone envisions a career in the military, police force, or security. Even so, if you know how to operate a gun safely, it can open a wealth of opportunities for you. For instance, armed security guards make roughly $0.36 more than unarmed guards in America.

This may not seem like much at first. However, over one year, that’s an extra $749 in your pocket. That’s a brand-new gun or two to improve your collection or gift to a family member.

Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range is your one-stop location in Massachusetts for gun safety, range practice, and a large inventory. For the best deal, check out our membership programs.

Best Handguns for Competition Shooting

Competition shooting is a fun, engaging sport to get into. It not only lets you spend time with great people, but it also hones your skill with a firearm. Professional shooters already have a wealth of knowledge of what works for them, but where do you even start? Check out these handgun options when you are venturing into the world of competitive handgun shooting.

Smith & Wesson M&P9

The Smith & Wesson M&P first made its debut in 2005 and has been a popular firearm for competition and duty ever since. As a competition gun, the M&P9 is lightweight and features a shorter 4.3-inch barrel. The M&P9 is an affordable and reliable option for competition shooters and features a rail for customized configurations, such as adding a red dot sight or a flashlight.

Sig Sauer P320 XFive Legion

Sig Sauer is a popular manufacturer to find in many shooting competitions. You can find 10-round magazines to ensure your firearm is compliant with state laws. The XFive Legion features a 5-inch barrel and adjustable fiber optic sights. Are you a fan of Daniel Horner or Lena Miculek? This is the Sig they use, so you know it's a good way to go, and it often comes at an attractive price point.

Ruger Mark IV Competition

The Competition features a distinctive slab-sided 6.88″ barrel nicely target-crowned at the muzzle. The barrel/receiver assembly is pre-drilled and tapped to mount a Weaver or Picatinny rail for optics, likely one of the first customizations a competitive shooter would likely undertake. If you are looking for a high-quality .22 pistol for casual matches or to serve as the basic canvas for building a “serious” competition pistol, you can’t go wrong picking up the Ruger Mark IV Competition.

Walther Q5

You might be more familiar with Walther as the gun manufacturer James Bond carries, but the Q5 Match was specifically designed for competition shooting. In addition to its fiber optic sights and 5-inch sight radius, the firearm includes a Picatinny rail for additional customization. There are also three safeties on this gun: a firing pin block and two drop safeties.

S & W Model 41

A Model 41 is remarkably simple, yet extremely well-made. Operation is single-action, straight blowback, but the slide is not the entire top of the gun as with most recoil-operated pistols. Smith & Wesson cleverly scalloped out enough metal to house the firing pin, extractor and ejector assembly. The barrel and sights are mounted upon the remainder of the top-end metal. Since none of this assembly moves during firing, the relationship of these critical parts remains identical from shot to shot. This firearm is largely the same pistol that debuted in 1957. There are a few minor cosmetic differences, of course, but the design, accuracy and polish is still there. A Model 41 is one of the more expensive competition pistols available. The Performance Center line offers an even more lavish version of the firearm with a skeletonized front sight and a Picatinny rail for mounting an optical sight. Stocks are solid walnut, oiled and checkered for a classic look. When expense is no object, this will be your go-to-gun for competition shooting.

Make Your Choice

Ultimately, your choice for competition handguns comes down to personal preference and configuration. Keep in mind that Massachusetts limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds, so your firearm must comply with this. However, the setup that works for one shooter's style won't necessarily work for another shooter. Be sure to explore your options and, when possible, thoroughly test out the gun you are thinking of using before your purchase. Contact Guns Inc. at 413-731-7666 to learn more about our competition firearms and schedule some time at our indoor range to find out what really works best for you.

How to Pick the Right Ammunition for the Application

Selecting the right firearm is an important decision, but you’ll also need to find the correct ammunition. Whether you’re driving to the shooting range, headed to a deer blind, or preparing your defense firearm, find out how to compare types of bullets for shotguns, rifles, and handguns today.

Full Metal Jacket vs. Hollow Point

There is a bewildering amount of ammunition options available. It’s easy to get caught up in materials, brand names, and grain counts, but the most critical distinction is the type of projectile. The two most common bullets for handguns and rifles are full metal jacket and hollow point.

Full metal jacket rounds have softcore and hardshell material. The core is typically lead, while the jacket material can vary. This ammunition option is very affordable, but they don’t offer as much kinetic energy retention.

Hollowpoint rounds, on the other hand, offer far more bullet expansion. These rounds are more of an investment and pack a more serious punch. Pick up hollow point rounds for your defense handgun or hunting rifle.

Shotguns have the option of slugs or shot. A shot is numbered based on the pellets’ size, with a higher number referring to a smaller pellet diameter. Any No. 7 or higher shot is best for hunting fowl and small game, while No. 6 and undershot are great for hunting deer, hogs, or self-defense.

Target Practice Options

The shooting range is a great place to sight-in your handgun, practice your aim before hunting season, or just de-stress with your friends. You’re not interested in taking down a trophy buck, so target practice rounds don’t have to be the best bullets on the market.

Look for affordable options before hitting the range. Choose the applicable caliber or gauge for your firearm and find a discounted option. Full metal jacket rounds are typically the way to go.

Hunting Ammunition

No one wants to wound an animal. Not only does this cause unnecessary suffering, but it also requires you to track down a wounded animal. Use the right hunting ammunition for a clean kill every time you take a shot.

You need plenty of retained kinetic energy and bullet expansion to take down your target. Choose a hollow point round to take down any size of the animal. These rounds expand more than full metal jacket alternatives. This gives you the stopping power you need for a reliable, humane kill.

Personal Defense Rounds

Ideally, you’ll never have to use personal defense ammunition in a real-world scenario. You should routinely practice with your firearm to make sure you and your family are safe. In an emergency, the types of ammunition you should have on hand are hollow point rounds. Shotgun owners should look for buckshot options with large pellets. This ammunition gives you the necessary power to stop an assailant or dangerous animal.

Find the Right Ammunition at Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range

At Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range., we not only have the practice bullets you need for a day at the firing range, but we have the indoor firing range you deserve in Massachusetts. Check out our specials today to find the new and used firearms, ammunition, and accessories you need. Prepare your firearm for a full day at the firing range or an adrenaline-pumping hunt. Select the right ammunition for the proper application with the help of your dedicated team at Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range.

Shooting Range Tips for Beginners

A day at a shooting range can be an exciting solo event or a great way to bond with a group. Whether you’re an avid gun enthusiast or still need to learn how to shoot a gun, use these basic tips to prepare for your first trip to a shooting range and find a quality range in Massachusetts. Schedule a group event or hit the range on your own to learn more about fun, safe shooting.

Apply Gun Safety Practices

There are four basic principles of gun safety. If you’ve never handled a gun or never been taught how to properly handle one, you may endanger yourself and those around you. Follow these rules, and you can enjoy a very safe day at the shooting range:

• Verify your target and that there is a safe backstop behind it.

• Never put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to fire.

• Treat every firearm as a loaded weapon.

• Don’t take aim until you’re at the firing line and your line of fire is clear.

These may sound basic, but they are critical to keeping you and your party safe. Handling a firearm and not following these rules puts everyone around you in danger.

Select the Right First-Time Pistol

The sheer amount of firearms available can be bewildering to first-time firearm users. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your access to firearms, try to select a large version of a small-caliber pistol.

For example, a larger model of a .22 caliber pistol has the least amount of recoil. A compact 9 mm, .22 caliber, or .38 caliber pistol may seem like the most convenient option, but the small frame of the firearm makes the recoil seem more intense.

Wear the Proper Attire

Shooting practice may not feel like an active sport, but you should still wear active clothing to the range. Stray cartridges can fly back toward you or toward your feet, so pants and closed-toed shoes are essential. V-neck shirts are another common issue at the range. While rare, a stray cartridge could be sent toward your collar area, causing burns or discomfort if wearing a V-neck shirt.

Join a Shooting Range Group or Bring a Friend

Target shooting is a group event. Plan to make a friend if you go alone or, if you’re unsure about your first trip to a range, bring along an experienced friend. A friend who knows the ropes can help prepare you and assist you in selecting the best firearm and local range for your first shooting range experience.

A trip to the shooting range is a great idea for a bachelor party, company trip, or other group events. Bond with your friends or make new ones while taking aim at targets with your favorite firearm. Traveling to a local shooting range is safer than setting up your own range, particularly as a first-time shooter. It’s also a convenient place to get all the safety training you need to safely, confidently handle a firearm.

Choose a Quality Shooting Range in Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a range in West Springfield, stop by Hot Brass. Enjoy spacious 90-foot lanes, take a safety class, and learn rifle shooting tips at our quality location. Contact us to learn more about our range or to schedule a class or trip to the range to take aim at targets in a comfortable and safe shooting area near you.

Featured Image: LightField Studios / Shutterstock

10 Guns Every Hunter Should Own

Find out what the professionals use when they prepare for the hunt. Whether you’re stalking deer or hunting other game, here are the top 10 guns for hunting. 

1. L.C. Smith

A sturdy shotgun with a long history, the L.C. Smith is a reliable option for hunters. The dependable design of this shotgun has been a winner for avid hunters and first-time sportsmen for years.

2. Hawken Rifle

Another classic, a Hawken rifle is a timeless option. Choose it if you’re looking for a piece that’s equal parts display and practical hunting tool.

3. Browning Superposed

Browning offers a smoothbore called a Superposed. This classic was one of the first two patents for over/under shotguns. You can’t order a new Browning made in the United States, so this rifle will be custom-ordered in Belgium.

4. Ruger 10/22

A 10-shot rotary magazine, simple assembly, and affordable design make the Ruger 10/22 a common option for hunters, both young and old. Pick up this surprisingly accurate .22 for taking down small game. It’s easy to handle, easy to clean, and easy to love.

5. Winchester Model 94

The Model 94 has a reputation as one of the best American hunting rifles. This timeless deer rifle has been taking down bucks and does for generations, making it one of the best rifles to own for hunters. It’s simple, affordable, and ready to hit the hunting grounds.

6. Remington Model 870

Pick up a Model 870 to enjoy a pump-action that’s been produced since 1950. This dependable smoothbore offers fast shots, a clean action, and a versatile design capable of taking down ducks, turkeys, and other game.

7. Smith & Wesson Model 29

You may be surprised to see a handgun on the list, but hunting handguns are surprisingly effective at taking down targets at close range. The Model 29 is just one example of a heavy-duty handgun. It’s capable of firing at 1,400 feet per second, giving you a powerful firearm at 50 yards.

8. Ruger No. 1

When you take a Ruger hunting, a single shot is all you need. The Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot rifle that weighs in at 7.5 pounds with a 13.5-inch length of pull. A 20-inch barrel and beautiful stock give you the perfect package for carefully lining up a killing shot.

9. Winchester Model 70

Pick up 44 inches of pure hunting machine. This bolt-action rifle offers the classic look that has made it famous. Choose a  Winchester Model 70, load up the three-round magazine, chamber a round, and take aim with the sightless simplicity of a true hunter’s rifle.

10. Remington Model 700

Compare the many available calibers of the Remington Model 700 to determine the best option for your hunting situation. There are many other accessories and variations to choose from, so the Model 700 is a great option for hunters who have precise personal preferences.

Come Check Out Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range

Ask 10 hunters for their favorite hunting firearm, and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. This top 10 list represents popular and classy options, but it’s up to you to choose the best hunting guns for your game and your hunting strategy. When it’s time for a new hunting season, head on over to Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range to prepare the right way!

Featured Image: ESOlex / Shutterstock

10 Best First Handguns for Beginners

Pick up a new handgun today to start a new hobby or prepare for self-defense. Whether you’re preparing to hit the range or protect your family in an emergency, compare these 10 best beginner handgun options today.

1. Mossberg MC1sc

The Mossberg MC1sc is a single-stack subcompact 9mm pistol. At first glance, it does look a little different than some of the other single-stack pistols it is competing with. The first thing you’ll notice is the grip texture. Instead of having a texture around the whole grip, it has an upper section that wraps around the back and a lower section that wraps around the front. So you wind up having grip texture where middle and ring finger wraps around the grip. You also have grip texture in the palm of your hand but not on you purlicue (between your thumb and index.)

2. Smith and Wesson 686+

Pick up a Smith and Wesson 686+ for your first revolver. Pack up to seven .357 or .38 Special rounds. The optional four-inch barrel prevents excess recoil but makes it more difficult to carry. While not many revolvers made the list, it’s no surprise that one of them is a Smith and Wesson.

3. Heckler and Koch VP9

Introduced in 2014, the VP9 uses a polymer frame that houses the magazine and fire control group. The VP9 is sleek and modern looking, in part due to a complete lack of a hammer at the rear of the gun. The handgun has modular ergonomics—that is, the backstrap and grip panels can be replaced to create a pistol that feels more comfortable in a smaller or larger hand, with a thicker or thinner grip. The pistol comes with three backstrap panels and six grip panels, allowing for twenty-seven different ergonomic configurations. A three-dot, glow-in-the-dark sight prepares you for low-light shooting situations.

4. Kahr CW9

Another popular striker-fired pistol, the Kahr CW9 is one of the lightest handguns for beginners. Weighing in just under one pound, this convenient handgun is a great carrying option. You won’t have to worry about jams with this intuitive pistol.

5. Beretta PX4 Storm

The best beginner pistol should have an automatic firing pin block. This prevents the firing pin from accidental discharge while it's holstered, so the Beretta PX4 should be on any beginner pistol list.

6. Smith and Wesson M&P 380 Shield

The Smith and Wesson M&P 380 Shield excels as a starter pistol. An audible trigger reset feature prevents accidental discharge, while the small rear grip cuts assist new firearm owners in safely aiming this pistol. A white dot sight and angled grip are convenient for taking aim. All these features are packed into a reliable Smith and Wesson design.

7. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 9mm

In 2016, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P M2.0, an improved second generation of the M&P. They’ve now brought the M2.0 improvements into the whole line that stretches from 5-inch guns aimed more at the competition crowd to the compact Shield, which has been hugely popular with both Law Enforcement and the concealed-carry market.

8. Sig Sauer P320

There’s a reason the U.S. Army chose the Sig Sauer P320 as a sidearm for military personnel. There are many interchangeable components, making it easy to adjust the grip size and design to fit your hand. This popular firearm also has no external safety or decocking lever to snag on your holster or belt as you draw it.

9. Ruger LCR9

Another revolver that makes the top 10 list, the Ruger LCR9 is a snub-nosed option, unlike the Smith and Wesson 686+. A long trigger pull comes from the double-action-only trigger. A snub nose increases the recoil but gives you a smaller handgun for more convenient handling.

10. Springfield XD

Last, though certainly not least, is the Springfield XS Mod 2 Service Model. This popular pistol is a striker fire with aggressive grip texturing, sleek design, and comes from a highly popular and reliable manufacturer.

Shop for Handguns Today Now that you have a better understanding of the top 10 popular handguns, it’s time to go shopping. Shop for handguns today to compare prices, specifications, and ammunition for leading concealed carry or target practice options. Keep your household safe or enjoy a fun hobby taking aim at the target range with the best small firearms at Guns Inc.