Learning the ABC’S to shooting – Ammo, Bang, and (re)Coil.
Learn from my mistakes #137 – Having the right ammo makes shooting more fun.
There’s a lot of industry language, and if you’re new to firearms it can be ‘just one more’ thing to make you feel unsure, filled with anxiety and well, like you know nothing.
So, let’s start at the beginning, with our ABC’s as it were
I get it. No one wants to sound dumb, or vulnerable. But we all start with little knowledge at the beginning of our journey. Whether it’s a new sport like golf or tennis or even driving a car.
I know from personal experience that it can be a bit intimidating as a woman, to walk into a gun range or store, by yourself (and no friend for moral support).
I think many stores now realize that the female shopper makes up the fastest growing demographic and if they ignore you, they are missing out on a loyal shopper. This is good news and I hope encouraging to all the new female shooters and new gun owners!
With that, let’s get started with A for AMMO
As you’ve heard “knowledge is power”, so here’ a bit of ammunition knowledge.
Incognito Wear IX is a founder member of The Woman’s Concealed Carry Alliance. The WCCA is a group of women entrepreneurs coming together to help women in their concealed carry journey. T1 Ammo is our newest member. Yep, female owned!
The casing is the outer metal piece of the cartridge that contains the primer and the powder. Casings metals matter and can affect the recoil. See photo for more information.
Understanding your ammunition caliber and grain can make a difference on how quickly you’re able to get back on target after a shot and how much recoil (or kick) you feel after pulling the trigger.
If you’re new to shooting, you may find that starting with a smaller caliber pistol, like a .22, is a great introduction. Not much noise or “kick” (recoil). You’ll love shooting this firearm! It’s easy to handle and has minimal recoil. “Think” bb gun.
And given the current shortage of ammunition, this is one caliber of ammo you’re likely to find!
Another important fact is to have the right caliber of ammunition for your firearm (there are a few exceptions but you get the point). This is so important that gun manufactures stamp the type of cartridge on the barrel and / or on the slide. So, if you’re ever unsure, look for this information.
B for BANG!
The gunpowder burns hot and quick and high-pressure gas is created, explodes and forces the projectile (bullet) down and out of the barrel… with a B-A-N-G!
Another factor to bang and recoil of shooting is how much does the actual bullet weigh? The part that explodes out of the muzzle and hits the target. This is where Grain comes in. The heavier the bullet, the more force it takes to have it leave the muzzle and thus we must have an equal and opposite motion… and we feel the recoil.
“The grain is the number next to bullet caliber that refers to the actual weight of the bullet. Some common 9mm grains are 115 GR, 124 GR and 147 GR. The grain coupled with the amount of powder impacts the felt-recoil. The higher the grain, the heavier the bullet which means the lower the felt recoil. A happy medium for most is usually the 124 grain.” (T1 Ammo)
C is for (re) COIL
To assist with recoil management, make sure you have a good proper grip. The webbing between your thumb and index finger should be up as high as possible on the back or “beaver tail” but it must be just below where the slide racks backwards, it won’t take your skin with it.
Wrap fingers around the grip firmly with your strong hand. Using your support hand conversely wrap around the grip.
A good grip with keeping your wrist/arms firm and stiff allow the firearm to do it’s thing (recycle to load another round). Chances are if you don’t have a good grip it’s possible that recoil could get knocked out of your hands.
You’re on your way to having more fun at the range know that you’re armed with more knowledge.
Remember your ABC’s – having the right AMMO, produces the right BANG while managing the (re)COIL.
Have fun, stay safe!
