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Hasan Harnett

New Shooters' Top 10 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)


Reimagine Splinter Cell aiming at a target indoors, ultra-detailed scene, 8K, --ar 16:9
Re-imagine Splinter Cell aiming at a target indoors, ultra-detailed scene, 8K, --ar 16:9 Image By Dragun Defense

10 Common Newbie Mistakes

As someone who's been in the shooting game for quite some time, I've seen many mistakes that new shooters make. And trust me, these mistakes can be costly in terms of time and money.


When it comes to shooting, newbies often make mistakes that can be costly in terms of both time and money. These errors can lead to missed opportunities and wasted resources, from poor aim to mishandled equipment. It's crucial to take the time to learn proper techniques and safety measures to avoid these setbacks. By investing in education and training, new shooters can save themselves a lot of frustration and avoidable expenses.


That's why I've compiled this list: New Shooters' Top 10 Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them).


1. Lack of Proper Safety Measures

New shooters often get too excited and forget about the importance of safety measures. This can lead to accidents and injuries, which are harmful and legal troubles. So, ensure you follow all the safety rules and regulations and never compromise on safety.


2. Poor Grip

Proper grip is essential to getting the most out of your shooting experience. A weak or improper grip can cause you to lose gun control, leading to inaccurate shots. So, practice your grip and hold the gun firmly and steadily.


3. Inaccurate Aim

One of the most common mistakes new shooters make is the inaccurate aim. Inaccurate aiming usually happens when you need to align your sights properly. Take your time, aim carefully, and don't rush your shots.


4. Trigger Control

Another common mistake new shooters make is poor trigger control. Poor trigger control can cause you to flinch or jerk the trigger, leading to inaccurate shots. Practice pulling the trigger slowly and smoothly; don't anticipate the recoil.


5. Improper Stance

Your stance plays a crucial role in your shooting accuracy. A poor stance can cause you to lose balance and control, leading to inaccurate shots. Practice standing in a stable and comfortable position, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed.


6. Lack of Patience

Shooting is not a race; it's a skill that takes time and practice to develop. New shooters often get frustrated when they don't see immediate results, leading to rushed and inaccurate shots. Be patient, take your time, and focus on perfecting your technique.


7. Overconfidence

While confidence is essential, overconfidence can be dangerous. New shooters often get too confident too quickly, leading to careless mistakes and accidents. Be assured, but always remain mindful of safety and proper technique.


8. Lack of Practice

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true in shooting. New shooters often don't practice enough, leading to slow progress and inconsistent results. Dedicate time to regular practice and make it a habit.


9. Not Seeking Professional Guidance

Shooting is a complex skill that requires proper guidance and instruction. New shooters often try to learn independently, leading to bad habits and inaccurate techniques. Seek professional advice and instruction to ensure you're learning the proper techniques.


10. Not Cleaning Your Gun

Proper gun maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. New shooters often need to pay more attention to cleaning their guns, leading to malfunctions and inaccurate shots. Make sure to clean your gun regularly and properly to avoid any issues.


In conclusion, shooting is fun and exciting but requires proper technique, safety measures, and practice. Avoid these common mistakes and focus on perfecting your skills, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and responsible shooter.



Written by Hasan Harnett

Hasan Harnett, Defense Coach, Instructor, & Author
Hasan Harnett, Defense Coach & Author

Meet Hasan - the holistic defense coach who can help you protect yourself, loved ones, and others. With his comprehensive system integrating fitness, fighting arts, and firearms, Hasan is the leader in superior self-defense strategies, tactics and intelligence.


He'll empower you to feel less mortal and more confident in your abilities.

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