How To: Shoot Straight

To be a good hunter, you must be a straight shooter. Once your rifle has been sighted in, follow these tips to get better at hitting the bull’s-eye.

Safety First!

Always treat every gun as if it were loaded. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Always keep the safety clicked on until you’re ready to fire. And, always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.

1. Find a knowledgeable adult to help you learn how to shoot. Ask them to take you to a shooting range — it’s the best place to practice. Locate a nearby range at mdc.mo.gov/node/6209.
2. Hold the gun steady. Sit at a shooting bench with your feet flat on the ground. Prop your elbows on the bench, place the butt of the gun firmly against your shoulder, and press your cheek tightly against the gun’s stock.
3. Look down the barrel of your gun at the target. Your gun probably has open, aperture, or telescopic sights. Figure out which kind you have and line up the sights with the target so it looks like one of these pictures. For open or aperture sights, make sure the front sight is centered — both up and down and side to side — in the rear sight.
4.  Once your sights are lined up with the target, click off the safety and place the tip of your index finger carefully on the trigger.
5. Take a deep breath and hold it for just a second. Slowly let out your breath while gently squeezing the trigger. As the gun fires, keep your cheek on the stock and your focus on the target and sights.
6. Practice, practice, practice! The more you shoot, the better you’ll become.