Here at TacOpShop, we hope to provide you with valuable information and tips on how to safely and responsibly handle firearms. Shooting can be a fun and exciting activity, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. That's why it's important to always be aware of the potential dangers and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. Our goal is to educate and inform individuals on the proper handling and storage of firearms, as well as the importance of following all relevant laws and regulations. We believe that with the right knowledge and attitude, anyone can enjoy shooting while also keeping themselves and others safe.

Important Aspect in Shoot Responsibly

Any person, regardless of skill level, may find something to appreciate in shooting. There is a significant level of responsibility involved in the use of weapons, and this must constantly be kept in mind. When shooting, it is important to keep yourself and others safe by familiarizing yourself with and abiding by all applicable rules and regulations.

Consider Every Firearm Loaded

Treating every firearm as though it were loaded is one of the most fundamental rules to follow when shooting. This includes keeping your finger off the trigger at all times except when you want to fire the weapon, and never pointing the gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. It's also crucial to keep an eye on your surroundings and know exactly what lies beyond your target before you fire.

Appropriate Targets

Avoid shooting at rocks as they can generate ricochets that can travel up to hundreds of yards.  Metal targets are great, but know the rating of your “gong” targets.  Many shooters have made the mistake of shooting a .22lr at a 9mm or .223 rated target, resulting in accidental ricochets when the targets don’t “give” the way they ought to due to insufficient energy.

Sight Picture

When shooting, always consider what lies beyond your target.  Backstops of earth or sand are most common, and can be found in abundance in nature.  Never shoot in a direction that might hazzard others in the event of a high shot or accidental ricochet.

Education and Training

One of the most important parts of shooting properly is educating and training new shooters. It is recommended that anyone unfamiliar with firearms enroll in a basic firearms safety course and learn the fundamentals of handling and firing the weapon. And don't forget to put in the time to practice and hone your abilities on a regular basis so that you can always be at the top of your game and ready for whatever comes your way.

Laws and Regulations

Understanding and abiding by the rules and restrictions set forth by your local, state and federal laws in regard to firearms are also important. This includes being familiar with and abiding by regulations regarding firearm sales, purchases, and possession, as well as shooting locations and times. Also, before you go out shooting, make sure you've read up on any hunting or shooting rules that apply to the area you'll be visiting.  Some states, such as Utah have specially designated tracts of land in the western desert where shooters can shoot up to 2 miles!

Respect Others

Consistent legal compliance is essential, but so is an awareness of and sensitivity to the rights of those around you. Take all essential safety measures to ensure you won't disturb your neighbors or anybody else in the area and don't put their safety at risk.  If others are not holding to proper safety procedures, its best to withdraw rather than confront them and find somewhere else to shoot.  On whole, American shooters have the utmost respect for firearms safety, don’t be turned off by the rare bad apple.

In sum, shooting is a thrilling sport that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. There is a significant level of responsibility involved in the use of weapons, and this must constantly be kept in mind. When shooting, it is important to keep yourself and others safe by familiarizing yourself with and abiding by all applicable rules and regulations. If you follow these rules, you can protect yourself and others while still having fun shooting.