Recreational shooting is another way to legally use firearms in the United States.
One form of recreational shooting is known as plinking.
Shooters should be aware of local laws and regulations.
For example, shooting is prohibited within 150 feet of a residence, building, campsite, occupied area, on or across a road or across a body of water.
Shooting in caves is also prohibited, although it is beyond this writer why anyone would discharge a firearm in a cave.
In short, shooting is prohibited anywhere a person or property may be exposed to injury or damage.
Discharging firearms after dark is also prohibited.
Millions of people legally use firearms regularly for recreation.
Firearms are not simply for use in protection of life or property, combat situations or even self-defense.
Many shooters simply engage in an informal target shooting called "plinking", which uses cans, bottles or even water-filled balloons as targets.
The targets are placed downrange and the shooter simply takes aim at the target and squeezes the trigger.
Plinking is a fun way to get the feel of the firearm in a comfortable location without the costs or effort required to schedule a formal shoot at many ranges.
Plinking may be accomplished with handguns, long guns or shotguns.
The term plinking comes from the sound that a smaller projectile makes when striking the target.
Another reason for the popularity of plinking is shooting freedom.
Many ranges place restrictions on the number of rounds to be fired, the caliber of the ammunition, and have an hourly rate.
Plinking affords the shooter additional options that a formal range may not.
Shooting rounds in rapid-fire succession, shooting other targets, and checking their targets whenever they like are some luxuries of plinking versus the controls of the range officer.
Readers may note that safety is never compromised while discharging a firearm in any circumstance, regardless of formality.
Plinkers also have the freedom to choose their own targets.
Many of the targets chosen for plinking are readily available and inexpensive.
Virtually anything may be used as a target for plinking.
One advantage over paper targets, for example, is while the paper target indicates a hit, and where that hit is, it is difficult to run down range to see the target.
An empty soda can reacts violently when struck by the projectile, so a need for a trip downrange is eliminated (except for cleanup).
Opponents to plinking have well-founded arguments that may easily be overcome by a responsible shooter.
Choosing appropriate targets, cleaning up expended cartridges and targets, ensuring a safe backdrop and securing the landowner's permission should eliminate most concerns.
As always, however, regardless of one's shooting environment, safety is paramount.
Shooting glasses, hearing protection and general common sense will allow a responsible shooter to shoot another day.
One form of recreational shooting is known as plinking.
Shooters should be aware of local laws and regulations.
For example, shooting is prohibited within 150 feet of a residence, building, campsite, occupied area, on or across a road or across a body of water.
Shooting in caves is also prohibited, although it is beyond this writer why anyone would discharge a firearm in a cave.
In short, shooting is prohibited anywhere a person or property may be exposed to injury or damage.
Discharging firearms after dark is also prohibited.
Millions of people legally use firearms regularly for recreation.
Firearms are not simply for use in protection of life or property, combat situations or even self-defense.
Many shooters simply engage in an informal target shooting called "plinking", which uses cans, bottles or even water-filled balloons as targets.
The targets are placed downrange and the shooter simply takes aim at the target and squeezes the trigger.
Plinking is a fun way to get the feel of the firearm in a comfortable location without the costs or effort required to schedule a formal shoot at many ranges.
Plinking may be accomplished with handguns, long guns or shotguns.
The term plinking comes from the sound that a smaller projectile makes when striking the target.
Another reason for the popularity of plinking is shooting freedom.
Many ranges place restrictions on the number of rounds to be fired, the caliber of the ammunition, and have an hourly rate.
Plinking affords the shooter additional options that a formal range may not.
Shooting rounds in rapid-fire succession, shooting other targets, and checking their targets whenever they like are some luxuries of plinking versus the controls of the range officer.
Readers may note that safety is never compromised while discharging a firearm in any circumstance, regardless of formality.
Plinkers also have the freedom to choose their own targets.
Many of the targets chosen for plinking are readily available and inexpensive.
Virtually anything may be used as a target for plinking.
One advantage over paper targets, for example, is while the paper target indicates a hit, and where that hit is, it is difficult to run down range to see the target.
An empty soda can reacts violently when struck by the projectile, so a need for a trip downrange is eliminated (except for cleanup).
Opponents to plinking have well-founded arguments that may easily be overcome by a responsible shooter.
Choosing appropriate targets, cleaning up expended cartridges and targets, ensuring a safe backdrop and securing the landowner's permission should eliminate most concerns.
As always, however, regardless of one's shooting environment, safety is paramount.
Shooting glasses, hearing protection and general common sense will allow a responsible shooter to shoot another day.
SHARE
