JUMPING TARGETS: SECOND AMENDMENT COMMENTARY

Jumping Targets features the top gun safety rules when shooting targets.

Safe Direction– Always keep guns pointed in a safe direction. If there is any kind of accident, it will not cause damage or an accidental injury. This means never pointing a gun – whether loaded or unloaded– at a person.

Trigger– Always keep fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, even if the trigger guard is on.

Unload– Always keep guns loaded until ready to shoot the weapon at gun targets. Confirm that the chamber is clear of all ammunition and the gun is safe to handle and use.

Storing– When storing guns, there are several rules that the National Rifle Association recommends, which are highlighted below:

• Target – Know where the steel gun or paper targets  are located and what is beyond the targets. Pay attention to any areas past the target. Never fire in areas around people, which means thinking first and always shooting second.
• Safety– Always handle guns with safety and respect. Constantly check the safety and action, removing any ammunition from the magazine or gun. A gun’s mechanical safety device is not foolproof, which is why all gun owners should make it a habit to regularly check guns by hand.
• Operation– Guns require regular maintenance or they can become inoperable and unsafe to shoot.
• Ammunition– Guns have specific ammunition. For example, pellets, BBS, shells and cartridges are designed for specific weapons. The ammunition type is stamped on the barrel of each gun. Ammunition is identified by information stamped on the cartridge or the box. Never shoot a gun unless the proper ammunition is used.
• Protection– Always wear ear and eye protection when practicing shooting guns. There are some exceptions, such as when hunting, when sight and hearing are vital for helping hone hunting skills.
• Substances– Do not use over-the-counter, alcohol, prescription or other drugs before, during or while shooting. This is the same for handling weapons, as this is unsafe and is the cause of accidental deaths and injuries.
• Storing Guns– Always store guns in areas that cannot be accessed by unauthorized people. There are many storage devices on today’s market, including locking devices that attach to guns, mechanical devices, mechanical safeties that are built into guns and much more.
• Cleaning– Regular cleaning is required to ensure that guns operate and perform properly. Guns require cleaning every time they are used to help prevent build up.

For guns that are stored long-term, it is important to check for accumulated moisture, dirt, oil, grease or other build up that can affect guns operational qualities.

GUN TARGETS: DIFFERENT SHOOTING STANCES

When shooting handguns, there are many different shooting stances to take into consideration. Jumping Targets specializes in developing, creating and selling top-rated shooting targets. They provide information about the two significant upright shooting stances.

THE ISOSCELES

This stance is a common beginning-shooting stance. It provides comprehensive overage in nearly all directions, as it allows the upper body to easily rotate.

Shooting  Target

• Shooters should face steel gun targets with their feet approximately shoulder width apart.
• Knees should have a slight bend in them.
• The handgun should be fully extended, while keeping the target in between the gun’s sights, arms both straight, and locked.
• Shoulders are squared, while the arms form a solid isosceles triangle.

 This two-handed stance is the first shooting stance in most firearm training and safety classes. In particular, this stance is simple and easy to remember under duress.

THE WEAVER

Military, police and self defense advocates frequently use the Weaver position. It allows for an increase in accuracy while offering the convenience of a smaller, narrower profile. The stance is also commonly viewed on TV because it is more professional.

Gun  Targets

• With feet remaining shoulder width apart, place the dominant leg slightly back into a boxer-like stance.
• Angle the support arm’s shoulder toward the gun targets.
• Bend knees slightly, while keeping body weight leaning slightly forward.
• Grasping the gun with both hands, use opposing pressure.
• Bend both elbows, with the support elbow pointing downward.

An interesting fact is that Jack Weaver developed this gun stance in the late 1950s. He was the first person to use a two-handed grip that included opposite tension with both hands. His push/pull grip stance helped to improve shooter’s speed, accuracy and stability. This stance was rapidly adopted for self-defense shooting, as it was quickly recognized for its numerous benefits.

There is one additional stance, which is taught at self-defense academies. It is sometimes referred to as the “Tactical” stance because special forces and tactical units use this modified stance, as it helps to keep body armor facing forward, rather than exposing vulnerable body parts to criminals.

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Place the strong leg slightly behind the weak leg.
• Keeping shoulders squared, aim at the target.
• Grasping the handgun, use opposing pressure with both hands.
• Lock the shooting arm forward, keep the support arm bent, elbow close to the body and point down.