What is it like shooting a gun.

[Blackbeltblonde]

Needless to say, the bruise on her shoulder lasted nearly as long as the bruise on her butt.

LOL That's hystarical!

~BBB

[ShotokanKid]

I'll add... it's really fun.

There's a loud pop and a bright flash, and the gun jumps.

[Conqueror]

Shooting a gun is a very enjoyable and rewarding experience IMO. I think it's also very practical knowledge that serves every person well.

I personally own a number of firearms and enjoy teaching my noob friends how to use them. As others have said, it's all about safety. When I teach groups of new shooters, I tell them right off the bat that if they make a single mistake they will be sitting down for the rest of the day. A single mistake could cost someone their life, so it is a little nerve-wracking to shoot for the first time, but once you get used to it, it's a blast (forgive the pun).

I generally prefer shotguns, but rifle and pistol are great fun too!

CQ

[patusai]

The first time, at least I found, that first shot throws you back into the day before yesterday

[Sohan]

It's an extreme feeling of power with the first shot that morphs into a sense of tremendous responsibility.

My dad taught me to shoot and I plan to teach my son, if for nothing more than to show respect for a firearm.

Respectfully,

Sohan

[UseoForce]

Eveyone should know how to operate a firearm. If not for self-defense, at least for outright safety! That tricky disarm you just pulled off means nothing if you accidently shoot yourself after taking the gun.

[KF Dude]

What is it like shooting a gun. I have never shot a gun.

It wasn't until I was in the Army did I first fire a rifle. Not knowing what to expect I was surprised at how little of a kick a M16A2 has.

[UseoForce]

What is it like shooting a gun. I have never shot a gun.

It wasn't until I was in the Army did I first fire a rifle. Not knowing what to expect I was surprised at how little of a kick a M16A2 has.

Most semi-autos have a light recoil.

[TigerDude]

Most semi-autos have a light recoil.I don't think you can make that generalization. A .308 or 30-06 semi-auto will have plenty of kick, especially for the inexperienced. As for handguns, .45's, .40 cals, & even a hot 9mm round will have plenty of kick. A shorter barrel or lighter gun will make it worse for handguns.

[UseoForce]

Most semi-autos have a light recoil.I don't think you can make that generalization. A .308 or 30-06 semi-auto will have plenty of kick, especially for the inexperienced. As for handguns, .45's, .40 cals, & even a hot 9mm round will have plenty of kick. A shorter barrel or lighter gun will make it worse for handguns.Handguns are a separate issue.

Perhaps I mis-spoke. A .308 or .30-06 auto will still have plenty of recoil, but noticably less than a bolt action version of the same caliber.

And obviously there are other factors: weight, barrel length, porting...