Five Ways Shooting Makes You a Better Person
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Call us biased, but here at Grycol we believe that recreational shooting is good medicine for the mind, body and soul. Not only are there a number of physical benefits to getting outside and enjoying the sport, but we reckon it does a world of good for strengthening character and integrity as well. Shooting aids in building discipline, sportsmanship, and confidence in one’s own abilities, and a number of life lessons can be taken from the sport. So without further ado, enjoy our top five ways that shooting makes you a better person. How many of these do you identify with? 1. Shooting teaches responsibility Handling a firearm means putting on your big boy pants and taking responsibility for your own safety as well as the safety of those around you. One of the first lessons taught to youngsters learning to shoot involves instilling a healthy respect for firearms and the potential for harm involved in their use. That being said, operating a firearm is no different to operating any other potentially lethal tool or machine, and as such there are proper procedures that you are expected to follow on the range, in the field, and at home when cleaning, maintaining and storing your firearm. As a result, shooters generally develop a deeper sense of responsibility and self-awareness – life skills that come in handy across the board. If you can be trusted with a firearm, there’s not much that you can’t be trusted with. |
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2. Shooting incentivises good behaviour Like it or not, firearm ownership is a privilege in this country, and one that’s rightly reserved for law abiding citizens. If there was ever a reason to behave yourself, it’s knowing that a criminal record of any kind may result in permanent revocation of your licence, and consequently - the devastating loss of your weekends at the range with your mates. For many of us, it’s our livelihood on the line - and with so much to lose, it can be argued shooters are likely to think more carefully about their actions, and more avidly avoid misdemeanours. This is especially true when you consider the lengthy process involved in obtaining your licence in the first place 3. Shooting encourages open-mindedness If you’re a shooter you probably know what it’s like to have a snap judgement made about you. This alone can be enough to make you think twice next time you have opportunity to pass judgement on somebody else. Although sport shooting is growing rapidly in this country, a number of Aussies still nurse reservations when it comes to firearms. Thankfully though, us shooters have thick skin, and often end up more tolerant people for it. Many of us feel that time spent among the shooting community has broadened our perspective. We now find ourselves choosing to postpone judgement, and educate ourselves before forming an opinion. This probably also means you’re more likely to step out of your comfort zone and try new things – after all, isn’t that how you found shooting? |
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4. Shooting highlights the value of hard work Like anything, shooting requires concentration, discipline and practice, practice, practice if you want to improve. The more hours you put in at the range the faster your skills will grow, and there’s no better feeling than seeing your hard work start to pay off. A number of shooters have said to me that one of the things they love about their sport is the element of competition – not only against other people but against themselves as well. From novice to seasoned shooter, as your skill develops so does the desire to improve your results and top your personal best. Smashing your goals as a result of a hard slog also helps build confidence in your own abilities. Discovering what you are capable of when you put your mind to something can encourage you to apply the same grit and determination in other areas of your life too. 5. Shooters are happier (and probably more fun) Shooters everywhere have known this for years, but in 2019 it was confirmed in a report commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Health. Recreational hunters and shooters are happier and healthier people! The research indicated that these groups experience greater than average health and wellbeing benefits due to their participation in the sport. There are a number of reasons this may be the case, but the exercise and the mateship are the first to spring to mind. Many shooters also spend a lot of quality time with family, as the love of the sport is passed down through generations.
There are so many reasons to get involved and enjoy the many benefits of recreational shooting. So if you've never tried it, we highly reccommend giving it a go. You can thank us later.
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