First day at the range

[u/Western_Wish4280]

Hi all, it was my first day at the range and first time ever firing a firearm. I didnt expect it to be like this honestly.

So i sign up for the membership, old man there is the president of the club, he does the boresighting for me chuckles a little as he hands me back the firearm and wishes me luck.

I load three bullets in my mag and set my stuff up ready to go. Seen a few videos on how to fire a firearm before. I lock in and pull the trigger.

It was a NUKE.

I had never imagined the kick to be soooo harsh and trust me when i say it, it SHOOK ME TO THE BONE.

I was absolutely terrified and i could fathom at that moment that those who shoot on youtube (my fav is hicko45) are actually on a league wayyyyy beyond what i had placed them on.

Fired 10 rounds and packed up, cleaned my stuff and am starting towards home.

Ive trily never felt such mixed emotions before. On hand i was terrified and on the other hand, FUCK YEAHHHHHHHH.

Setup is- Tikka t3x chambered in win308, ammo used is federal 150grain soft point, scope is vortex crossfire 3-9x40mm. Recoil pad is limbsaver airtech for tikka.

Sorry for the long post. Tips are highly appreciated.

TLDR: got rekt on first time ever shooting a firearm.

[u/coniferslav]

Bro had an existential experience over a 308 lmao

[u/Western_Wish4280 → u/coniferslav]

Absolutely correct. I still cant believe my self

[u/srgtpookie → u/Western_Wish4280]

I understand you, i felt a bit in awe of the power of a common cartridge like the 308 the first time i shot one. Lucky for me i started on a 22lr for about 50 rounds before jumping to the 308.

Train on a good 22lr or some other small caliber to really take your time and breathe. After a while once you get on your 308 you'll just ride the lightning and find yourself enjoying the heck out of it, especially when you start having some good grouping downrange.

If you prefer small calibers its okay too, some of us just have a bigger ooga booga side that says "big bullet go big bang, me like big bang"

[u/Embarrassed-Egg-9671 → u/coniferslav]

If you didn't grow up around firearms, ever shoot a firearm or watch a bunch of shooting videos, you would be just as surprised as he was if your first shot was with a 308, bro.

[u/coniferslav → u/Embarrassed-Egg-9671]

My first gun was a 12 gauge Ithaca when I was 10. It wasn't that bad considering I've seen my dad shoot it plenty if times and I just copied him.

[u/Western_Wish4280 → u/Embarrassed-Egg-9671]

Absolutely true. I had not grown up with firearms, and dad doesn't play around when it comes to his guns, so how hard can it be? Well i found out today xD. Big time

[u/coniferslav → u/Western_Wish4280]

Then again my first experience shooting 7.62x39 was something. And it became my favourite calibre since.

[u/Aggressive-Many997 → u/coniferslav]

7.62x39 is a pleasure to shoot, not enough recoil to be uncomfortably jarring for long sessions, just enough to know you are shooting something with some ass behind it.

Perfection