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/ozril]

Make sure it's properly seating into your shoulder, that you have a proper cheekweld, and a proper stance. Those 3 things help mitigate felt recoil. It's the difference between being pushed by the gun, and being punched by it.

[u/millercanadian → u/ozril]

Definitely worth making sure OP is aware of the importance of holding the rifle snug to his shoulder.

[u/Scary-Detail-3206 → u/millercanadian]

I’ve seen way too many newbs not seat the rifle properly against their shoulder. OP: you want to absorb that recoil force with your whole upper body mass. Press the buttstock firmly against your shoulder to eat up the recoil

[u/Western_Wish4280 → u/ozril]

I think i got "kicked" by it