With loud gunshot sounds, my heart skipped a beat faster within the first few seconds inside the firing room. But excitement suddenly rushed in as we were led by one of the instructors of Stronghand Shooting Range for a brief preview of the basic firing course.
Toxic-free Shooting
Stronghand Shooting Range is the first toxic-free indoor shooting range in the country. Not only do they have a toxic-free ammunition, the place is equipped with HEPA filter and turbine air exchanger eliminating the smoky smell after shooting. Also, the firing room is fully air-conditioned.
Shooting Gears
Before entering the firing room, we wore ear muffs and protective eye glasses. If you have personal eye glasses, no need to use the ones they provide. We used the .45 caliber pistol because their 9mm pistols were used in training. 9mm pistols are the ones recommended for beginners. A target board was also handed to us.
Our Instructor
We were led by Mr. Randy Nanadiego. He is a member of the National Range Officer Institute (NROI) and Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA). He is very much knowledgeable and even taught us some of the basic laws concerning guns. He incorporates humor in his teaching and even encourages us to ask questions.
Four Rules of Gun Safety
For our basic target shooting briefing, the four rules of gun safety were first discussed as follows:
- You always consider a gun as loaded.
- Unless you are ready to fire, keep your finger off the trigger.
- Do not point the muzzle of a gun towards anything that you do not intend to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and its surroundings.
Down Range and Up Range
Down Range is the area where you stand and do the actual shooting. Up Range is the entire area beyond the down range where target boards are placed.
Shooting Basics
Basic parts of the gun and even of the bullet were mentioned. We were then taught of the following:
- Proper handling of pistol.
- Loading the magazine with bullets and putting the magazine to the pistol.
- Right technique of firing the pistol to better hit the target.
- Sight alignment and knowing your dominant eye.
- Appropriate stance when shooting.
- Clearing the pistol.
We tried 10 rounds each at distances of 5 and 10 meters. With one foot in front of the other (if you are right handed, right foot is at the back), lean your upper body a little bit. Holding the pistol, your left hand serves as a support and should be really tight to avoid the gun slipping from your grasp with recoil.
Straighten your arms. Aiming the target, leave only your dominant eye open. As you are ready to fire, place your finger on the trigger but do not pull it right away. As our instructor puts it, never pull the trigger but squeeze it. Like shooting a digital camera, press the trigger halfway and then finally, pull it. If you immediately pull the trigger, chances are, you’ll miss more your target.
Insider Tips
- Bring a government issued ID.
- 9mm caliber pistol is recommended for beginners (reduced sound and recoil impact).
- Remember, do not pull the trigger! Squeeze the trigger!
- You can bring your own licensed gun.
- You will be given a certification after completion of the course.
- There is a ladies’ shoot every Wednesday, 50% off on range fee and firearm rental.
- They have a café where you can buy food.
- Lockers are provided.
- Some stuff you can buy from them:
- Other Reminders:
Overall
It was definitely a blast for me! It was extremely fun. Though I felt initially nervous because it was my first time, I immediately got excited afterwards. The staff and instructors were very knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging. The facilities of Stronghand Shooting Range are also highly commendable. If you want to try this sport, I certainly recommend Stronghand Shooting Range.
Stronghand Shooting Range
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 10AM-7PM, Sun: 10AM-5PM
Address: La Défense, 1660 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City, Metro Manila
Contact Nos.: (632) 721-7174 | (63927) 424-3855
Website: http://stronghandshootingrange.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stronghandshootingrange
Disclosure: This basic target shooting course is courtesy of Stronghand Shooting Range. Nevertheless, I wrote this article with my own insights influenced by my personal experience.
My dad plans to enroll me on basic firing course, as a girl I need to know how to protect myself and know some basic self defense.
Wow! That’s great to hear 🙂 You will for surely have fun at Stronghand 🙂
You have a good aim! 😊 I miss firing! My dad was the one who taught me how to fire a gun when I was in elementary. It was so unforgettable because I was too proud to wear ear muffs. My ear rang for days 😂
xoxo,
Mirriam || https://mirriamdictionary.wordpress.com/
Thank you! 😊 Wow, you’re so brave! Can’t imagine doing it as young as you did. Hope you can visit the place with your dad 😁
Once I gave birth , I will really try the shooting range here in Pampanga. It’s one of my goals to fire a gun because I had a fear in them and I want to get the courage in holding them.
Wow this is so interesting! I personally am scared of guns hahaha. Don’t think I’ll be trying this in the future but looks like you had fun! 😀
Woah coool. I’ve never tried shooting a gun before and I’m pretty sure you had a bang! :)) You were even able to hit the green spot, maybe there’s a police or spy blood running in your veins :))
Intense! ✨😮 The Dauntless training with firearms. I’ve been planning to try archery but gun shooting is another level. Ever felt you were Tris hile firing the gun? 😁
Personally, I’m against guns. But if it’s for something like this, it looks really exciting and fun.
This is sooo cooland interesting but my parents won’t allow me. Sad 🙁
I will going to recommend this to a friend. And, maybe it’s worth a try to enroll this. Yey!
So great that you got to try it! The only gun I’ve held is my lolo’s, and I’d love to try one for myself. Must be all the CSI binge watching growing up.
Such a cool, fun and…. a bit scary experience! hehe I wanna try shooting too! Hindi ba sya scary? haha Hindi kaba tatalsik sa lakas ng impact nung gun? *praning mode* But I’d really love to try this. Thanks for sharing your experience, at least I already have an idea of it. 🙂
Times like these, I believe one must know how to use a gun. It’s one way of self defense but be a responsible gun-owner too, For starter, I am just right to learn the art of shooting at Stronghand shooting range. How much per session?
I seriously want to try this!! Great post indeed!! 🙂 Quite informative!! 🙂
Cheers!
Saswati from http://www.exploreitmyway.com
Good afternoon po gusto ko mag attend ng training seminar and how much cost.
Hi! How much the basic (1 session) and advanced (5 sessions)? How long (duration) of the seminar in 1 session basic and advanced?