Month: August 2022

Whether you are a novice with a firearm or have children showing interest in learning to shoot, plinking may be for you. It teaches you gun principles like accuracy and speed shooting with no stress or competition. Follow along as we define plinking, its benefits, and safety tips.

Defining Plinking

Plinking is a term that describes recreational shooting with low-caliber rifles. It often involves shooting aluminum cans, but most objects, such as paper and pieces of wood, also work as targets. This form of target practice got its name from the “plinking” sound a can makes when hit. It is typically done more for leisure than to hone skills and often takes place in the woods, at home, or in other open spaces.

Benefits of Plinking

Plinking has many benefits, whether you are a hunter working on your accuracy, teaching your children how to shoot, or just want to have a good time with friends.

Keeps Shooting Exciting

Target practice with traditional paper targets can get repetitive. One of the many benefits of plinking is that you can keep it exciting by using nearly anything as a target, from corks to golf balls to empty bottles.

Shooting Practice/Training

Plinking can also help you brush up on your aim and accuracy. To prepare for the hunting season, you can hide targets in certain areas of the woods and practice shooting.

Inexpensive Hobby

Another advantage of plinking is that it’s an inexpensive hobby. Since you can use almost any found object as a target, you don’t have to purchase any if you don’t want to. You can also reuse most targets over and over.

Tips For Plinking Safety

Although it is informal target shooting, it is still crucial that you are safe while plinking.

Follow these three tips to practice plinking safely:

1. Define Your Shooting Area

Defining your shooting area is a priority. Before you start plinking, carefully identify and delineate the region to ensure you are in an open space that is safe and free of objects you could damage. Additionally, keep your distance from neighbors and businesses, as it can be a loud activity. You should be aware of any restrictions in the area you are shooting as well – plinking is often more feasible in rural areas.

2. Restrict Access to the Site

Another safety precaution is restricting access to your plinking site. Take measures to avoid anyone entering the line of fire, such as locking the doors when training in an enclosed area or attaching signs nearby your shooting area. You mustn’t allow children to enter during this activity unless an adult supervises them while they learn to shoot.

3. Use Steel Targets

While you can use nearly any object for plinking, steel targets are often preferred. Steel is a thick, durable material that is resistant to bullet impacts. Be wary of targets like glass bottles, as shards of glass can go flying when the bottle explodes. It is also harder to clean up a glass target than a steel one.

Shop For Your Firearms in Tucson

Whether you are a first-time gun owner or want to add a firearm to your collection, The Hub has something for everyone. Our Lakeside and Tucson locations have an extensive selection of guns, parts, and accessories ranging in price to fit any budget. We also offer various training classes related to gun ownership and self-defense.

Contact us today to learn more about our firearm selection or tactical training options.

There are many types of firearm accessories available. Shopping for new additions to your collection is exciting for new and experienced gun owners alike. However, with so many accessories on the market, it can be hard to determine what is essential and what is just a fun extra. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a new item just because it’s cool, but it’s helpful to know the difference so you can plan and make sure you have what you need first.

Here are some questions to ask to distinguish between firearm accessories that you need and those that are just for fun:

1. Is This Accessory Necessary To Use Your Weapon Properly?

Depending on how you plan to use your firearm, some accessories are non-negotiable. For example, if you plan to conceal carry, you’ll need a holster, period. Even if you’re keeping your firearm in a bag, a holster helps keep it secure and easy to access. The type of holster will depend on the method of carrying you prefer, and it may be helpful to have a few options for different styles of dress.

Cleaning supplies are another example of something you should have on hand with your firearm. If you don’t clean your gun, it won’t work properly and can put you in danger.

2. What Purpose Does the Accessory Serve?

Each accessory serves a purpose, even if it’s just for aesthetics. For example, does it help you transport the firearm more easily? Does it help improve visibility for hunting? Does it make reloading faster? Knowing what this purpose is, or if the accessory has multiple purposes, can help you determine if it is necessary.

3. Can You Test The Accessory?

If you can test out the accessory or something similar before you buy it, it’s often easier to determine how helpful it is. You may be able to do this at a gun store for some items, or if you have a friend that already has the accessory you’re interested in, you can ask them if you can try it. This is easier for some items than others. You can typically try on a holster, for example, but there may be regulations that make it harder to try a suppressor without paying the tax stamp first.

4. What Do Others Have to Say?

Read reviews online, ask the associates at your favorite gun shop, and/or talk to your friends about the accessory you’re interested in. Getting advice can give you insight into what others think and how much use they’ve gotten out of it. If everyone you know hardly uses the item, it may not be worthwhile. However, if they feel like it’s improved their shooting experience, it may be a better idea to look into purchasing it.

The Bottom Line

Of course, deciding whether or not to purchase a new accessory for your firearm is subjective. At the end of the day, if you’re interested in something and want to try it out, you should do whatever makes you happy. Even accessories that aren’t purely functional can improve your experience, even if it’s only because they look badass and are fun to own.

To browse our selection of firearm accessories at The Hub, visit us online or at one of our Arizona gun stores.