There are many forms of recreational activities and ‘shooting sports’ involving the use of various types of firearms to test precision and accuracy. There are different sports shooting aspects based on equipment, degree of athleticism, shooting distances, and time limits.
The different firearms include air guns, potable guns, rifles, shotguns, and bows/crossbows. Sport shooting may involve both individual and team competition. The performance of the team is calculated by adding the scores of individuals in the team.
What makes Sport Shooting Different and Recreational?
Sport shooting is not a recreational activity that can take place in a fancy club or fitness center, but it has to take place on shooting ranges due to noise and safety purposes. The shooting ranges are mostly located at a distance from populated settlements.
Traditionally, game or sport shooting was an activity that only the affluent could afford. In ancient times usually, bows and arrows were used to train individuals and improve their accuracy. But in the late 18th century, marksmanship evolved with the introduction of rifles.
The global fame of sport shooting came in 1897 when the World’s first Shooting Championship took place in Lyon, France. Prior to 1987, five shooting events were held in the 1896 Olympics. Over the years, the rules and policies of sport shooting have changed to keep up with changing trends.
For example, the target was previously shaped in the form of animals or humans, but now a circular shape is used to prevent recreational activity from being associated with any violence. At the 1896 Olympics, five shooting events were held, but the 2004 Olympics had only three shooting events that included pistol, rifle, and shotgun.
The List of Best Sport Shooting Firearms
When it comes to firearms, a person has to research the specification and budget. Some of the best firearm for sport shooting if you are looking to participate in the competition at the individual or team level are
- Glock 17
An excellent choice for anyone competing is ‘Glock 17’ as the brand is known for its reliability. The Glock 17 is also popular because there are a number of upgrades and aftermarket modifications that a person could do. I want a firearm that you can customize to suit your liking, then Glock 17 is the best option. It has a 4.5-inch barrel.
When you get into a competition, then you will see many Glock enthusiasts telling you about how to practice sport shooting with a gun. Different back straps are adjustable and allow a person to grip the gun firmly. The Glock 17 also comes with a longer barrel.
- Walther PPQ M2
Walther PPQ M2 and Q5 are both the best choices when you have to participate in a competition. The Q5 has an upgraded barrel and trigger and takes the optic on the slide. The M2 is also quite reliable and has a fantastic grip module, particularly for women to hold and control the firearm. The M2 is also said to have the best trigger. Both the PPQ2 and M2 have a 5-inch barrel.
- Sig 320 XFive Legion
The Sig 320 XFive is a tungsten-infused grip model, making the gun a bit heavy to hold but ideal choice when maneuvering and holding the target during the competition. It also has a 4.7-inch barrel. A person can go for a small or medium grip model according to what grip suits the hand the most. The gun performs well in the competition, and one can make different customizations as well. The Sig Sauer 320 series is preferred by many individuals who participate in sport shooting.
All the three firearms Glock 17, Walther PPQ M2, and Sig 320 XFive, are all chambered and nine-millimeter, which is also the most common caliber used for recreational activity sport shooting. All three firearms also have long barrels, which are ideal for accuracy and precision.
All three guns are also striker fired polymer guns which are best for someone just begging to get into a sport shooting competition. A person can go for an open or steel frame gun, but the polymer frame guns are ideal for getting into any shooting competition.
But a person should decide his/her preference by considering other factors such as hand size and recoil impulse. The best way is to go to the range and test the firearms that will give you competitive scores during sport shooting activity.
Some other Popular Firearms used in Sport Shooting
If you are even getting a firearm for recreational purposes, the first priority is to follow all the safety measures. A novice or beginner must first consider taking a training course before handling any firearm, even for recreational purposes.
The firearm used in competition must be built for speed, precision, and accuracy. Some of the other best competition guns include
- Smith & Wesson 41
The Smith & Wesson 41 Rimfire M41 is a favorite choice for many individuals who participate in numerous sport shooting competitions. The gun is built to help a person shooting at a straight level with an adjustable trigger. The M41 weighs merely 44.8 ounces and features a 7-inch barrel and 10 round capacity.
- Glock 43
Apart from the Glock 17, the Glock 43 is another fantastic sport shooting firearm that weighs only 1.25 pounds. The gun is chambered with 6 round capacity.
- Beretta PX4
The Beretta PX4 is one of the preferred firearms for beginners featuring a 3 dot sight system and a back strap that can be changed. The safety of this gun is the automatic firing pin block.
- Smith & Wesson 686+
The Smith & Wesson 686+ is popularly known for its compact features, dynamic capabilities, and additional round capacity. The reduced recoil impulse makes it a reliable firearm with a compact firm.
Conclusion
Suppose a person is looking forward to taking part in sport shooting. In that case, certain online stores sell various firearms, accessories, and safety equipment for beginner or first-time shooters and even amateur individuals.
Author Bio:
Tim Wallace manages an online firearm store that he and his friends made. He also writes frequently for online tech magazines that deliver trending news to online readers.
