5 Things That Helped Me Get Comfortable as a New Shooter

Look, when I first started shooting, I was NOT comfortable. The gun range felt loud and chaotic, my hands were shaky, and I wasn’t even sure I was holding the gun right. I had a whole list of worries running through my head—What if I look dumb? What if I can’t rack the slide? What if the recoil knocks me on my ass?

But let me tell you—once I made a few small changes, everything started clicking. If you’re a new shooter feeling overwhelmed, I got you. These are the five things that helped me go from nervous newbie to confident shooter.

1. Buying My Own Firearm Instead of Using My Partner’s

Now listen—I was borrowing Tony’s guns at first because, well, he had plenty. But using his firearm made me feel like I was just tagging along instead of really investing in my own skills.

Once I bought my own gun? Game changer. That thing was mine, and I wanted to learn everything about it—how it felt in my hands, how to take it apart, how to shoot it well. It gave me a sense of ownership and responsibility, which made me actually excited to practice.

And let’s be real… new toys are fun. I was treating my gun like a new pair of shoes—I wanted to “wear” it out. And by “wear,” I mean take my behind to the range and put in the work.

2. Doubling Up on Ear Protection

One of the worst parts of being a new shooter? The noise.

If you’ve been to a gun range before, you already know—it’s loud as hell. And when you’re new, every single BANG feels like it’s punching you in the chest. That kind of stress? Not helpful.

So, I started doubling up on ear protection. I put those little squishy foam earplugs in my ears AND wore my electronic earmuffs over them. Let me tell you… instant anxiety relief.

With both layers, the sound wasn’t nearly as jarring. I could focus instead of jumping every time someone’s .45 went off in the next lane. If you’re sensitive to noise (or just don’t want to feel like you’re in a warzone), this is a must.

3. Getting a Red Dot Sight to Help with Aim

I am NOT out here trying to be the next competition shooter… but I do like hitting my target.

At first, I was struggling with iron sights. Trying to line them up, keeping my focus right—it was just a lot for a newbie. But then, I got a red dot sight. And babyyyyy, that little red dot made everything so much easier.

Instead of worrying about three points of alignment, I just put the dot on my target and pulled the trigger. Boom. Instant confidence boost.

Now, does a red dot make you a perfect shooter overnight? Nah. You still gotta work on your fundamentals. But for me? It made aiming feel less complicated, and that helped my confidence a LOT.

4. Practicing Racking the Slide (The Right Way!)

One thing I was STRUGGLING with? Racking the slide.

That thing felt like it was made of concrete. I was using one hand to pull it back and it just… wasn’t happening. Frustrating as hell.

Then, Tony showed me a better way. Instead of pulling with one hand, I started using a push-pull motion—pushing forward with my strong hand while pulling back with my support hand. Way easier.

Oh, and let me spill some tea—Tony also adjusted my recoil spring rod to make it a little easier to rack. Listen, no shame in tweaking your gun so it works better for you! Do what you gotta do to make handling your firearm smoother.

If you’re struggling to rack the slide, try the push-pull technique and see how it changes the game for you.

5. Dry Fire Practice (So I Don’t Have to Spend All Day at the Range!)

Look, I love learning to shoot… but going to the range with Tony? That’s a WHOLE half-day adventure. 😩

Sometimes, I just want to practice without packing up, driving out, and dealing with all that noise and commotion. That’s why dry fire practice at home became my best friend.

I use the Laser Ammo system (which I highly recommend, BTW). It lets me practice my draw, aim, and trigger press from my own living room. And best of all? No ammo needed.

If you want to try it out, I got a hookup for you—use code FCTMINAD for 10% off. You’re welcome. 😉

Ready to Get Comfortable with Your Firearm?

If you’re a newbie shooter feeling overwhelmed, I promise you—it gets better. You just need the right tools, techniques, and practice to build your confidence.

And if you REALLY want to get comfortable with your firearm? Come take our Beginner Handgun Class at Tribe Defense Academy. We’ll walk you through everything step-by-step, so you can go from nervous to confident and capable. Click this link to see upcoming classes HERE

🚨 Join the Tribe today! Let’s get you trained up and ready. 💪🏾🎯

Shani Hart @hartsandholsters