Recoil or muzzle blast most off-putting

[lowb]

G'day,

I'm pretty new to shooting. And doing my best to introduce a few friends to it too.

What to you guys find is most off-putting for new shoots? Recoil or muzzle blast?

I shot a .243 for the first time on the weekend and was more surprised by it than when I shot a .308 for the first time.

Not as much recoil, but much more blast.

A bloke at the range was nice enough to give me a go on his. Self described 'hot' loads so I'm sure that was something, but man it was noisy.

Startled me to be honest

[Baldrick314]

I think 243 is horrible for this reason, big bark for a medium calibre and huge muzzle blast.

For me it's definitely the muzzle blast that's more off putting but more so from someone else's rifle than the one I'm shooting

[Eduardo]

In my limited experience I find that different people respond differently to shooting.

What I try to do when I'm introducing others to the sport is to diversify. People that are new to the sport couldn't care less about making a tight group on paper even though it is a life long pursuit to others.

Interactive targets seem to have the widest appeal. Shooting something that lets you know it's been hit seems to get the best reaction in my experience.

My range has gongs on it which I enjoy shooting. Moving targets like shooting trap are a good next step. But either way, don't assume that the way you enjoy shooting is the way others will enjoy it.

Be prepared to diversify, show them various angles to enjoying the sport.

That's my $.02

[Lorgar]

I think 243 is horrible for this reason, big bark for a medium calibre and huge muzzle blast.

The .243 does have some puff.

I've since sold mine but used to share a .308 and .243 with my partner.

When on a bench next to her when she was on the .308 I could shoot away no problems.

When she was on the .243 in the same place I'd shoot between her shots because of the blast of air I copped in the face every time she took a shot with it.

[Lorgar]

Oh an when hunting...

Standing parallel to one when it's fired while you have no ear muffs on is pretty great too...

[wrenchman]

Fun is a 22 any one can shoot it and shoot it well but the thing that most people that are new to shooting have a hard time with is recoil some new shooters are scared of it to the point they might not even want to shoot and when they do won't hit a thing.

[chacka]

the thing that most people that are new to shooting have a hard time with is recoil some new shooters are scared of it to the point they might not even want to shoot and when they do won't hit a thing.

I'd put my vote down for recoil as well, not muzzle blast.

I know it's not always ideal as not everyone has a range of rifles to step new shooters up one bit by bit... If you hunt only and only have a 300 win mag they that's what you can share with your new shooting friends, but it's not a great starting point.

Flinch is a bastard to unlearn once it's got its hooks in.

.243 definitely has blast, but recoil with light pills like 55gr stuff isn't too bad. I think most would be able to take that, especially if it's with starting loads.

Heavy pills and hot loads would be pushing it though... A hot 100gr .243 has a bit of both, especially for a novice.

[Shotfox]

Trigger pull is another issue. If you do not know your trigger on a big calibre or watching someone else use the gun who is not aware of the pull can make an interesting funny home video. Especiall when they come up for air with scope bite.

[Octane]

For muzzle blast you can always double up on your hearing protection - ear buds and ear muffs over the top.

A pair of safety glasses takes away the puff of air to the eyes too.

Recoil isn't so easily softened though.

I say recoil.

[lowb]

Good to know I'm not alone then, I think I'm now going with recoil too after a little more shooting on the weekend.

Not discounting stuff like the .243 though. It's definitely startling the when you're not used to shooting it.