Before walking in
You don’t need to be licensed to take an intro session. You do need a photo ID, closed shoes, and to arrive 15 minutes early. Not 5. Fifteen.
The €2 foam plugs from a music festival aren’t enough. Buy active earmuffs (Howard Leight, entry-level Peltor), starting at €35. Your ears will thank you in ten years.
The four rules
Treat every gun as loaded. Never let the muzzle cover anything you’re not willing to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on target. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
These four sentences are the entire grammar of safety. Learn them before you touch anything. The instructor will repeat them three times — answer back, word for word.
Five rookie mistakes
- Anticipating recoil. You’ll shoot low-left (right-handed). Practice dry.
- Death-gripping. Tension = tremor. The grip holds the gun, the finger presses the trigger — separate motions.
- Staring at the target. The target is blurry, that’s correct. The front sight is sharp. Always.
- Shooting too fast. At 25 meters, two seconds per shot is fast. Five is better.
- Talking during others’ strings. Bay goes quiet on commands — you’ll learn the looks fast.
What’s next?
If you stick with it, get an FFTir license. €60 a year, insurance included, access to all affiliated clubs. Three sessions at a non-licensed club already costs more.