Introduction
A day at the shooting range should be equal parts exciting and productive. You’re there to sharpen your skills, test your gear, and — let’s be honest — have a little fun punching holes in the bullseye.
But here’s the thing: even experienced shooters sometimes develop common shooting mistakes that can hold them back. From rushing shots to overlooking shooting range safety rules, small errors can lead to frustration and poor results.
The good news? With a little awareness — and the right gear — you can avoid these pitfalls entirely. In fact, a simple tool like Axle Targets’ high-quality paper shooting targets can be a surprisingly powerful ally in your practice sessions.
Let’s break down the top shooting range tips for avoiding the five most common mistakes shooters make — and how you can sidestep them like a pro.
1. Ignoring Safety Rules
It’s impossible to overstate this: safety is the foundation of shooting sports. Every range has posted safety rules, but it’s amazing how often people forget the basics once they’re in “range mode.”
Common slip-ups include:
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Sweeping others with the muzzle
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Failing to keep the firearm pointed downrange at all times
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Touching firearms during a ceasefire
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Not wearing proper eye and ear protection
Why this matters: a single lapse can put you and everyone around you at risk. Plus, breaking range rules can get you ejected faster than a bad shot ricochet.
How paper targets help: High-contrast paper targets from Axle Targets make it easy to see your point of impact from a safe distance, reducing the temptation to step forward before the range officer calls “all clear.”
Want a refresher? Check out the official NRA Range Safety Rules for a full breakdown.
2. Poor Stance and Grip
Your stance is the foundation of your shooting — think of it like the roots of a tree. If it’s shaky, everything above it is going to sway.
Common stance and grip issues:
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Leaning too far back
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Locking knees
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Weak grip that causes muzzle rise
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Inconsistent hand placement
Quick fixes:
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Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, slightly staggered
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Lean slightly forward into the shot
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Keep elbows soft, not locked
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Practice a firm, consistent grip
Why paper targets matter here: Shooting at the same paper targets for practice across multiple sessions lets you track subtle changes in accuracy as you refine your stance. You can literally see how a small adjustment in grip or foot position impacts your shot group.
3. Rushing Your Shots
We’ve all heard it: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. But under the adrenaline rush of live fire, it’s easy to start “machine-gunning” your shots.
The problem: When you fire too quickly, your sight picture, breathing, and trigger control all start to suffer. This often leads to scattered groups and wasted ammo.
How to fix it:
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Focus on one shot at a time
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Reset your sight picture between shots
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Control your breathing — exhale gently before squeezing the trigger (breathing control guide here)
How paper targets help: Axle Targets’ precision-printed bullseye designs give you a clear aiming reference, making it easier to slow down and aim deliberately. Instead of just “sending lead downrange,” you’re practicing with purpose — a core part of improving shooting accuracy.
4. Not Tracking Your Progress
If you’re not keeping track of how you’re doing, you’re basically starting from scratch every time you go to the range.
Why tracking matters:
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You can spot patterns (like consistent low-left hits)
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It helps you set measurable goals
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You can celebrate improvement over time
The best method? Save your paper targets. Date them, jot down your distance, ammo type, and any drills you practiced. Over time, you’ll build a visual record of your shooting journey.
Axle Targets’ paper targets are sturdy enough to survive transport back home, so you can file them away or even pin them on your “brag board.”
5. Bringing the Wrong Gear
We’ve all been there — you get to the range and realize you forgot your ear pro, extra mags, or even the right targets. Nothing kills momentum like missing essentials.
Gear checklist for every range trip:
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Firearm + magazines
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Ammunition
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Eye and ear protection
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Paper shooting targets (range-approved)
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Staple gun or target stand clips
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Range bag for organization
Why paper targets win: Many ranges don’t allow steel or reactive targets due to safety concerns. Paper targets from Axle Targets are universally range-friendly, easy to transport, and give you the feedback you need without breaking the rules.
Wrapping It Up
Avoiding these five common shooting mistakes can instantly make your range time more productive, safer, and a lot more satisfying. By focusing on safety, technique, pacing, progress tracking, and gear prep — and by choosing the right target — you set yourself up for success every time you step onto the firing line.
Pro Tip: Next time you pack your range bag, throw in a stack of Axle Targets’ best paper targets for practice. They’re crisp, clear, and designed to help you see exactly where your shots land — which means faster improvement and a lot more bullseyes.
Ready to level up your next range day?
👉 Shop Axle Targets’ paper target collection here and start shooting smarter.
FAQs
1. Why are paper targets better for beginners?
They provide clear visual feedback and are accepted at almost every range, making them a safe, simple choice.
2. How often should I change my paper target?
Whenever your shot group becomes hard to distinguish — usually after 20–40 rounds depending on caliber and target size.
3. Can I reuse paper targets?
Yes! If they’re in good shape, save them to track progress over time.
4. How far should I place my target?
Beginners often start at 5–7 yards for pistols, adjusting distance as accuracy improves.
5. What’s the best way to store used paper targets?
Flat in a folder or binder, labeled with date, firearm, and ammo details.