first time rifle owner
 

I'm new to gun ownership, just bought my first rifle this weekend. It's a remington 700 .270 WSM with a Nikon Prostaff scope. I bought it from a private party and can't wait to try it. Any suggestions or tips on learning how to shoot it safely. I'm in Rochester area. THANKS!!!!

awesome choice!

safely? treat it like it's always loaded, whenever you handle it, check to see whether it's loaded or not, everytime!

have fun!

Get yourself good hearing protection. Try different brands of ammo. Rifles have an accuracy preference for specific loads. The fun part is finding out what those loads are. Also, invest in a good cleaning kit.

Take a hunters safety course ASAP,you'll get alot valuable info on gun safety.

Thanks very much for all your help! I am new to this and really want to learn how to shoot! Thanks!!!!

A gun and hunting safety course is a must for the newbies; welcome to the sport!

Great choice! And take the hunters safety course because if you go hunting you'll need it to get licenses. To be safe just don't ever point it at anything you don't want to shoot, don't load it until you're ready to shoot and you'll be okay.

(I just bought a 700 SPS Buckmasters .270 and it shoots cloverleaf groups and is a super nice rifle).

Thanks again for the advice. The funny thing is I'm older guy in his fifties and never fired a rifle but always wanted to. So I bought this rifle to give me the incentive. I want to use it but its hard to find an instructor. Gun clubs in Rochester need a person to sponsor you or are skeet. I just want to PAY an instructor in this area and learn to shoot it. Thanks again everyone for all your help!!!!

I use a Caldwell Leadsled to sight my guns in...its much easier on the shoulders and after You have it sighted-in correctly You can shot off a rest or bag?Hornady and Winchester make some good shells for the .270 WSM...be prepared to pay a hefty price on the .270 WSM shells,mine usually run around $35.00-$40.00 per box of 20 shells...if You know how to Re-Load shells it will save You a lot in the long run.

Look to see if any of the rifle clubs have a public day. If they do, ask if an RO (range officer) will work with you. Go to the NRA website and see if there are any NRA rifle courses in your area (look for the NRA Basic Rifle). I would also suggest getting a rifle in .22 Long Rifle (get the same action as your .270 WSM - bolt, single-shot, etc.). A .22LR can pay for itself quickly in ammo cost savings. Once you have taken a rifle safety course, take the hunters safety course.

I recommend caution if you use a Leadsled or any device that is solid against the butt of the rifle. Some have cracked their stocks using these type of rests.

Look online for local gunclubs. Most have a website and a contact number. Call and explain yourself, and why you would like to join (most clubs annual fee are very reasonable and a good investment). Attend a meeting or two, and you will probably quickly meet a few individuals who would be happy to introduce you. Like was previously said, a firearms hunting safety course is an excellent idea, and free.
Remember the key rules of gun safety:Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
Never point it at anything (loaded or unloaded) you do not intend to shoot. Alllways be sure of the area behind your target. NO ALCOHOL prior to, during , or at any time a gun is being handled. Firearms and motorcycles tend to bring out the boy in all of us...be safe.

Thanks for all the great help, support, tips, and advice! I guess I'm a little impatient to try the rifle and I realize it will take time! Till then I look at it and look forward to the day I can shoot it! Thanks again!!!!!!

Never point the muzzle at anyone, gun loaded or not. Find a friend who's willing to work with you on gun handling, and take that hunter safety course even if you don't plan on hunting.

Happy to hear you finally decided to get into guns & all that comes along with it! Just like everybody said start with a hunters/gun safety course & that should give you the basics.