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Mastering your firearm skills is an essential element of responsible gun ownership. After hurdling the initial investment of a firearm, maintaining a consistent supply of ammo and stocking up on key accessories can really start digging into your budget. Thankfully, there are several ways to help lower shooting costs and practice firearm drills without breaking the bank.
Shoot 22LR Ammo with a Conversion Kit
.22 Long Rifle ammunition is an incredibly popular rimfire round due to its manageable recoil and low cost per round. The low recoil makes it easier to fine-tune your fundamentals, but its affordability is really what sets it apart from the crowd. OpticsPlanet sells AR-15 22LR conversion kits, Glock conversion kits, and other low-cost 22LR conversion kits. These kits are generally inexpensive and will offset the ammo cost in no time.
22 conversion kits are easy to install and usually involve swapping out the bolt carrier group or slide and come with a 22LR magazine. This allows you to train with your current concealed carry pistol or home-defense AR 15. It’s important to note that shooting .22LR ammo won’t provide the exact same experience as using 9mm ammo, .223/5.56 rounds, or the cartridge your gun was originally chambered for. However, reloading, optic height, trigger pull, and other important aspects will remain the same (you may need to re-zero your optic.)
Buy Bulk Ammo
Buying ammo in bulk is one of the simplest ways to save money on training costs. Bulk ammo comes at a significantly lower price per round and allows you to stock up to get ahead of shortages. Even buying one 200-round box of ammo is cheaper than purchasing ten 20-round boxes. The only issue is that most ammo purchases are non-refundable, so it’s best to buy a cartridge you’re familiar with or check reviews to find the best-rated ammo for your caliber.
Reload Your Own Ammo
Handloading your own ammunition is a great way to save money in the long run and allows you to customize your loads to your preferences. Reloading presses & supplies require a hefty initial investment but can certainly pay off, especially if you recycle spent brass at the range. The value of reloading your own cartridges depends on how often you shoot and what calibers you use. Occasional plinkers are better off buying ammo online compared to high-volume shooters.
Certain match-grade cartridges like .308 Win ammo or 6.5 Creedmoor rounds can cost a pretty penny for premium loads. Niche calibers are also worth handloading, as ammo availability becomes a factor. Time is money, and reloading ammo certainly requires both that and effort to do so. However, many find handloading a rewarding task and a useful skill to have.
Practice with Dry-Fire Training Drills
Dry fire practice is the most cost-effective and safe method to train with your firearm, as you don’t use live ammo. Dummy rounds & snap caps are vital accessories that protect your gun from damage while dry firing. These are excellent training tools that allow you to safely practice pulling the trigger, drawing from your holster, and quickly lining up your sights to your intended target.
Some of the best dry fire training systems utilize laser trainers to get the job done. There are a variety of laser training tools on the market, from laser cartridges that emit a beam to simulate the point of impact to complete recoil-enabled training pistols that offer a more realistic shooting experience. Pair one with a laser-activated target to create a fun and immersive training routine.
Mantis X dry fire systems are popular training tools that can even be used with live ammunition. Simply install the device to your rail, pair it with the smartphone app, and collect your shooting data in real time. Mantis X Shooting Performance Systems go above and beyond laser training. They track muzzle movement, your actions before and after firing, and other key measurements that provide data-driven feedback on your shooting habits. Read our guide on the Best Mantis X Dry Fire Training System to learn more about these products and which one best fills the gaps in your practice routine.
Demo & Open Box Deals
OpticsPlanet hosts tons of daily deals on gun parts, ammo, and accessories, offering countless ways to save on essentials. One of the best ways to secure top-rated gear is with our Demo & Open Box Deals. Here, you’ll find huge discounts on premium products from best-rated brands. These like-new items consist of demo floor models and good-as-new goods that were returned because a customer purchased the wrong model or for other reasons outside of a product defect.
From refurbished red dot sights to barely used gun accessories, you can find the gear you’ve been eyeing at a much more affordable price. While these products may come in different packaging, they perform just like the original product and are priced much lower than a brand-new version. If you don’t see the exact item you want, check back often, as we frequently update our deals with popular products from reputable brands.
Other Tips to Save Money on Shooting Gear & Accessories
There are countless other ways to sharpen your shooting skills while conserving your savings. One of the best ways to save money on gun gear is befriending others in your shooting or hunting circle. As long as you’re respectful and return the favor, folks are usually more than willing to let you try out their gear and trade as needed. This way, you can see if an item is worth purchasing before buying it yourself. Renting equipment at the range can add up over time, so buying your own gear that you’ll use consistently will offset those costs.
If you’re trying to spend less at the gun range, you should plan your visit in advance. This means that you don’t just show up and mag dump. Think about what you want to work on to conserve ammo. Dry fire practice can help you determine this without wasting ammunition. Discover if you need to improve your grip, trigger squeeze, or sight alignment, and focus on your biggest pitfall to make each round count.
Finally, prioritize your gear and don’t skimp where it counts. A cheap optic on an expensive firearm makes that gun’s price tag worthless, as you won’t be able to unlock your full potential. Also, your gear is only as good as you are in most cases. Buying a high-magnification rifle scope doesn’t pay off if you can’t consistently hit those shots.
You also need to determine the purpose of your firearm. A concealed carry pistol requires much different gear than a competition rifle. Just because the guy next to you has a decked-out handgun with gun lights and a laser sight doesn’t mean you need those if you don’t feel it will benefit your performance. Work on mastering your shooting skills before adding tons of accessories you’re not sure you need yet. If you’re not happy with your stock sights, focus on upgrading to Tritium sights or a quality optic. If you’re not impressed with your trigger pull, prioritize upgrading your trigger to one that best suits your skills.
Break Targets, Not the Bank
Owning a firearm is certainly an investment but one that will pay off greatly, whether it’s during a dire self-defense scenario or simply promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle. Thankfully, OpticsPlanet carries all the ammo and weapon accessories you need from reputable brands at affordable prices. We’re always offering new deals on the hottest products, so check back often to find the perfect product at a price you’ll love. Remember to stay safe, have fun, and persevere through the trials and errors of training.
