What is Plinking?

Plinking is the act of shooting at an object, not necessarily a target. Tin cans, glass bottles, and other forms of informal targets are all involved in the “art” of plinking. This blog discusses plinking and the differences between it and target practice along with some dialog on bullet options, safety reasons, and different types of targets including the standard steel target.

What is the Difference Between Target Shooting and Plinking?

Target shooting, or target practice, involves rules since this is a term that applies to competitive shooting, range shooting, and other shooting events that have a more thoughtful approach to the end result of each shot. The “practice” in target practice implies that the shooter is “aiming” to get better – to improve their shooting technique and the result of each shot. Plinking, on the other hand, is not technical or rule-driven. You simply shot soda cans off the fence post. In target shooting, you would use a paper target or steel target.

As mentioned, the two – plinking and target practice – are similar. The greatest difference is that plinking has no real rules other than those for safety. Target practice may have a time limit, distance from, or other stipulation between the shooter and the target. In plinking, you just set up the soda can and plink it right off the post.

What are the Advantages of Plinking?

The biggest benefit of plinking is to either get you in the practice of shooting or to keep you in the practice of shooting. Once you are able to shoot somewhat accurately, you can target practice to improve the technique of shooting and your shot accuracy.

Stress-free – Plinking offers a stress-free and fun way to practice shooting. It is the foundation steps on which you build solid accuracy and improve your shooting technique. Kids, with adult supervision, can plink at home with a BB gun. As they grow older, they may move up to small caliber guns, such as a .22. Plinking is also a good way for a new shooter to experience the fun and thrill of shooting at a target. Because there are no rules other than safety rules, there is little stress or pressure, just that metallic sound of the plink as you hit the soda can.

Tips for Plinking Safety

afety applies to an air pistol, handgun, rifle, semi-automatic, or any other type of firearm you may choose to use for plinking.

1.Safety is always the top practice and thought while you hold any weapon. Make your safety list a mandatory part of every shooting event, whether you are plinking or target practicing.

2.While not aiming, the barrel is always pointed at the ground and away from anyone. Also, be wary of what is on the ground as ricocheting rounds can be just as dangerous.

3.Keep guns unloaded unless you are preparing to plink or shoot. Never drive with a gun that is loaded. Never walk with a gun that is loaded unless you are hunting. Check your gun before you leave home, and once you reach your plinking area.

4.Use the safety, but do not rely on it to prevent a gun from accidentally firing. Mechanical features can fail, and gun safeties are mechanical.

5.Know what is beyond your target. Bullets can travel for miles. Always plink with a solid backdrop that will stop a round. A dirt bank or hill is an example of a good background for plinking.

6.Do not use questionable ammo, even for a makeshift target. Use only undamaged and quality ammo. If the ammo is damaged or pitted, discard it and do not fire it.

7.Know how to handle a misfire when the round does not fire. Carefully unload the round and discard it. Never travel home with a round in the gun that has misfired.

8.Personal Protective Gear – earplugs and eye protection are a must. The short-term and long-term effects of shooting are physical damage to your hearing and any type of accident can occur to your eyes.

9.Check your gun before heading out to plink. Inspect the barrel, moving parts, hammer, etc.

10.Clean and maintain your gun on a schedule and keep your firearm in good repair. Never fire a dirty gun. Part of the cleaning process is to ensure that all moving parts are working as intended.

11.Plinking is just as much about learning the finer details of your weapon. Take that time to learn how your gun works and then safely use the gun to plink.

12.Plinking should follow strict safety rules such as those you would encounter at a range.

The Berry’s Difference

Berry’s has offered exacting standards for bullets since 1961. As a fourth-generation family-run business, Berry’s has a deep connection to the shooting community that they serve. We understand the challenges of gun laws and restrictions and the frustrations that gun owners have trying to find quality ammo. That is why Berry’s offers all of the tools, equipment, and supplies that you need to self-load your own rounds.

As a manufacturing facility, Berry’s has 100 percent control over the specifications of every bullet we produce. With their long history and deep connection to their community, Berry’s remains a consistent manufacturer of quality bullets produced to exacting standards.

Whether you are looking for bullets for informal shooting, home defense, self-defense, hunting, or at the target range, you can rely on the quality that Berry’s puts into every bullet they sell.

Check out our complete bullet and self-loading options today!