Posted October 16, 2017 8:30 am by Comments

By Tom Knighton

In this current, decidedly anti-gun climate, it’s interesting that a website like Science Alert would write about the physiological effects of shooting in a way that doesn’t focus on all the ways it’s awful for someone getting shot. Instead, they opted to look at the body’s physiological response to firing a gun.

However, it doesn’t really mesh with the experience many of us have had while shooting a firearm. You know…ever.

Although everyone’s experience is different – especially when it comes to a firing range versus a real-life threat (perceived or otherwise) – here are a few effects that shooting a firearm can have on the brain and body.

The urge to fight or flee may overcome you

Firing a gun can be startling. In response, first-timers can experience a fight-or-flight response – the body’s way of automatically responding to what it perceives could be mortal danger.

The brain rapidly releases cortisol, adrenaline (aka epinephrine), and other hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This can lead novice shooters to feel intense fear, anxiety, or aggression after shooting.

“In order to pull that trigger, you’re standing your ground, and you’re going to use this weapon to help you. There is that ‘fight’ part …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms

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