Going to a gun range for the first time...

[Sqube]

So like the title says, I plan on going to a gun range for the first time in the next month or so. I also figured it'd be a good idea to at least have some sort of vague idea about what I want to shoot instead of just strolling in with a fistful of money and saying, "I want to shoot the shit out of something."

I thought I'd start with a 9mm because, well, it just seems so ubiquitous. I also thought about a .45, but I'm not that strong in the arms and shoulders, and it seems to me that that's necessary if you want to shoot something that big.

So, any recommendations about what I should be shooting, how much I should be shooting, etc. for a first-timer? I don't know if I'm going to hate this or if I'm going to turn into one of the ATOT people that owns 27 guns and posts in every thread with gun in the title, but I figure it'll be interesting to try.

Thanks in advance, as always.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Why don't you try a few different calibers and models to see which you like best. I prefer the .40S&W paired with the Sig P239.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Sqube
So like the title says, I plan on going to a gun range for the first time in the next month or so. I also figured it'd be a good idea to at least have some sort of vague idea about what I want to shoot instead of just strolling in with a fistful of money and saying, "I want to shoot the shit out of something."

I thought I'd start with a 9mm because, well, it just seems so ubiquitous. I also thought about a .45, but I'm not that strong in the arms and shoulders, and it seems to me that that's necessary if you want to shoot something that big.

So, any recommendations about what I should be shooting, how much I should be shooting, etc. for a first-timer? I don't know if I'm going to hate this or if I'm going to turn into one of the ATOT people that owns 27 guns and posts in every thread with gun in the title, but I figure it'll be interesting to try.

Thanks in advance, as always.

I'd say 9mm would be a good start. .22 may be better for the very first time, but if you want something more powerful, I guess 9mm is the place to start.

even if you don;t like it, you could still be one of those douchebags that still post in anyway stating how evil guns are. :roll:

 

[ranmaniac]

When I had membership to a range, I first started on 9mm, and then eventually to .45, and then .44 magnum. They had a Desert Eagle .50, unfortunately it wasn't for rent, but I got to see an employee fire it.

 

[Gooberlx2]

First time I shot at a range I rented a 9mm Glock 17. Ammo is definitely more affordable than shooting 45s. Glock is kinda standard for a lot of people, so it's a good starting point too. Definitely expand into other calibers and styles (revolver, sao, sa/da, etc..) as you go more.

Personally, I ended up buying a used Sig P228 after several trips.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
When I had membership to a range, I first started on 9mm, and then eventually to .45, and then .44 magnum. They had a Desert Eagle .50, unfortunately it wasn't for rent, but I got to see an employee fire it.

Desert Eagle

 

[upsciLLion]

You're going to have the most fun with the least amount of money if you rent a .22LR handgun.

Are you familiar with gun safety and the basics of how to use a handgun?

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
First time I shot at a range I rented a 9mm Glock 17. Ammo is definitely more affordable than shooting 45s. Glock is kinda standard for a lot of people, so it's a good starting point too. Personally, I ended up buying a used Sig P228 after several trips.

I've never shot a Glock. I don't even think I've ever held one. I'd shoot one if given the chance, but doubt I'd ever buy one.

 

[maddogchen]

I'd start at the .22's first. Bullets are cheaper too. Work on your accuracy. Try a Luger just so that next time you see a WW2 flick you can say you fired that gun.

 

[cressida]

Guns are EVIL!!! Lol j/k. For first timers, if you can afford it, try different calibers. As for which type of gun, that may take you a while to get a feel of what fits / feels good to you.

.22 is fun to shoot/plinking around and cheap to shoot - a box of 1k bullets is like 10 bucks. 9mm is more powerful than a .22 but it's not that expensive to shoot - good all around but can get pricey if you want to just shoot all day. 40/45 definitely has a lot of bite, bullets cost more but it's good for home defense / backup gun for hunting.

I like glocks but some hate it, it's preference!

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: cressida
Guns are EVIL!!! Lol j/k. For first timers, if you can afford it, try different calibers. As for which type of gun, that may take you a while to get a feel of what fits / feels good to you.

.22 is fun to shoot/plinking around and cheap to shoot - a box of 1k bullets is like 10 bucks. 9mm is more powerful than a .22 but it's not that expensive to shoot - good all around but can get pricey if you want to just shoot all day. 40/45 definitely has a lot of bite, bullets cost more but it's good for home defense / backup gun for hunting.

I like glocks but some hate it, it's preference!

1k for $10? where? walmart is the cheapest i've seen and thats for federal hollow points (550 ct) at $9.88.

9mm is the cheapest of the larger calibers. Dick's usually sells it for $7.98 a box if you buy a case (10 boxes), but it's like $9.98 per box if you buy less. thats for 50 rounds per box.

Most places seem to be around that $10 per box area, and others might be more. I;d say your range would probably be charging on the higher end and I bet they force you to use their ammo, especially if you are renting.

 

[Sqube]

SacrosanctFiend: I figured I'd end up doing something like that, but I was just wondering if there would be some sort of common recommendation for first-timers.

pontifex: I will never become one of those people.

upsciLLion: I don't know the first thing besides stuff I thought would be common sense -- don't point it at other people, don't point it at yourself, don't put your finger inside the trigger guard, keep the safety on, ear/eye protection. That said, I don't know what a .22LR is.

maddogchen: Cheaper bullets plus improving accuracy sound like good ideas. Definitely something I'll take into consideration.

 

[Colt45]

start off easy, 120mm mortar.

 

[JohnCU]

I love my 9mm, but the first time I went shooting with it I couldn't hit shit. Then I read some articles about technique and it turns out the trigger has a 5 lb pull on it, so I was just starting from 0 then to 5 quick. Now, I put 4.5 lbs~ on it and aim and hit everything. Just a tip.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: upsciLLion
You're going to have the most fun with the least amount of money if you rent a .22LR handgun.

Are you familiar with gun safety and the basics of how to use a handgun?

qft. my brother and i go to a friends once a month or so with 3 or 4 .22s and run through a box of 500. we take a couple of other rifles and/or handguns as well, but dont fire more than a small box of ammo for each (if that)

its not as much fun, for starters, and its more costly.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
When I had membership to a range, I first started on 9mm, and then eventually to .45, and then .44 magnum. They had a Desert Eagle .50, unfortunately it wasn't for rent, but I got to see an employee fire it.

Desert Eagle

oh snap, i thought she got knocked the f out.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Originally posted by: JohnCU
I love my 9mm, but the first time I went shooting with it I couldn't hit shit. Then I read some articles about technique and it turns out the trigger has a 5 lb pull on it, so I was just starting from 0 then to 5 quick. Now, I put 4.5 lbs~ on it and aim and hit everything. Just a tip.

The best (read funniest) analogy Ive heard when it comes to trigger control is to think about boiling a frog. If you take it out of a tank of cool water and drop it in boiling water, the frog will freak out and do whatever it takes to get the hell out of there. If you put it in a pot of water at a temperature its used to, and slowly bring the water to a boil however, the frog will not realize it until it's too late.

Same with trigger control. You squeeze the trigger too quick and it'll cause you to throw your round off target. However if you have steady trigger control, and if its a surprise to YOU when the gun goes off... 10 ring every time.

Sure enough, the guy that told me that was right.

 

[ultimatebob]

What kind of gun range is this? Do they also have shotguns and rifles, too?

 

[upsciLLion]

Do you have any friends that are into guns? I'm sure any of them would take you shooting if you chipped in for some ammo. Otherwise I'd ask one of the people at the range if there's someone that could coach you for a while and make sure you don't absent-mindedly do anything you shouldn't. .22LR is .22 Long Rifle which is what most everybody means when they say 22.

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3

Originally posted by: JohnCU
I love my 9mm, but the first time I went shooting with it I couldn't hit shit. Then I read some articles about technique and it turns out the trigger has a 5 lb pull on it, so I was just starting from 0 then to 5 quick. Now, I put 4.5 lbs~ on it and aim and hit everything. Just a tip.

The best (read funniest) analogy Ive heard when it comes to trigger control is to think about boiling a frog. If you take it out of a tank of cool water and drop it in boiling water, the frog will freak out and do whatever it takes to get the hell out of there. If you put it in a pot of water at a temperature its used to, and slowly bring the water to a boil however, the frog will not realize it until it's too late.

Same with trigger control. You squeeze the trigger too quick and it'll cause you to throw your round off target. However if you have steady trigger control, and if its a surprise to YOU when the gun goes off... 10 ring every time.

Sure enough, the guy that told me that was right.

Yep, that's exactly it. I can't believe how much it has helped me.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
When I had membership to a range, I first started on 9mm, and then eventually to .45, and then .44 magnum. They had a Desert Eagle .50, unfortunately it wasn't for rent, but I got to see an employee fire it.

Desert Eagle

LOL at the description of the video. She's good with a .308 @ 600 yards. :roll:

 

[Mutilator]

Go to the range and talk to the guys there, try to get as many questions answered as possible. If it's a good range they'll make sure you know what you're doing before they let you on the range and make you take some kind of written safety test. Then look at the handguns they have for rent and hold a few of them, see which ones fit your hand comfortably, make sure you're not reaching too far for the trigger, hand fits the grip, etc.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I would start with .22 for the first time. It's not very powerful, so not much kick. You'll get used to shooting. Firing the larger caliber guns is more difficult because they have more recoil. You need to learn not to jiggle the gun when you fire.

If you want to fire a .45 though, go ahead. It doesn't have that much more recoil than the 9mm because the gun is usually built to be a bit heavier.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Sqube
upsciLLion: I don't know the first thing besides stuff I thought would be common sense -- don't point it at other people, don't point it at yourself, don't put your finger inside the trigger guard, keep the safety on, ear/eye protection. That said, I don't know what a .22LR is.

.22LR = .22 long rifle. Basic .22 round. Don't let the name confuse you, it's not limited to rifles (nor is it particularly long). You can get a 500-550 pack for $10, which I think would be perfect for your first time at the range. Plenty of practice for very little money, and not much kick.

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Sqube
upsciLLion: I don't know the first thing besides stuff I thought would be common sense -- don't point it at other people, don't point it at yourself, don't put your finger inside the trigger guard, keep the safety on, ear/eye protection. That said, I don't know what a .22LR is.

.22LR = .22 long rifle. Basic .22 round. Don't let the name confuse you, it's not limited to rifles (nor is it particularly long). You can get a 500-550 pack for $10, which I think would be perfect for your first time at the range. Plenty of practice for very little money, and not much kick.

Whereas a 100 pack of 9mm costs me $15