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

[cressida]

Originally posted by: 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.

I maybe out dated on the price, it's been a while since I've bought any .22 bullets.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: 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

And a 50 pack of .40S&W costs me 12.99
($22.99 for 20 rounds of Federal .40S&W)

 

[quikah]

I think it is going to depend on the range and how much money you want to spend. Ideally it would be awesome if you were able to shoot a few different calibers, like a .22, 9mm, .45. At the range by me, that would be somewhat expensive, $10/gun rental, +ammo by the box only (must use their ammo in rentals). I would start with .22, only because it is cheap, if you like shooting move up to a 9mm. Then you can start trying out different guns. also, if they have rifles, you might want to try one of those too.

 

[JulesMaximus]

First time I shot a handgun I went with a guy I knew and we shot his guns. He brought a medium frame .38 Special revolver and a 9mm H&K. Neither gun was punishing at all to shoot and I could shoot them both quite easily and accurately.

Now I own a variety of different handguns.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: 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.

How can you say that if you've never fired one?

 

[0roo0roo]

dual wield ftw!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...3jV-4s&feature=related

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: 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.

"But I remember holding the pistol only made me feel small. It was so heavy in my hand. I stretched out my arm and pointed it away and winced. It was a very long time before I had the nerve to pull the trigger and I was so scared I had to close my eyes. It felt like it just went off by itself, as if I had no say in the matter, as if the gun just had this need. The sound it made was as big as God. It kicked little me back to the ground like a bully, like a foe. It hurt. "
sarah vowell

 

[judasmachine]

S&W .500

Text

I fired one of these the last time I went shooting and it's a monster to hold, but surprisingly easy to hit the target with. The one I fired had a huge heavy compensator on it.

 

[xanis]

As far as pistols go I recommend trying a 9mm and a .38 Special. If you get the opportunity to shoot some other stuff, see if they have an MP5 or an AR-15.

 

[judasmachine]

Originally posted by: Xanis
As far as pistols go I recommend trying a 9mm and a .38 Special. If you get the opportunity to shoot some other stuff, see if they have an MP5 or an AR-15.

I would second this, as the MP5 and the AR-15 are both a joy to shoot.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: judasmachine

Originally posted by: Xanis
As far as pistols go I recommend trying a 9mm and a .38 Special. If you get the opportunity to shoot some other stuff, see if they have an MP5 or an AR-15.

I would second this, as the MP5 and the AR-15 are both a joy to shoot.

AR15, yes. MP5, not so much. At least, in my opinion.

 

[Caecus Veritas]

dunno why but i tend to shoot more accurately with revolvers... and they seem to be more fun than the other semi-auto handguns, plus they're easier to reload than clips. i've found the 357s and 44/45 caliber revolvers to be pretty easy to pickup and shoot.

 

[JEDI]

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.

easy

Dessert Eagle .50, one in each hand!!!!!1111!!!!ONE!!!11!

tell the guy u have never used a gun b4. ask for a lesson.

ie:
do u know how to load a gun?
do u know how to chamber a gun
ever pull back the slide and have a bullet jam?
etc!!!!1111!!!!Eleventy!!1!

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.

slow trigger pull != self defense situation

 

[jpeyton]

Deagle

 

[Wag]

AK-47

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Originally posted by: JEDI

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.

slow trigger pull != self defense situation

Who said ANYTHING about slow trigger pull = self defense situation?

The OP is going to a gun range. A gun range is where you practice your honing skills on the target. There's absolutely no stress at a gun range (unless you are qualifying). You aren't shooting to save your or your spouse's life at a gun range. You are practicing on your targeting skills. COMPLETELY different types of shootings we are talking about. The more skilled your targeting abilities become, the better your performance will be in a self defense situation.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Sqube
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.

i don't know your build, age or if you have any medical conditions, but you should be ok if you are over 12, have even a small build and don't have any neurological issues.

like many others i have been shooting since an early age - probably 6-8 or so. first was a 22lr, then i shot others like 243, 250savage, 30-30, a .50 or .70cal black powder home made kentucky rifle (beautiful gun - stock made out of cherry wood w/ silver inlay) and 44mag all before 10 or so. as a kid they kick good but it is fun as hell. throughout my life my father and uncle (mostly my uncle and i) would go shooting and by the time i was 14 nothing up to and including 30-06 was a problem.

also remember that quite a few of the 9mm and 40cal will have a double stacked magazine, so the weapon is fatter at the grip but a good 'ol 1911 (45) is single stack and is quite a bit thinner and although there is more recoil it is slower (slower bullet, less pressure, usually heavier weapon) and you have more of your hand around the weapon, so it will give you more confidence.

if you do/can do rifles i would do something in the range of 30-30 or less and if you do shotgun i would do 12-20ga birdshot (i could never notice the difference between them in recoil). ars are nice, accurate and don't have much recoil, a bit less than an ak but equally fun.

most importantly tell the place you have never fired a weapon and they should give you a shooting lesson, if they don't, i would leave.

have fun and enjoy

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3
Who said ANYTHING about slow trigger pull = self defense situation?

The OP is going to a gun range. A gun range is where you practice your honing skills on the target. There's absolutely no stress at a gun range (unless you are qualifying). You aren't shooting to save your or your spouse's life at a gun range. You are practicing on your targeting skills. COMPLETELY different types of shootings we are talking about. The more skilled your targeting abilities become, the better your performance will be in a self defense situation.

A lot of ranges around here have single occupant Kill House scenarios. Now that will build your self defense capability, specifically reaction time and overall perception.

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Two P90s, like in Goldeneye.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3
Who said ANYTHING about slow trigger pull = self defense situation?

The OP is going to a gun range. A gun range is where you practice your honing skills on the target. There's absolutely no stress at a gun range (unless you are qualifying). You aren't shooting to save your or your spouse's life at a gun range. You are practicing on your targeting skills. COMPLETELY different types of shootings we are talking about. The more skilled your targeting abilities become, the better your performance will be in a self defense situation.

A lot of ranges around here have single occupant Kill House scenarios. Now that will build your self defense capability, specifically reaction time and overall perception.

Either way its pretty important to practice your targeting abilities and control of the weapon, ESPECIALLY if you are a beginner.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3
Who said ANYTHING about slow trigger pull = self defense situation?

The OP is going to a gun range. A gun range is where you practice your honing skills on the target. There's absolutely no stress at a gun range (unless you are qualifying). You aren't shooting to save your or your spouse's life at a gun range. You are practicing on your targeting skills. COMPLETELY different types of shootings we are talking about. The more skilled your targeting abilities become, the better your performance will be in a self defense situation.

A lot of ranges around here have single occupant Kill House scenarios. Now that will build your self defense capability, specifically reaction time and overall perception.

Either way its pretty important to practice your targeting abilities and control of the weapon, ESPECIALLY if you are a beginner.

Most definitely, and my post was not meant as an argument against yours, rather an addendum that some may try to find.

 

[upsciLLion]

In summary of the entire thread, rent a 22 handgun and ask someone at the range for some tutoring.

 

[ktehmok]

Originally posted by: upsciLLion
In summary of the entire thread, rent a 22 handgun and ask someone at the range for some tutoring.

Exactly. The only thing I would add, is rent a Ruger Mark IV. Decent mag capacity, reliable, and it's hard to miss with one.

 

[effee]

Don't snap the trigger is the first things you should learn.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: 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.

How can you say that if you've never fired one?

They have the same trigger safety that the XD has and I find that extemely uncomfortable.
I'm more of a fan of metal guns than plastic. I also don't really like the way they look that much.