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

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JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,586
985
126
Originally posted by: 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.

The Glock is metal where it counts. The entire slide and barrel are metal, only the lower frame is plastic. I'm not sure what you mean by uncomfortable. You mean it makes you feel uncomfortable not having a manual safety?

I own a Glock and have fired many different Glock models. Never had any trouble with any of them.
 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
76
i just went the other day, i'm not sure i care for .22, it's like shooting a BB gun, I couldn't even tell if it actually fired or not.

In terms of kick, i don't really notice much difference between 9mm, .40, .45, they all feel about the same to me. I think I like 1911s the best, they have nice balance and good triggers. I almost bought one, but they are expensive for good ones and the ammo is also expensive.

I actually like shooting shotguns more than pistols, but I think most indoor ranges only allow birdshot, no buckshot or slugs. But i notice alot of people first time shooting a 12 gauge want to put it down after 3 or 4 shots cause they don't like how much it kicks.
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Originally posted by: OS
i just went the other day, i'm not sure i care for .22, it's like shooting a BB gun, I couldn't even tell if it actually fired or not.

In terms of kick, i don't really notice much difference between 9mm, .40, .45, they all feel about the same to me. I think I like 1911s the best, they have nice balance and good triggers. I almost bought one, but they are expensive for good ones and the ammo is also expensive.

I actually like shooting shotguns more than pistols, but I think most indoor ranges only allow birdshot, no buckshot or slugs. But i notice alot of people first time shooting a 12 gauge want to put it down after 3 or 4 shots cause they don't like how much it kicks.

The indoor range I go to only allows slugs, nothing that spreads.

I love taking my Mossberg to the range and shreading paper at 25-30 yards with slugs.
 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: 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.

The Glock is metal where it counts. The entire slide and barrel are metal, only the lower frame is plastic. I'm not sure what you mean by uncomfortable. You mean it makes you feel uncomfortable not having a manual safety?

I own a Glock and have fired many different Glock models. Never had any trouble with any of them.

ok, great...
yes, i know the slide and barrel are metal. i just like a heavier balanced gun. the XD is top heavy and i assume that the Glock is as well. as for uncomfortable, i mean physically uncomfortable. i don't like the feel of the trigger.
 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
25,375
142
116
Dual-wield some Colt .45s.
 

OS

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
15,581
1
76
Originally posted by: pontifex
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: 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.

The Glock is metal where it counts. The entire slide and barrel are metal, only the lower frame is plastic. I'm not sure what you mean by uncomfortable. You mean it makes you feel uncomfortable not having a manual safety?

I own a Glock and have fired many different Glock models. Never had any trouble with any of them.

ok, great...
yes, i know the slide and barrel are metal. i just like a heavier balanced gun. the XD is top heavy and i assume that the Glock is as well. as for uncomfortable, i mean physically uncomfortable. i don't like the feel of the trigger.


I can kind of see that, pretty much all the polymer guns are a little top heavy, they don't seem to have the nice balance like 1911s do.
Glocks in particular sometimes get knocked for bad ergonomics/unnatural grip angle. I don't care for them myself either.

 

Pepsei

Lifer
Dec 14, 2001
12,895
1
0
i purchased a SKS as my first rifle... and i used it at an outdoor range...

fun
 

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
I actually went to a range today with my friend...shot his Sig Sauer 239 .40 cal...love the feel of the gun. I only went through 3 targets, but I did pretty well. He used to be a cop and now he's in the air force...he said I did really well, which made me happy ^_^
 

bob4432

Lifer
Sep 6, 2003
11,727
46
91
Originally posted by: OS
Originally posted by: pontifex
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: 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.

The Glock is metal where it counts. The entire slide and barrel are metal, only the lower frame is plastic. I'm not sure what you mean by uncomfortable. You mean it makes you feel uncomfortable not having a manual safety?

I own a Glock and have fired many different Glock models. Never had any trouble with any of them.

ok, great...
yes, i know the slide and barrel are metal. i just like a heavier balanced gun. the XD is top heavy and i assume that the Glock is as well. as for uncomfortable, i mean physically uncomfortable. i don't like the feel of the trigger.


I can kind of see that, pretty much all the polymer guns are a little top heavy, they don't seem to have the nice balance like 1911s do.
Glocks in particular sometimes get knocked for bad ergonomics/unnatural grip angle. I don't care for them myself either.

for some reason, when i hold a 1911 i want to pistol whip somebody, it feels very good in one's hand :) (not that i would do that)
 

thepd7

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2005
9,423
0
0
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?

Yeah, I didn't really like the look or think a Glock would "be me" or whatever but I still wanted to shoot my brother's Glock 23 (.40S&W) to see, especially considering their reputation. I was so wrong, that gun was great in my hand and shot wonderfully.

Plus, decent accuracy
2 Clips at 10 yards and 2 at 15 yards. Not really tight grouping but I was pounding them out pretty fast. Anything in the blue is good enough for me, :evil:

 

Sqube

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2004
3,078
1
0
To answer stuff I saw a couple times:
- I'm not too interested in firing anything except pistols to start.

- I was under the impression that .45s and up had really big kickback compared to something like a 9mm or a .22, which is why I was saying I wasn't really considering shooting anything that big.

- I don't know anybody who's interested in guns, or I would've just gone with them from the jump.

- I hadn't really considered renting and firing multiple guns the first time out; I guess I'll pick out a place and find out (via you guys, naturally) if their rates are in line with what I should be expecting.

- I fully intend on letting them know that I know fuck-all about a gun; I'm nowhere near dumb enough to think that I don't need assistance and education in learning how to handle something that can put holes in somebody.

- I have no clue what the difference between a single stacked and a double stacked magazine is, what it would mean for me, or why I should prefer one over the other.


So in conclusion, looks like I'll definitely shoot a .22, probably a 9mm, and I guess I'll play it by ear from there out. Thanks for the help!
 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
Originally posted by: Sqube
To answer stuff I saw a couple times:
- I'm not too interested in firing anything except pistols to start.

- I was under the impression that .45s and up had really big kickback compared to something like a 9mm or a .22, which is why I was saying I wasn't really considering shooting anything that big.

- I don't know anybody who's interested in guns, or I would've just gone with them from the jump.

- I hadn't really considered renting and firing multiple guns the first time out; I guess I'll pick out a place and find out (via you guys, naturally) if their rates are in line with what I should be expecting.

- I fully intend on letting them know that I know fuck-all about a gun; I'm nowhere near dumb enough to think that I don't need assistance and education in learning how to handle something that can put holes in somebody.

- I have no clue what the difference between a single stacked and a double stacked magazine is, what it would mean for me, or why I should prefer one over the other.


So in conclusion, looks like I'll definitely shoot a .22, probably a 9mm, and I guess I'll play it by ear from there out. Thanks for the help!


i have 2 9mm, a 380, and a .45. the .45 has a ton more recoil than the 9mm, in my opinion.

it depends on the guns also. a light and/or small gun is going to have more recoil than a large/heavy gun.

for instance, i have a taurus pt99 in 9mm. its a beretta 92 clone and it is huge and heavy. i barely notice much recoil with it. i also have a CZ p-01 which is a compact 9mm. i notice the recoil a lot more with the cz than the taurus.
 

SacrosanctFiend

Diamond Member
Oct 2, 2004
4,269
0
0
Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I actually went to a range today with my friend...shot his Sig Sauer 239 .40 cal...love the feel of the gun. I only went through 3 targets, but I did pretty well. He used to be a cop and now he's in the air force...he said I did really well, which made me happy ^_^

That's my carry, and my favorite, weapon. I remember qualifying for the carry permit with it. Passed qualifying early, so I placed an entire magazine into the head at 25ft. I LOVE that pistol.
 

upsciLLion

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2001
5,947
1
81
Originally posted by: Sqube
To answer stuff I saw a couple times:
- I'm not too interested in firing anything except pistols to start.

- I was under the impression that .45s and up had really big kickback compared to something like a 9mm or a .22, which is why I was saying I wasn't really considering shooting anything that big.

- I have no clue what the difference between a single stacked and a double stacked magazine is, what it would mean for me, or why I should prefer one over the other.


So in conclusion, looks like I'll definitely shoot a .22, probably a 9mm, and I guess I'll play it by ear from there out. Thanks for the help!

.45 ACP has about 15% more energy (370 ft/lbs) than 9mm (356 ft/lbs) as it's leaving the muzzle. It's not a big difference, but it's there. .22LR (134 ft/lbs) kicks a lot less than either one.

Single stack and double stack refer to the way the bullets stack in the magazine. Single stack means they sit one on top of the other. A double stack magazine is wider than a comparable single stack, so the bullets will not stack in a straight line and more can be squeezed into a single magazine. Hope that helps.
 

440sixpack

Senior member
May 30, 2000
790
0
76
Originally posted by: 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.

I personally found the MP-5 wonderfully easy to handle. Even my wife like shooting it. :)

Now the H&K 51B, that's a rowdy beast. Almost lost my balance when I let a few extra rounds go at the end of the belt. :eek:
 

GRIFFIN1

Golden Member
Nov 10, 1999
1,403
6
81
Know the four rules before you go to the range.

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target (and you are ready to shoot).
4. Be sure of your target. Know what it is, what is in line with it and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you haven't positively identified.

When they hand you the gun, keep your finger off the trigger and walk with the gun pointed at the ground while you are going to the shooting range.

When you pull the trigger for the first time on something larger than a .22, you will probably be a little surprised by the power you are holding in your hand. Some people will turn around to express their surprise after the first shot. When they turn to look at the person they came to the range with, they point their loaded gun with their finger on the trigger at everyone else at the shooting range. The finger off the trigger rule is very important. Even if you keep the gun pointed down range (in a safe direction) you don't want to be the guy that shoots the ceiling or a wall.

Some shooting ranges have a rule where you can't rent a gun if you are alone or if you don't have your own gun with you. This cuts down on the number of people that rent a gun to commit suicide.
 

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
Moderator
Aug 23, 2003
25,375
142
116
Do they let you rent one gun per hand? I want to unload some rounds John Woo style.
 

imported_Truenofan

Golden Member
May 6, 2005
1,125
0
0
treat the weapon as it were loaded at ALL times, even when you know its unloaded. never place the weapon on fire unless your pointing it downrange and intend to use it. never place your finger in the trigger wield as well, keep it pointing down the side of the weapon. use the tip or close to the fatty portion of the tip of your finger. do NOT use the joints of your finger. this will result in a more accurate shot if you use the tip. otherwise you'll have trigger pull. it'll sway left or right when the trigger is pulled otherwise. if your shooting a pistol, breathing isn't so important. if you decide to try a rifle. fire only at the end of inhaling or exhaling. do not fire while breathing otherwise you'll have problems with accuracy again.(up/down inaccuracy) these are basics of firing a weapon. i have sniper books from the military that my arms room guy gave me not long ago. even snipers follow them, they're just far more refined at doing these.

edit: griffin has anything else i missed here. yes, point it at the ground, and never aim it at anything. your not going to destroy anything, but you will put rounds through it. i was nervous as hell when i went to the firing range. it was the first time i had ever fired any type of weapon. after the first 2-3 rounds, i was LOVING it. i hope you do too, the smell of burnt gunpowder and the feel of the weapon is something that can never be changed or replicated.
 

Apathetic

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 2002
2,587
6
81
I always recommend learning to shoot using a .22 caliber weapon (either handgun or rifle). You're going to use up a LOT of ammo learning to shoot so you may as well learn on something that is easy to control and dirt cheap to shoot.

Once you know how to shoot, go to a gun store with an indoor range and rent several different models and calibers until you find something you like.

If you don't know someone who knows how to shoot, find a gun club or gun store which offers classes. Whatever you buy, make sure you learn how to properly disassemble, clean, and store it.

Dave
 

Sqube

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2004
3,078
1
0
I know this thread is older than dirt, but I figured this would be the place to put it. I finally got to the range and fired off a couple clips worth of the Glock 17 with a couple friends of mine.

It was highly entertaining, and I was wildly inconsistent (as you might figure). Any hints for, you know, making sure the bullets generally go where you aim them? I'm planning on going back tomorrow and trying something else - maybe see what they have in .45 caliber. I'm going here if anyone lives in the area and knows about it.
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
Originally posted by: Sqube
I know this thread is older than dirt, but I figured this would be the place to put it. I finally got to the range and fired off a couple clips worth of the Glock 17 with a couple friends of mine.

It was highly entertaining, and I was wildly inconsistent (as you might figure). Any hints for, you know, making sure the bullets generally go where you aim them? I'm planning on going back tomorrow and trying something else - maybe see what they have in .45 caliber. I'm going here if anyone lives in the area and knows about it.

First of all, they're magazines. Clips are what you see in WW2 movies where you see the guys put what looks like a string of 5-6 rounds at the top of his rifle and push them in. Those little things are called clips.

http://www.downrange.tv/player.htm

Go there and browse through some videos. Some good drills are the Wall Drill (but you need your own firearm at home) and the Bump Drill.

You should get proper instruction regarding your stance and grip as well.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
Originally posted by: Sqube
I know this thread is older than dirt, but I figured this would be the place to put it. I finally got to the range and fired off a couple clips worth of the Glock 17 with a couple friends of mine.

It was highly entertaining, and I was wildly inconsistent (as you might figure). Any hints for, you know, making sure the bullets generally go where you aim them? I'm planning on going back tomorrow and trying something else - maybe see what they have in .45 caliber. I'm going here if anyone lives in the area and knows about it.

Very honestly, I always like starting out with revolvers. For whatever reason, they're easier for me to be accurate with. Of course, I'm accurate enough with a semi-auto to get the job done and most people are. For plain old fun, my favorite to shoot is a .357 Magnum revolver with .38 Special +P ammo. It's relatively economical, but more fun for me than a semi-auto.

I also really like Smith and Wesson's .22LR revolvers. Those are fun to plink with, cheap to feed, and nicely accurate.

ZV