First time to a gun range
 

I grew up shooting rifles and shotguns, but only have shot a handgun once. I'm going to a gun range with a group of co-workers, of which only one has experience. He is sponsoring the festivities. I'm not currently in the market for a handgun, but plan to be in the future and want to make the most of the time and someone else's checkbook.

I have a feeling some posters here might know a thing or two on this subject. What should I focus on (besides the target)? More important to test brands, calibers, trigger type?

Here is a list of the rentals available, Anthony Arms | Gun Rental List

Just realized that I maybe should have been using the term spoon, but didn't feel like editing.

"More important to test ... calipers.........?

What are you measuring?
jk. If you're shooting on someone else's dime, you may as go with the .45 auto's (didn't notice anything bigger on the list).
Have fun.
Jim

I currently have a Springfield XD.45 and love it. Virtually no kick and not overly loud, my wife actually bought it for herself as her first handgun and loves it, she is much better shot than me (I prefer shotguns and rifles).

I just picked up a nice offbrand 9mm for me in a trade and like shooting it.

The XD springfield and my 9 are both clip guns and we have clips ranging from 8-13 rounds. definately, the 9mm is cheaper ammo, and I don't feel any guilt blowing off 10 rounds in 10 seconds.

Make sure you make safety the #1 priority and don't touch the trigger until the gun is aimed at what you want to kill. HAVE FUN

What do you want a pistol for? Self defense at home, concealed carry, casual target, serious target, etc? That will dictate (to some degree) size and caliber.

If just plinking and casual target shooting, I'd look at the various good 22s out there. Ruger Mk II or III, Browning Buckmark, etc. Revolver wise you have some choices, but I've not shot any of 'em.

Self defense at home? Get a dog. And a 20ga shotgun. If you must get a handgun, get a large frame auto - full size 1911, Glock 17/20/21/22, Beretta 92/96, SIG 220/226, CZ75/97 or clone thereof (EAA imports a nice one), Browning Hi Power, etc. Revolver wise any thing in 357 mag up to 44mag or 45 long colt. The super magnums (460, 480, 500) just aren't really suitable. Of course, if you are in Alaska and your home defense scenarios include a bear breaking in thru a window, etc. then they very well could be.

Concealed carry - what you carry (and how/where on your body) will be dictated by what clothing you wear, and how strict laws are on printing, etc. Small 38 special revolver, sub compact size auto, etc. Look at the KelTec, Ruger, Khar, NAA, Walther, etc. offerings in 380 or 9mm.

Serious target shooting you either are into single shot range (TC Contender, Rem XP100, etc), or high end 22 semi or revolver, 38/357 revolver, or 45 (1911). Or perhaps back to the full size service type pistol (IDPA, etc).

For all of 'em, focus on operation (does it have a safety system? is it "sane" as to how it is operated... possibly under stress), shootability, availability of ammo, etc. Have fun, keep safety in mind all the time!

I'd try as many calibers as possible. .380, .38 (they're same size but different), 9mm, .357, .40, .45. Technically, .380, .38, .357 and 9mm are all the same size (bullet that is) but the cartridges are different so they range in the power of the cartridge.

I'd also try different guns, brands, sizes, etc.... For sure, I'd try a 1911. It's a classic. I'd also try a plastic gun or two. Try a revolver or two. Try some of the tiny pocket guns.

I got lucky, another Pelican took me out shooting for my first time ever and had quite a collection. I then put together another outing with a variety of guns.

Pay attention to how comfortable they feel in your hand and to shoot. Pay attention to which ones you find it easier to fire accurately.

Squeeze the trigger don't pull the trigger. I'd start with smaller calibers and work your way up so you don't get a flinch right away.
Have fun and report back.

what Buck said. Pistols are way different from long guns. I recommend starting with the .22 to learn siting, grip and stance. If you have a strong grip then a 9mm would be a good next step. Remember as gas operated mechanisms (semi-autos) you must channel the energy of the gas into the pistol in order for it to cycle properly. Especially a light pistol like the Glock.

Have fun!

That the range and the participants are all anal about the safety rules.

If you ever see a barrel pointed somewhere other than downrange, leave.

Not exactly sure, that is why I'm not really in the market right now. I think in order: casual target, concealed carry, home defense - agree not a good solution.

Follow the safety rules, pay attention and enjoy your 1st range experience! I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that you'll love it and will get many (not just one) guns!

I went through this relatively recently, start out by handling as many as possible. I knew without shooting one that a Glock wasn't for me just because it didn't fit my hand comfortably. After narrowing down the ones that feel right, try to shoot as many as possible by renting, or better yet, by shooting those that belong to friends. I had multiple range trips with multiple people before I settled on a 1911. I've since augmented that with a Sig P250 Subcompact.

Yup, handguns are all about trigger pull. When the gun is empty (check it is empty!) practice pulling the trigger. You want it so when the trigger breaks your finger is squeezing directly back. In line with the barrel in other words. Too little finger on the trigger you push the gun to the left as you squeeze, too much finger (say, up to the first joint) you pull it to the right.


And have fun!

Definitely try a 1911. I have two. For some reason, they just "fit". If you can, try out the 22's. Good fun, for CHEAP! I recently put a few rounds through a Browning Buckmark, and now I'm in the market for one. When you factor in the price of 22LR ammo against the 357mag, and 45 ACP I'm shooting now, it will pay for itself in a year.

But as others have said, SAFETY FIRST!
Check your chamber
Keep the muzzle pointed downrange
Know your target and what's behind it
Finger off the trigger until you want to fire
When you're done firing, if it's a semi auto, leave the slide locked back, with the magazine out. If it's a revolver, leave the cylinder open. This lets everyone know that the gun isn't in a firing position with a quick glance.

Get in the habit of checking the chamber right off the bat. More people get hurt with a gun they THINK is unloaded than anything else.

Also, if you see someone doing something stupid, DON'T be shy to yell cease fire, and point it out to the range officer. It's better for someone to go home with hurt feelings, than with lead poisoning.

Prepare to become addicted.

Buckmarks can be hard to find these days.
 

I just got my son a Ruger SR22 for his birthday. Looks like a nice gun, and it fits smaller hands. It comes with a larger grip as well. Looking forward to trying it out this weekend.

I made the mistake of "going big" with my first spoon purchase with a .40 cal. My latest purchase should have been my first.......a .22. It is a great range caliber and it is the least expensive when it comes to ammo, thus a ton of learning how to shoot with a smaller investment. The are many to choose from and it is something you can shoot longer without fatigue in your hands and the pain that may follow in shooting larger calipers. Have fun in your search. SmileWavy

.40 is big?

Actually focus on the front sight, let the target go out of focus but keep the front sight sharp. Your groups will be decent as long as you squeeze the trigger
Troy

killing snakes?
 

guys - sorry to hijack here - but I'm also in the market for a handgun to take care of the occasional rattler on the property. Any thoughts on what might be suitable? shotguns tend to be overkill for the task - but effective! Is there some birdshot that can be used in a handgun for this? thx td

I can't believe they don't show any .22 pistols or revolvers to rent. Oh well, lacking those, I would suggest starting with the only revolver I see on their list - the S&W 686 with the 6" barrel. While it is chambered in .357 mag, just load it up with .38 Specials instead. Start with 148 grain wadcutters, a very mild target load, and work your way up to standard 158 grain .38 Specials. This will provide a low noise, low recoil combination that you can just enjoy shooting without undue blast and recoil.

My first was a .45. The only regret is ammo cost. I don't shoot it as often as I should just because it's so damn expensive. My 9mm is far cheaper to shoot.

Massive +1

I love shooting, but being around a bunch of guys who have neve shot before? Not my idea of a relaxing time.

I always start new students on a 22 cal, then progess to a 9mm, 40 then 45. Along the way they discover what they are comfortable with and enjoy the most. If you purchase a 1911 style 45, Glock or other popular model you can often get a 22 conversion kit for it which consists of a slide, barrel, spring and magizine. The kits allow you to shoot inexpensive training ammo utilizing your primary (fun gun, self defensive, etc) pistol with a consistent trigger pull, reset and sight alignment. Enjoy and stay safe. btw, you can never be too safe with a gun, always check an double check to be sure it is unloaded.

I had always shot long guns up until a year or so ago. Then the need arose to get handguns. I started out on a range with rental guns, and was most comfortable with a 9mm. I could consistently group shots with that caliber. With larger ones like .40 and .45, I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn or group worth a flip. After lots of range time, I moved up to a .45 and can now group fine with it. I've got more than one in the collection at home now, but my favorite is my Kimber Ultra Carry II in .45. It just took some range time to work up to it.

I have a friend that just bought a S&W Governor. It shoots 45 ACP, 45 Colt, and 410 shotgun. I'm not terribly impressed with it, it has some "adaptor" clips that you use, and I found them VERY clumsy during reloads. if I'm not mistaken the 410 cartridges don't need the adaptors. Just one option of many, I'm sure.

CCI makes shot cartridges in most pistol calibers.

tadlink - snake ammo
 

Taurus Judge in 45lc/410. There are some inexpensive and cheap derringers with the same combo. The TC Contender (single shot switch barrel) was available in 45lc/410. You could buy/make an AOW or SBS, if legal where you are and if you want to jump thru NFA hoops. You can also get shotshells in a variety of pistol calibers from 22 (great fun for bumble bees around the azaleas) all the way up thru the popular defensive calibers - 357/38, 40, 10mm, 45acp, 44 special, 44 magnum. These are all small shot (#9 thru #12) in small quantities, so before you depend on 'em for nasty snake defense try a few at some beer cans and large pieces of cardboard before you really trust 'em.

Well, the trip to the range got postponed. Thanks for the tips.

If you're considering getting your own, maybe you should grab a friend and go anyway? Much fewer distractions with just a few of you and he can show you the ropes.

I see you are from Da Burgh, where was the range you were going to?

Taurus. The Judge.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1352988858.jpg

Anthony Arms down in West Mifflin. Somebody from out of town was arranging and found it as a place that had a decent selection of rentals and open to non-members. Do you know of anyplace north of the city?

Thanks guys - I'll check out the birdshot in the calibres you mentioned....bye bye rattlers! It will certainly be more tidy than taking them out with a shovel - which is a bit of an adrenaline rush to be sure! td

Thought about this some more. I went to the range with some coworkers once. It was a disaster. One guy managed to mix 9mm and .40 cal ammo into one mag. Sheared the firing pin on a .40 M&P. He alternated the bullet calibers, so every time the range master would come out, clear the chamber, fire the gun once, and give it back to us. Then of course it would misfire again. He shot a .22 rifle into the ceiling by mistake. We all decided then and there never to go on a co-worker trip again. We were lucky the misloaded gun didn't blow up in someone's hand.

This is what I got my Ruger Single Six in .22cal for. Beautiful pistol. And with snake shot in it, gets the job done. Very accurate and I can attest that the shot will not only kill snakes, but can take out a squirrel up to about 20 feet.

Fun to shoot, very safe as it is a double action pistol which means you have to pull the hammer back before the trigger will engage. My daughter learned to shoot with that pistol.

when shooting, it helps to repeat the mantra "get some"
whisper it at first
increase volume as you continue shooting... end up maniacally laughing and yelling

GET SOME HWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH GET SOME GET SOME GETSOME !!!

though i do enjoy sharing the "firearm" experience with others, the time I get to be alone at the range is far better for me.