First time to a gun range

[Aggie93]

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.

[on2wheels52]

"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

[ckelly78z]

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

[id10t]

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!

[masraum]

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.

[Buckterrier]

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.

[flatbutt]

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!

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by Aggie93

What should I focus on (besides the target)?

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.

[Aggie93]

Originally Posted by id10t

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.

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.

[azasadny]

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!

[onewhippedpuppy]

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.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Buckterrier

Squeeze the trigger don't pull the trigger.

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!

[lm6y]

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.

[Loomis]

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.

[badcar]

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.

[Jim Bremner]

.40 is big?

[JTO]

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

[tadink]

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

[Jeff Higgins]

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.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by badcar

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.

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.