First range day

[KickinD]

The guys in my church group and I are all headed to a local indoor shooting range this weekend. We picked up a Groupon for the day and some hand guns with ammo. We also have at least one guy with his own that is planning on bringing to share. Seeing as how the last time I shot a weapon was over ten years ago in the woods with a shotgun and some squirrels, any advice from the more experienced brethren on hand guns would be welcome? We won't be blasting off anything too large caliber, probably a 9mm or similar.

Thanks fellas

 

[mwlabel]

Watch this video [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa50-plo48"]Todd Jarrett on pistol shooting. - YouTube[/ame] for basics on stance and grip. It kills me to see new shooters using poor grip and stance, they're developing bad habits and they're killing their shooting. The experience becomes a lot more fun when you can be consistent.

 

[mwlabel]

Oh, more importantly... be safe and have fun! :thumbsup:

 

[themoneycollector]

Check your range and see if (1) you can bring your own ammo to save on costs and (2) if they allow steel or brass only ammo.

I wish I could go to the range more often, but the ammo costs are the real kicker. If the range allows outside ammo, then buy it beforehand at academy or cabelas or even walmart. Steel ammo is cheaper than brass, but some people don't like to run it through their guns (I use it all the time and never had a problem). Range suitable boxes of 50 rounds of 9mm are $8 (great deal) to $12 (easily found).

For some serious time at the range, a single person can actually shoot around 200-300 rounds, so you can see where the costs add up. But a box each is pretty reasonable if you're trying things out.

Here's a drill i recommend.

1. Pull out the handgun without aiming down sight, hands only. Then pause and check your aim down sight and see how accurate you are. No rounds or shooting needed to do this. Just checking aim.

 

[rabbgp]

Roger on the be safe part!

 

[KickinD]

Check your range and see if (1) you can bring your own ammo to save on costs and (2) if they allow steel or brass only ammo.

We checked ammo and as long as it is our gun then we can. Otherwise, their gun = their ammo. Thankfully one guy has a couple of pistols to bring and share.

I'll check the video since I have no clue. Thanks

Safety is my biggest concern and frankly this wasn't my first choice as an outting. We will see I may enjoy it enough to return.

 

[mwlabel]

Here's a drill i recommend.

1. Pull out the handgun without aiming down sight, hands only. Then pause and check your aim down sight and see how accurate you are. No rounds or shooting needed to do this. Just checking aim.

I would not recommend any drill like this for new shooters. Especially drawing from the holster.

Safety is my biggest concern and frankly this wasn't my first choice as an outting. We will see I may enjoy it enough to return.

If you're with responsible, intelligent people - it will be safe. Don't be afraid, just be aware.
You'll love it, most people do.

 

[fuelie95]

Wash your hands after shooting. Usually covered with all types of stuff blown into the air...

 

[Gravity]

Keep your finger OFF the trigger until that firearm is pointed downrange AT the target and you're ready to shoot, otherwise keep that index finger firmly planted on the frame away from the trigger.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp

Follow those rules - except always treat every firearm like it is loaded, even if you have checked to make sure its empty, still treat it exactly as you would a fully loaded weapon.


Go through a couple of magazines, watch very closely what everybody is doing on the range and have fun. Your first time isn't about getting better with a firearm, it's about enjoying yourself and killing those dirty rotten stinken commie paper targets, if you don't get them, they will get you!

Also, put the target at between 3-5 yards to start, you're getting used to the trigger, not trying to be a marksman.

 

[mwlabel]

Lots of good small tips in here, especially washing your hands after. Don't want lead poisoning.

Another little one: your first couple times to the firing line, don't be afraid to only load one round into the gun. That's how I start all new shooters so they get used to the feel of things, do that a few times and then work their way up... 3 rounds... 5 rounds.

 

[KickinD]

Thanks guys for the advice. I had a great time after firing off a few shots and getting use to the weapons. Our friend brought a Sig Sauer P229 .40 that I shot and found incredibly smooth. We also shot a HK .40, the smallest 9mm made, a 6 shooter .22, and two rifles, one .22 and the other 9mm. Overall it was a fun time and everyone was safe and unharmed after. I can't say the same for the fellas unloading 12guage slugs next to us all morning. Their shoulder must have been beat all weekend.

 

[SSimp]

Glad everyone had fun!

 

[mwlabel]

Sounds like a good time was had!
The big question... will you be going back???

 

[KickinD]

Yeah, I'd love to head back. I'd really like to get out to hit some targets a little better than paper sheets, too.

 

[Mickeymorris626]

Sounds like a good time! the best way to teach gun safety is by getting out there and leading by example, after of coarse telling them the 5 fundamentals.

Treat A Firearm As If It Is Loaded
Do Not Point Your Firearm At Something You Do Not Wish To Destroy
Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready To Shoot
Keep Your Firearm Unloaded Until It Is Ready For Use
Be Sure Of Your Target and What Is Beyond It

 

[cmhicksusmc]

Sounds like a good time! the best way to teach gun safety is by getting out there and leading by example, after of coarse telling them the 5 fundamentals.

Treat A Firearm As If It Is Loaded
Do Not Point Your Firearm At Something You Do Not Wish To Destroy
Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready To Shoot
Keep Your Firearm Unloaded Until It Is Ready For Use
Be Sure Of Your Target and What Is Beyond It

Here here!!!

 

[Gravity]

Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself!