[Stauffenberg]

Hi all,

I'm new to the shooting sport. Although I've technically owned a .22LR rifle since the age of 18 (I'm 20 now), I've never actually taken the thing to a range yet. At first, this was due to my anti-gun parents, who didn't want it in their house; then, when I moved to college, my dormitory wouldn't allow it on the premises. In any case, I live in my own place now. I'm going to be getting my rifle back from the guy who's been holding onto it for me, and I'm hoping to take it out to a local range in my hometown over spring break.

But yeah, that's my story. Anything you wise old elders would suggest a new shooter be aware of?

[TamThompson]

Welcome! One thing you might want to watch is something new shooters do at the range or during a shooting class when there's an instructor or someone helpful behind them, without realizing what they're doing. Since we've been taught that it's polite to face people when we talk, new shooters have been known to wheel around, forgetting they're holding a gun, to face whomever they're talking to. Make sure that if someone comes up behind you or on the side to give advice, you KEEP THAT MUZZLE pointed downrange and just turn your head. Don't feel bad--I did that in my CHL class (pointed loaded gun at instructor on accident) and got yelled at.
It takes practice to develop an awareness of where you're pointing a gun.

Otherwise, enjoy!

The best thing you can probably do is take a class, or buddy up with some shooter who really looks like he or she knows what they're doing. Incidentally, this will most likely NOT be the shooter who's doing all the talking. Ignore that guy!

Have a good time.

[Indy7373]

This is coming from another 20 year old who got into this a couple of years ago. Take your time. Be safe, learn the four rules. Most importantly, don't be embarrassed to ask for help or information. Everyone has to learn somewhere. I still am :D . Also be careful, this is addicting.

[Stauffenberg]

Hah, so I hear. My buddy in Wisconsin bought himself a Kel-Tec Sub-2000 when he turned 18. Now he's not quite 20, and he's got the Kel-Tec, a Mauser 8mm and a Sig 9mm, plus he's secretary of the UWM gun club. Last I heard from him, he was shopping for a 12-guage. :D

I've got a lot of gun-loving friends (including the above gentleman, who might be coming to my area and doing some plinking with me later in the month), so I've been seeking their council, too. Good advice thus far, guys, thanks a bunch. It's all welcome.

[Jeff White]

I'm going to move this thread to General Discussion where more people will see it....Jeff

[P95Carry]

Welcome to the fold ... and THR :)

Not much to add but if there's one thing for you to always get right - let it be those four golden rules ... and make sure the folks around you do same.

[Waitone]

Hold up there pardner! Now he's not quite 20, and he's got the Kel-Tec, a Mauser 8mm and a Sig 9mm, plus he's secretary of the UWM gun club You mean there is a ***gasp*** gun club at Univ. Wisconsin Madison?????

[Stauffenberg]

I was as shocked as you are. I figured Madison wouldn't even go so far as to let you wear a shirt that says "Please Do Not Kill Me."

[AZLibertarian]

Stauffenberg
...Anything you wise old elders would suggest a new shooter be aware of? *Dons wise old elder hat [Ouch!]* I agree with P95--The Four Rules should be the first and only things you're thinking about when armed.

That said...I recommend you invest in the best hearing protection you can lay your hands on. You may find one day that you've outgrowing that quiet little .22, and are moving on to bigger (and louder) toys. Even if you don't, you'll find that others at the range are making more noise than you. All that noise adds up, and many of we "elders" have measurable hearing loss. I'd recommend electronic muffs if you can afford them, but if not, at least use those little foamy earplugs under a set of conventional muffs. One day you will look back and not regret the extra steps you took to protect your hearing.

As I said, you may soon find yourself drooling over bigger and louder toys. They're fun, and if you want to go in that direction--do it. However, keep your .22. I can almost guarantee that before you know it, you'll want to get back to it, if for no other reason than nostalgia or handing down to your (future?) kids.

Have fun, and stay safe.

[Bear Gulch]

I concur with AZLib on the hearing protection. After playing with tanks and arty in the National Guard, have have a pretty bad set of gunpowder ears. It is a good filter for when the wife is nagging, but that's another story.

[Stauffenberg]

- Treat all guns as if they were loaded
- Never point a gun at anything you don't want to die
- Keep finger off trigger until actually ready to fire
- Always be sure of your target

If these are the four rules you gentlemen speak of, I'm familiar with them. One of the first things I learned while researching the topic of gun ownership, back when I first was in the market for a firearm.

How much does hearing protection usually run? Keep in mind, I'm a college student living in crushing poverty. Which is why the .22LR is nice, I suppose, the ammo is dirt cheap. A conversation I had with a buddy, coming out of Gander Mountain about a week after I bought my rifle:

"Dude, you bought six hundred rounds?"
"Shut up! They had a sale!"

[Waitone]

Get the best eye protection you can find. No exceptions, no qualifications.

Get the best ear protection you can find and double up. That means using foam ear plugs and ear muffs. I use 29+NRR plugs and 31NRR muffs. Never regretted using both. Matter of fact its saved me damage when someone touched off some obscenely large magnum pistol in the bay next to me.

[Stauffenberg]

Okay... so what'll that cost me, man!? I'm not saying I'd give up food for good face protection, but I'd consider giving up smoking...

[AZLibertarian]

Okay... so what'll that cost me, man!? For electronic protection, you can start to get an idea of the costs here (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=electronic+hearing+protection). I've seen electronic protection from somewhere near $30 to all the way to $250. For muffs, it would be hard to spend more than $30. Foamy earplugs will run a buck or so (and please change them occassionally--they do wear out). I realize (and remember quite well) that a college student doesn't have much disposable cash. However, please keep this in mind: There is a reason the high-end stuff costs more. A high-end set of hearing protection simply works better than the cheaper stuff. Do what you can now--upgrade it when you're able to later. Whatever you do, don't go the cheap route when it comes to eye and ear protection. As I said before, you won't regret the best level of protection you can afford.

[Stauffenberg]

Thanks a mil, folks.