How Can I Test Different Handguns?

[Phriend]

A lot of you have advised me to find a handgun that I am comfortable with and that I can fire well. This is good advice.... but what is the best way for me to go about testing multiple handguns?

(In other words, it would cost me about $20,000 to purchase and test them all. Can I go someplace to rent or test a variety of weapons? If so.... where?)

[DougDubya]

Your local gun shop, if it has a firing range, will be your place to rent and shoot and try out these guns.

[Majic]

Some ranges rents guns also.

[The Lone Haranguer]

A range with rentals is about the only feasible way.

[spiroxlii]

Or find THR members near you or a local IDPA/IPSC/USPSA shooting club and go to one of their meetings. Introduce yourself as a new shooter just looking for info. Some of them are bound to let you handle their guns.

[Moonclip]

Have friends like me and then think I'm your personal gun library:( I usually don't mind but I have a friend that used to abuse the privledge. Rentals at a range that is set up for that is a good way to start.

[yhtomit]

Phriend:

You need to find some Phriends :)

Are you in the U.S.? If so, where are you in the country? If you give people some clue about that, there might even be people on this board who could give you advice specific to your situation. Some places it's a lot easier to try out guns than others, but as has been noted, a range with rentals may be your best bet.

timothy

[possum]

like was said above a range that has rentals is the best way. also most gun owners are real friendly and they will let you try out there guns, i know i let people shoot my stuff all the time, i figure if i can save someone the headache and money by making the right decision the first time than that is well worh it

[Elvishead]

Pertinent information would help. Why this, why that? Size this, strong that?

[JohnBT]

Buy a $50 Lyman digital trigger pull gauge and hang out at the range. Offer to measure trigger pulls in exchange for a couple of shots.

John

[easyg]

Phriend, tell us what city, or at least what state, you live in and perhaps one of us can recommend a range close to you that has rentals.

[1858remington]

If your in the area of northern delaware state, you could visit Targetmaster gun range.

The have nearly everything to try on their indoor gunrange, including full auto.:what:

One word of warning.... the owner Tommy... is a huge diseased rhino pizzle. he's nice till you have a problem.:cuss: but his staff is very helpfull and friendly.:)

[NGIB]

Looked at some of his other posts and I suspect he's a young one. In one of them he mentions "I may buy a gun in a couple of years"...

[foghornl]

Phriend:

If you would give us a hint as to where you are, someone will be along shortly with an offer to accompany them to their favorite range, complete with sample shooting...

[CountGlockula]

Try before you buy will save you not only money, but lots of headaches.

[woad_yurt]

Once, I used this forum to arrange a meet at the range with folks near me, people I had never met before. About 5 or 6 of us showed up with all sorts of guns. Do the same thing. Maybe you could offer to buy them lunch or something in return for firing a few rounds from their stuff. Socialize, schmooz, network, etc.

[takhtakaal]

One word of warning.... the owner Tommy... is a huge diseased rhino pizzle.

LMFAO!

How eloquent -- how true.

[spiroxlii]

If you do arrange a meet, you COULD offer to buy lunch for the people who let you try their guns...

But most of us hopeless folks with home arsenals value ammo more than food!

[DPris]

Enter the exciting and glamorous world of gunwriting.
You get to shoot lots of other peoples' guns, get paid for it, and be repeatedly called a liar all at the same time! ;)
Next to free beer, what more could you ask? :D
Denis

[Lt. G]

Throw a get together with some gun buddy friends at the range. Ask them to bring any of the weapons,(that they own/ can borrow), that you want to try. Be kind, buy the ammo or lunch/dinner!
Cheers, Lt. G

[mrmom61]

Thats a great question. The only range I know of in my area that rents guns is a hour and a half away and does'nt list what I'm really interested in.Oh by the way I'm a newbie if you havent figured that out yet.