The Undertoad
Member
OK all, here is the situation. I'm 20 years old, turning 21 next month. I've read reams of info on various handguns online, mostly here but some at other forums or sites.
Now my problem is, the only pistol I've ever fired was a Beretta 92, and it was a jam-o-matic rental. Many people have urged me to FIRE a weapon, or the same model, before purchasing it to ensure it fits my hand and I find it pointable, and have no problems with recoil. I think that's great advice, especially since it'll be many months before I can afford a second handgun - this first one will have to be my do-it-all CCW (once I get my CHP of course) for a few months, probably for longer. This is why I'm so anxious about it being a really good match.
The only problem is: I can't rent because I'm not 21. I haven't found any gun stores that will even let me hold a handgun and see if it fits my hand or not - because I'm not 21. :banghead: Also I have not seen many of the guns that I'm considering (for example Makarov, CZ's, Steyr, revolvers) for rent at ranges.
I've toughed it out for a few years but these last few weeks are making it really hard. I would <b>love</b> to go buy a handgun on my 21st birthday and KNOW that I will enjoy shooting it, because I've fired a similar one. Basically I don't want any surprises. Now I know I could just continue being patient... I mean I just have to wait a few weeks and then after I turn 21 I'll be able to spend some time visiting ranges, doing hands-on research at gunshops etc...but I'd really just love to pick up my gun on my birthday. I think it'd make it far more special.
Here's where you come in! Would anyone like to take a few hours from your busy schedule and meet me at a range, and let me shoot one of your handguns? Maybe even more than one? I'm mostly interested in the Makarov, .38/357 wheelguns, and 9mm autoloaders in that order, but I wouldn't turn down the chance to shoot anything else. I'd be happy to reimburse for ammo, and buy you lunch. I go to school in Williamsburg, but I will be in noVA for several days next week (spring break).
How about it? (Hey, think about it this way: here's your chance to influence the direction one relatively new shooters' interests go in the world of handguns, because I don't have enough money to buy more than one! If you want to turn me into a wheelgun toter, 1911 afficiondo, SIG snob or cheap milsurp pistol fanatic, this is your chance! )
I wasn't really sure what forum to put this in. If mods feel it is more appropriate elsewhere, please move it.
Now my problem is, the only pistol I've ever fired was a Beretta 92, and it was a jam-o-matic rental. Many people have urged me to FIRE a weapon, or the same model, before purchasing it to ensure it fits my hand and I find it pointable, and have no problems with recoil. I think that's great advice, especially since it'll be many months before I can afford a second handgun - this first one will have to be my do-it-all CCW (once I get my CHP of course) for a few months, probably for longer. This is why I'm so anxious about it being a really good match.
The only problem is: I can't rent because I'm not 21. I haven't found any gun stores that will even let me hold a handgun and see if it fits my hand or not - because I'm not 21. :banghead: Also I have not seen many of the guns that I'm considering (for example Makarov, CZ's, Steyr, revolvers) for rent at ranges.
I've toughed it out for a few years but these last few weeks are making it really hard. I would <b>love</b> to go buy a handgun on my 21st birthday and KNOW that I will enjoy shooting it, because I've fired a similar one. Basically I don't want any surprises. Now I know I could just continue being patient... I mean I just have to wait a few weeks and then after I turn 21 I'll be able to spend some time visiting ranges, doing hands-on research at gunshops etc...but I'd really just love to pick up my gun on my birthday. I think it'd make it far more special.
Here's where you come in! Would anyone like to take a few hours from your busy schedule and meet me at a range, and let me shoot one of your handguns? Maybe even more than one? I'm mostly interested in the Makarov, .38/357 wheelguns, and 9mm autoloaders in that order, but I wouldn't turn down the chance to shoot anything else. I'd be happy to reimburse for ammo, and buy you lunch. I go to school in Williamsburg, but I will be in noVA for several days next week (spring break).
How about it? (Hey, think about it this way: here's your chance to influence the direction one relatively new shooters' interests go in the world of handguns, because I don't have enough money to buy more than one! If you want to turn me into a wheelgun toter, 1911 afficiondo, SIG snob or cheap milsurp pistol fanatic, this is your chance! )
I wasn't really sure what forum to put this in. If mods feel it is more appropriate elsewhere, please move it.