Finally happened, first time with my new pistols

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Mars5l

Mars5l

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Well I didn't become a gun owner til 3 months ago. After I bought my first one I bought 5 more since along with thousands of rounds of ammo, extra mags and range bags. Kept wanting to go but not by myself, none of my friends would go. Kept getting the usual excuses from them, money to buy ammo and time, even though they are the ones that wantes me to get into firearms. Finally got a friend and his girlfriend to go, was her first time shooting period. I've shoot quite a few firearms over the years so just getting used to shooting my own.

Brought my unfired M&P 22 Compact, M&P40 1.0, LCR .38spl, Berreta PX4 9mm, and my surplus Zastava M57. First one to get used was the first gun I bought, the M&P 22. Such a easy shooter. Only had issues for the most part with Aguila ammo, stove piped a few times or didnt fire. My M&P40 had some issues with Fiocchi not feeding correctly for several rounds in a row. Ruger LCR was my least loved, wont be something I shoot a lot with at the range. Only shoot about 50 rds thru it total

My friend and his girlfriend enjoyed shooting my .22 and my M57. I enjoyed the .22 the most as well followed by the PX4.

Didn't spend too much time on accuracy, didn't bother to-do any sight adjustments. Just wanted to see how they shoot and make sure they worked. Next session I wanna spend more time making sure they are accurate.

Ive learned I need better hearing protection, will be buying actual muffs. I need range bags that are at least shoulder carry. 5 guns with 200-300 rds for each is it a lot to shove into 2 small bags and hand carry

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Mars5l said:
Well I didn't become a gun owner til 3 months ago. After I bought my first one I bought 5 more since along with thousands of rounds of ammo, extra mags and range bags. Kept wanting to go but not by myself, none of my friends would go. Kept getting the usual excuses from them, money to buy ammo and time, even though they are the ones that wantes me to get into firearms. Finally got a friend and his girlfriend to go, was her first time shooting period. I've shoot quite a few firearms over the years so just getting used to shooting my own.

Brought my unfired M&P 22 Compact, M&P40 1.0, LCR .38spl, Berreta PX4 9mm, and my surplus Zastava M57. First one to get used was the first gun I bought, the M&P 22. Such a easy shooter. Only had issues for the most part with Aguila ammo, stove piped a few times or didnt fire. My M&P40 had some issues with Fiocchi not feeding correctly for several rounds in a row. Ruger LCR was my least loved, wont be something I shoot a lot with at the range. Only shoot about 50 rds thru it total

My friend and his girlfriend enjoyed shooting my .22 and my M57. I enjoyed the .22 the most as well followed by the PX4.

Didn't spend too much time on accuracy, didn't bother to-do any sight adjustments. Just wanted to see how they shoot and make sure they worked. Next session I wanna spend more time making sure they are accurate.

Ive learned I need better hearing protection, will be buying actual muffs. I need range bags that are at least shoulder carry. 5 guns with 200-300 rds for each is it a lot to shove into 2 small bags and hand carry

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Looks like you're pretty well equipped! How come you didn't like the LCR?

I'd say that sounds like a pretty good range day.
 
Olon said:
Looks like you're pretty well equipped! How come you didn't like the LCR?

I'd say that sounds like a pretty good range day.
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Eh just couldn't get a great grip and had a decent amount of kick for a small gun for me. Over all just not something Im used to I guess.
 
I had to put the slightly larger LCRx on my LCR 38 special to make it easy and comfortable to shoot. I have no problems now.
 
Looks like you are off to a good start.

I usually use the muff over the foamy earplugs method. I have some hearing issues and am doing everything I can to save what's left.

40 years of trap shooting with 12 years in the artillery have done a number on my ears.
I never have a quiet moment with the buzzing and ringing.
 
DukeConnor said:
Looks like you are off to a good start.

I usually use the muff over the foamy earplugs method. I have some hearing issues and am doing everything I can to save what's left.

40 years of trap shooting with 12 years in the artillery have done a number on my ears.
I never have a quiet moment with the buzzing and ringing.
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Ive had tinnitus since I was a kid. I thought I could get away with the quick to remove/install ear plugs that are on a plastic band that I use at work. Right ear wasnt sealing as well and it was a small gun range. I didn't like muffs after last time I was at the range using some friends rifles and I had tilt my head so much the stock kept knocking them off. Going to have to find some that have built mic
 
Mars51

Definitely get the best hearing protection you can afford. I remember the first time I went shooting at an indoor range and all I used were some foam ear plugs. Man my ears were ringing for a couple of days afterwards. Now I use both plugs and ear muffs!

I like to take my ammo to the range in a separate bag so that when I have used up all of the ammo I can put the brass in the bag to take home for reloading. I also limit the number of handguns (usually 3 or 4 at the most), I bring as it can make for a really heavy range bag if you bring too many.
 
I agree prefer a range bag for my guns and gear and separate other shoulder strap bag for my Ammo. Of what you got my first thought was probably would like the M57 best. Nice shooter. Lots of guns have a few hiccups first couple hundred rounds. Keep shooting them, my experience is they almost always break in and issues go away.
 
Mars5l said:
Well I didn't become a gun owner til 3 months ago. After I bought my first one I bought 5 more since along with thousands of rounds of ammo, extra mags and range bags. Kept wanting to go but not by myself, none of my friends would go. Kept getting the usual excuses from them, money to buy ammo and time, even though they are the ones that wanted me to get into firearms. Finally got a friend and his girlfriend to go, was her first time shooting period. My friend and his girlfriend enjoyed shooting my .22 and my M57. I enjoyed the .22 the most as well followed by the PX4. I've shoot quite a few firearms over the years so just getting used to shooting my own.
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Well, you sure made up for lost time! Guns are like potato chips, you can't have just one.
Dated a girl once who was an anti til I dragged her kicking and screaming to the gun club. She fell in love with shooting my Python (with .38 Spl ammo) and my .22 rifles. couldn't get her interested in black powder.
(Update: In a couple of months we'll be celebrating our 40th anniversary. Didn't work out bad at all!)

Brought my unfired M&P 22 Compact, M&P40 1.0, LCR .38spl, Berreta PX4 9mm, and my surplus Zastava M57. First one to get used was the first gun I bought, the M&P 22. Such a easy shooter. Only had issues for the most part with Aguila ammo, stove piped a few times or didnt fire. My M&P40 had some issues with Fiocchi not feeding correctly for several rounds in a row. Ruger LCR was my least loved, wont be something I shoot a lot with at the range. Only shoot about 50 rds thru it total
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I love shooting my double deuces, much easier on the wallet than my magnums. Come to think of it, my hands aren't that fond of a lot of rounds of magnum ammo anymore. I hear you on the LCR, any of the Ruger L(ittle) C(ute) guns, either the Pistol or the Revolver, as well as similar size guns by other makers, I don't feel like I have a firm hold on them. Personal preference thing.
 
bannockburn said:
Mars51
Now I use both plugs and ear muffs!
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Agree 100%, use both.
FlSwampRat said:
Dated a girl once who was an anti til I dragged her kicking and screaming to the gun club. She fell in love with shooting my Python (with .38 Spl ammo) and my .22 rifles. couldn't get her interested in black powder.
(Update: In a couple of months we'll be celebrating our 40th anniversary. Didn't work out bad at all!)
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Good for you! Does she still shoot?

I went all over Europe with a Swedish girl on a motorcycle, she loved it. Now, 47 years later, she won't even get on my bike. Married me under false pretenses. lol
 
Mars5l said:
Eh just couldn't get a great grip and had a decent amount of kick for a small gun for me. Over all just not something Im used to I guess.
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That's a shame.. the LCR is a lot of fun. I have the LCR357 frame that I have shot a lot of Remington .38 Spcl+P 125 grain SJHP thru it and consider them pretty mild. The additional weight helps mitigate a lot of the recoil.
 
sparkyv said:
Man, you've got it bad! Welcome to the fun of responsible firearms ownership!
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When I take on a new hobby it has a tendency to get crazy. I have boxes and boxes of knives from the past 6 years of collecting knives. None of them are budget fleamarket or display knives either
 
Mars5l said:
Eh just couldn't get a great grip and had a decent amount of kick for a small gun for me. Over all just not something Im used to I guess.
Click to expand...

I consider my LCR .38 extremely unpleasant to shoot, and I don't mind my hot loaded .357 mag, 10mm and .44 mags.
 
Mars5l said:
Ive had tinnitus since I was a kid. I thought I could get away with the quick to remove/install ear plugs that are on a plastic band that I use at work. Right ear wasnt sealing as well and it was a small gun range. I didn't like muffs after last time I was at the range using some friends rifles and I had tilt my head so much the stock kept knocking them off. Going to have to find some that have built mic
Click to expand...

I've been using these for about a year and am VERY happy with them. They are slim enough they work with a rifle, but still offer decent hearing protection. I actually just bought a second pair for when my daughter goes to the range with me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C62NQFP/ref=twister_B07NHCHHYX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

And don't feel bad about the LCR. Snubby revolvers are NOT for new gun owners! It took a long time before I was comfortable and proficient at shooting my similarly sized Airweight j-frames.
 
bassjam said:
I've been using these for about a year and am VERY happy with them. They are slim enough they work with a rifle, but still offer decent hearing protection. I actually just bought a second pair for when my daughter goes to the range with me.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C62NQFP/ref=twister_B07NHCHHYX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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For some reason neither the Amazon ad nor the spec sheet on the Walker site give an actual NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) number for those muffs.
 
Mars5l said:
When I take on a new hobby it has a tendency to get crazy. I have boxes and boxes of knives from the past 6 years of collecting knives. None of them are budget fleamarket or display knives either
Click to expand...

I jump in with both feet too. I started shooting over a year ago, reloading 6 months ago and now casting bullets. Lots to learn in this field and plenty of room for expansion so it doesn’t get boring.
 
Hartkopf said:
I jump in with both feet too. I started shooting over a year ago, reloading 6 months ago and now casting bullets. Lots to learn in this field and plenty of room for expansion so it doesn’t get boring.
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That's why I buy stretchy wasted pants, something keeps expanding as they years roll on.

Best advice I ever got for buying a gun safe. "Look at the one you think will work for you and buy one a couple of sizes bigger. If you think you need the largest one they make, buy two."
 
Great post, and you had fun! Fill the range bag with enough ammo, and gear. A second small bag, or Pelican case should work for the pistols.

Buy a pair like Walker's Digital Razor PRO Electronic Earmuffs for about $40 at Midwayusa. Keep spare batteries for when it's time for a swap in a hurry.
 
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Welcome to the fun. Nice start in gun collecting / acquisitions. :thumbup:

The first time I pulled the trigger on my S&W 442 I thought “What the heck was I thinking”. It has become one of my favorite carry guns. Don’t give up on that LCR. Perhaps a different set of grips?

I like these earplugs:
Radians 25 Pair Disposable Uncorded Foam Earplugs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030HUE9C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aGg0Eb0NAKKEE


And I use them with these at my favorite indoor range.
3M Peltor H6F/V Optime 95 Folding Earmuff https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J07BCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uBg0Eb074R96N

These are fairly low profile muffs.
 
https://www.northernsafety.com/Prod...mBnnCVBW_hsQSEMQX0oVtbYbzQ7zdqmUaAuTEEALw_wcB these are what I used. I think a lot of the issue is it was a really really small indoor range. Like I pulled up and it pretty much looked like a double wide mobile home. It was only 6 lanes, maybe 10 yards max distance and it was pistol calibers only. It was not as plush as the other ranges but it worked and was a decent price.

I'll be picking up some ear muffs sometime this weekend. Now to find another day to go and someone to go with. Would rather go with someone and hang out and share guns
 
I keep Howard Leight powered ear pro, and Winchester foam ear plugs in my bag. Sometimes I use both, sometimes one or the other. Powered muffs are handy for training. Foamies are perfect when I don't want to hear anyone.

Check out DAA's range pack pro. And try to concentrate on just a couple pistols per trip, don't take your entire safe. Make more trips.
 
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