OMG!!! Shot My G-23 For The First Time

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BlitzPackage

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Ok, so this was my first time in my entire life shooting a gun. I am in my mid 30s.

In short, I was petrified! The gun scared me, the range scared me, the way the gun reacted when I shot it scared me. All the time I kept thinking, what if one of these people in here go crazy or make a mistake and discharge their gun and I get hurt.

Then when I was shooting it, I realized - this thing is powerful and is no toy. I felt the power; my hands were shaking, the gun even nipped my thumb. With each shot I was thinking - "...may God have mercy on my soul."

But then, as I got more comfortable, I thought to myself, "...people do this everyday, all the time; get over my fear and just shoot and calm down." Towards the end of my session, especially the last few clips; I felt much more comfortable. I see the value of the advice that we ought to put at least 100 - 200 rounds through it to get comfortable with it and what it can do. Honestly, even though I am far more comfortable than when I first started, there is still some fear that must go away.

Admittedly, it was kind of fun also. I learned how to properly hold it. By the way, that thing is loud!

At any rate, just wanted to share my experience. Thanks again to all those who have provided me with valuable advice.
 
Thats some good news, I'm glad you were able to find some ammo :)

Couple of tips from me:
-Earplugs under ear muffs make shooting more "zen" but make it harder to hear everything else. Be sure to pay extra attention to range commands, and don't yell when your talking to people with electric muffs.:eek:
-get some professional instruction on the basics. It's easier to learn good habits than to unlearn bad ones.
-a 22 pistol will pay for itself with use and be more comfortable to shoot longer.
 
awesome.. welcome to the wonderful world of guns and shooting... practice often and be comfortable with your weapon.. it is nothing to be afraid of as it will only do what you allow it to do... for future reference and not trying to be overly critical... semi autos (for the most part) accept magazines, mags for short, not clips... This is a common jargon misuse that has hollywood to thank more than anyone else..BE safe and welcome...

it is always great to see someone brought into shooting... but I will warn you.. it is addictive..:D

and +1 to the ear plugs and beware of hot flying brass...
 
Welcome. Sounds like you had a good time. Enjoy the sport. It is a lot of fun!

+1 on the protection - Eyes and ears, protect them both.
 
@PT1911 Thanks for the correction. I am new to gun ownership. I'll be sure to use the appropriate terminology.

To all: thanks for the information and support. Indeed, I will go again in a few weeks. I start teaching Bible Study so I need to be present at church a few weekends in a row.

Thanks again
 
Welcome!

Dont worry! My first shoot with the Remington 870 produced a 5 foot flame two feet thick (3 inch magnum slug.. something like 1760 fps) and silence on the entire range for 10 minutes while everyone murmured and pointed in my direction while I staggered around hearing hells bells and thinking right then and there to go back to gun shop and get money back.

But the hole on the paper at 30 yards encouraged me to get back up to the line, put another shell in and fire again. You should have seen me wrap the gun against the imagined recoil that will flatten me against the rear wall. That was entertaining to the range people.

Fall off the horse once, maybe twice but always get back up there and try again.

One day the light bulb comes on and you make good shoot and HAVE FUN!!!!

At the risk of offending some people, I equate a trip to a gun range for a first shoot the same as a first night with someone you intend to marry.
 
again i was not trying to be overly critical and I hope that is not how it came across... you will pick up gun jargon the more time you spend around it... it is an easy way for avid shooters and owners to recognize who knows what they are talking about and who doesnt... however.. that doesnt mean that everyone who uses the right terms is all wise nor that those who dont are ignorant... but it makes the transition easier...

I am glad to see more people coming into shooting and gun ownership... any questions you have... no matter how basic they may seem, feel free to express them here... there are those who will be critical as they expect everyone to be an expert before they ever shoot a gun...you must disregard them and listen to the wealth of knowlege the others have to offer....
 
All good PT1911...

This is actually a great learning experience for me. In fact, I can see how it becomes fun. I do look forward to learning more.

Also, you are right about the influence of TV. In fact, I told a friend - who is thinking about getting one - the first thing you must not do is think gun usage on TV is a guide for real life. Ask my thumb - LOL!!!

Thanks again
 
Good on ya', BlitzPackage!

None of us were born knowing how to shoot, all of us were first timers at some point. Many of us were introduced to shooting when young, but not all of us here.

It's been my experience with most things, not just guns and such, that someone who asks quesions and doesn't act like a know-it-all will get real answers to the querries, so ask whatever you don't know about. There's lots of stuff that we "old hands" take for granted that you dont know yet, and that's to be expected since you're new to this sport/hobby/skill.

Anyhow, welcome to the shooting sports, shoot whenever you can and ask questions whenever you need to. There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of stupid things done by folks who don't ask.
 
Invest in a 22lr handgun. Practicing for the first time with .40 is not only steep for your wallet but also prevents you to learn the basics. A nice 22 can be had for less than $300. Trust me, it will pay for itself.
 
I will extend my welcome also. A few years ago, I was also new to shooting, and while not really afraid, very hesitant. And at first, it seemed as if I was always anticipating the recoil, which of course would cause your shots to not go where you want them. After a couple of trips to the range, all was well. It's become a great hobby, and as someone else said, it won't stop here. Don't think you'll be happy with just one gun.

And it's great to see you teaching the Bible. As much fun as shooting is, I have more fun and fulfillment sitting around with people and discussing theology.
 
Or a 22 cal upper for the G23. Either way have fun. It is the most acceptable way for boys to be loud and have fun. Get a good grip and watch the front sight. The gun will put a hole wherever it is pointed when you pull the trigger. If the bullet is not in the center of the target then point the gun at the center of the target and pull the trigger again. Have fun and be safe.
 
My first time at a crowd range was also intimidating. Folks are paying attention to you, so my advice is to read their rules and follow them to the letter. If you are not sure, ask the range officer (if one is present). They appreciate what might appear to you, a stupid question, versus someone getting hurt. Your comfort level should increase quickly.
 
Wow, first time shooting and you picked a G23? Phew... That is indoctrination by fire, for sure. .40S&W is not a caliber I would recommend learning on - you will develop some serious bad habits. Get a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion barrel and look into getting some training. Look around the range at who the "good" shooters are and try to make friends, ask for pointers. Dry practice every night if you can for about 20 minutes.

Congrats on joining the forum and the ranks of 2nd Amendment supporters.
Also, welcome to the Glock Collective... :evil:
 
A .22 conversion for your 23 will be worth it's weight in gold to you. I got one for my CZ and I love it. Welcome to the club!
 
Welcome to the world of shooting
ALWAYS wear hearing protection as stated before
the initial fear will go away after a few times but ALWAYS have respect for your firearms just as you would any tool they can and will hurt you if not treated with respect
care and caution
youll notice after a few trips to the range you will get more and more used to handling and operating your G23 take some courses and enjoy every minute of it

oh and that feeling you get once its over is just the addiction kicking in
5 or 6 firearms later its goes away...

ok no it doesnt
 
Nice to hear blitz I just started shooting myself and I'm in my mid thirties as well. The best advice I could give is ask questions. I have found that most people you find at the ranges and in gun shops are extremely friendly and love to share their experience.

My first time I went to the range after I purchased my FNP 9 I was scared. So I walked up to an older gentleman and asked a few questions. Not only did he answer my questions, but he closely watched me and corrected me if I did anything that could be potently be unsafe. He also let me try his guns. I also took a beginner class at a NRA approved range with a professional instructor.

The best advice I received so far is "Don't anticipate the bang, just let it happen."
 
BP; Head back to the range - without the gun - and talk to the range master about an NRA Handgun Safety course. More than likely they have a certified instructor amongst the staff.

Even a buddy by your side for an hour on the range can't get you the info that's provided in this class. There's also a good amount of range time included, with a host of different guns, and instructor(s) that are watching you, your gun, and the interaction between them.


That said..

WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION!

I'd be happy to hold your Visa card for you. :)
 
I too recently bought my first handgun (A S&W MP40) at age 25. The only other gun I have shot was a 22lr rifle when I was about 15 at my grandparents farm and some BB guns. When I went to the range for the first time 4 weeks ago, I about crapped my pants when I pulled the trigger. I was terrified of doing something wrong. When renting a gun, they asked for my FOID (damn you IL....) and what gun I wanted and said here you go. I've put about 150 rounds through mine now and am way more comfortable and wish I could find ammo so I could go shoot more.
From one noob to another, welcome and have fun.
 
+1 on purchasing a .22LR Pistol or the conversion kit for the Glock. The cost savings will quickly pay for it. And quite simply, the more you shoot, the better you will shoot. Definately seek out a firearms instructor in your area, the pearls of wisdom from years of shooting that they can share with you will both give you confidence & make you a better shooter.

+1 on ear plugs under headphones to really Zen the situation.

Great choice with the Glock 23, I love all of my Glocks. Spent the day yesterday at the range and put nearly 1000 rounds downrange.

It was a blast! :D
 
 
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PT1911 tells the truth, the grammar nazis will be out in force if you dare use the term "clip" instead of magazine. Seems they feel it makes them somehow sound more knowledgeable if they correct anybody and everybody who uses that term. And they seem to like to belittle anyone who dares type it.

Regardless of the fact that everyone knows what it means (car / automobile, gas / petro, boob tube / TV, ammo / rounds etc) and regardless of the fact that many a WWII vets used it in the war and still use it to this day. Somehow it just is not acceptable to them. Very silly and pretty immature at that.

I am glad you got to shoot, it's a great past time and something that can come in very handy.

My advice would be stay away from 1911s, they will consume your soul and empty your bank account before they are done with you!
 
My advice would be stay away from 1911s, they will consume your soul and empty your bank account before they are done with you!
Click to expand...

much like a sexy lady..(assuming...) and you will be smiling the whole time...
 
Regardless of the fact that everyone knows what it means (car / automobile, gas / petro, boob tube / TV, ammo / rounds etc)
Click to expand...
That is not an accurate comparison. Magazines (fixed box, detachable box, rotary, drum, hopper, Etc.) and clips (stripper, charger, en bloc, half moon, full moon, Etc.) Are two entirely different firearm components.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJpIohpw1U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzmVJ1rXD9U

regardless of the fact that many a WWII vets used it in the war and still use it to this day. Somehow it just is not acceptable to them. Very silly and pretty immature at that.
Click to expand...
Those WW2 vets no matter what side they were fighting for were NOT wrong. The M1 rifle, M1903-A3, M91/30, Arisaka, K98 Mauser, Styer M95, M38, M44, K-31, Etc. all had their box magazines charged with clips.
 
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