Learning to shoot

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leperphilliac

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Hi, I'm a college student and I'm writing a paper on guns. I've always been rather intrigued by them, and this paper gives me an excuse to learn how to shoot. Thing is, I'm under 21, and my parents would certainly not give parental consent to go to a range. The two ranges that offer lessons in my area (I live in Silicon Valley, California) seem to require parental consent if under the age of 21. As I'll be alone (I don't dare mention firearms to my liberal friends) I won't be even able to rent a firearm it seems. So my question is, is there any way I can set up a private lesson with a third party to learn to shoot? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Yes, it is possible, I believe you could handle a rifle or a handgun if you find the right instructor. Unfortunately your state has some of the most oppressive, draconian gun laws in the nation (don't worry, mine's pretty bad too). You might want to try and google for NRA certified instructors in your area. Do be aware that many of the hurdles you will face in firearms training and ownership is non existent in most of the country.
 
A couple things:

1) Get new friends who aren't liberal wimps. :)

2) Try to go to an Appleseed Shoot. If you can, contact the shoot boss ahead of time, explain your situation, and see if you can borrow a rifle if you pay for the ammo. It will cost you less than $100 for the two days with ammo and you will come out being able to safely and accurately shoot a rifle:

http://www.appleseedinfo.org/as_schedule2.php

It looks like from the above that there are some shoots coming up that could be within driving distance of you (Sacramento maybe).

Also I don't mean to knock your friends, but you may want to ask them if any of them shoot or want to go shooting. You may be surprised at what you hear. If you do live in Silicon Valley you'll find a very large contingent of people in the tech industry love guns and love shooting. It shouldn't be hard to find people who like to shoot out in that region.
 
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Also, assuming you're over 18 and under 21 and writing a paper means you're in college. How liberal are your friends? Are they REALLY liberal? I ask are they REALLY liberal because back in high school/college many people who were liberal (or conservative, or jocks, or geeks or punks or metalheads or thugs or whatever) just did that to fit in a group. Being "liberal" is a good way to score hot chicks in leggings and Ugg boots at Starbucks. Are your friends firm believers in what they are and not just being trendy? Liberal is very trendy with people our age.
 
My 11th grade American history teacher had a little saying: "If you're 20 and you're a conservative, you're heartless. If you're 50 and a liberal, you're brainless."

He always cackled about that.
 
o Google gun clubs in your area, then contact them to ask if any of their members give private lessons.

o In my state (NM) I as a private citizen can't let someone who's not my child handle one of my guns unless they're at least 19. Check CA laws to see if it's legal for someone to give you private lessons without parental consent at your age.
 
I am in hayward so I am not that far from you. so drop me a pm and we can meet for coffee or something.
Pete
 
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