Central / Southern Indiana - Show a newbie the ropes

[neil]

Hi All

My name's neil and I'm a 911 dispatcher in Monroe county (Bloomington) and I'm farily new to the firearms world.

I'm looking for a handgun for personal defense and possibly to carry, however I'm undecided on what type of gun I should buy.

I was wondering if anyone around the area would be willing to take me out for a little introductory shoot. I'd really like to shoot a .357 revolver and some type of automatic, but I'll take whatever I can get. I'm more than willing to pay for ammo, lunch, gas to wherever we shoot, etc.

I'm signed up for an NRA basic pistol class later this month and I'd really like to have my own weapon to take - so I can learn specifically about my weapon.

Thanks

 

[kudu]

Welcome to the High Road neil.

The first thing, if you haven't already, is get at a personal protection permit from the state coming your way. There is a bout 3-6 weeks wait on one, so get it in the works. I'm way too far away for the range session, but I bet there are some guys that will help you down that away.

 

[neil]

Thanks for the reply!

Applied for the license awhile back and it came last week so I'm good to go there.

 

[Jayb]

Hi Neil,

Before you get "focused" on any particular type/caliber of handgun, I'd suggest that you get to the biggest gun shop you can find, and handle everything you can get your hands on. If a handgun doesn't "feel right" you'll probably not be happy with it. Most shooters I know, won't shoot a gun very often unless it's comfortable to them.

Have fun finding one you like, Jay

 

[El Tejon]

Neil and JayB, welcome to THR, new friends. I spent my childhood visiting Bloomington and 4 fun-filled [] years living in Bloomington.

Best wishes in your search. My advice: allow software to choose your hardware. Whatever weapon you select, it will likely change with training.

 

[glocksman]

If you're ever down in Evansville (Build I-69 now! ), give me a shout via PM and I'll take you out to the local indoor range. You can even rent a full auto Uzi or 9mm CAR-15 there.

 

[ZeroX]

Ahh Bloomington...

Welcome to THR.

 

[garrettwc]

My advice: allow software to choose your hardware. Whatever weapon you select, it will likely change with training.

Good advice, and so true. I am currently on my third different platform. My discovery was that guns that are perfectly fun when punching paper on a static range don't always work as well in a fast moving/high round count school.

 

[GLOCKT]

Are there any good gun dealers in the Bloomington/Martinsville area?
Up here in Indy we have Pop Guns on East Washington st.They have a rental program and a very good indoor range.
Check around at some of the dealers in your area and check some of the indoor ranges for rental possibilties.
I venture to Camp Atterbury on a monthly basis to shoot rifles,they have a set 25 yard pistol range,but 25 yards is a little to distant for my pistol practice.
Keep us posted on your venture,and check in on a regular basis.I venture out to Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh on a monthly basis,and like to share and compare my little knowledge of rifle and pistol shooting.
Good luck.

 

[Riphalman]

Hey glocksman.......

We already have I-69....it runs north from Indy to God's country.

 

[glocksman]

Canada?


The enviroweenies in Bloomington and the business owners in Vigo country can kiss my behind because Evansville needs this highway.

 

[redbone]

I second the suggestion for a trip to Popguns in Indy. About an hour from B-ton, and well worth the drive. I think there is another indoor range in an old bowling alley in Wavery or Mooresville, but I've never shot there.

Popguns have 25 or 30 rentals, plus will rent any used gun in the sale cabinets. Nice indoor range, and the sales people are knowledgeable and helpful. Prices are reasonable.

Try a few different handguns to get a feel for where you want to start. Great fun! If I was still in Indy, I'd join you, but I'm in Harrison County now.

Ask for Terry, if he's in.

RBH

 

[ZeroX]

Oh, and be sure to stay out of Don's Guns.

 

[m39fan]

Neil,
E-mail sent. I'm a former LEO living in Martinsville and we can get you set up.

As to dealers for the central Indiana/Martinsville area, I've had great luck with Plainfield Shooters Supply in Plainfield. They're right on US 40 by the old Galyan's. Decent prices, good people. If you're a Public Safety type, they'll usually do a deal for you (they get a lot of business being so close to the academy).

As for ranges, if you're in southern Johnson, nothern Monroe or Morgan Counties, the Martinsville Consveration Club is a bargain at $25.00 a year.

HTH,
Mike

 

[ShackleMeNot]

If you are willing to travel up to Indy I will take you out and let you shoot a revolver and several common autos.

Send me an email if you are interested in setting something up.
[email protected]