Help me get started!

[DeuceTrinal]

Quick background:

I'm 21, interested in learning to shoot. I have experience in gun safety, have done a bit of trap shooting under the tutelage of a teacher, as well as shooting a few different kinds of guns through the years.

I want to try out shooting, as it's always interested me, but have never had the opportunity. I'm interested in range/target shooting, no hunting. Trap shooting was fun, but I think I'd prefer to shoot small caliber pistols/rifles. Obviously I don't know much about it, and I'm certain my interests will change as I learn.

I'm looking on advice from anyone local to the Boise/Caldwell, ID areas on places to learn/shoot, and general advice on what kind of weapons I need to look at (or if I need to own my own to start). Basically I'm looking for the model-T of guns - inexpensive, reliable, and inexpensive to operate. It doesn't have to be fancy, and I think chambered in .22 is the way to go for economy's sake. I'm not sure whether handgun or rifle is what I want, suggestions welcome. I know better than to run down to the local WallyWorld and buy the "coolest" gun there, but beyond that, I need help!
Any info on liscencing/safety certificates etc that I need as well, or other things I've completely not thought about are appreciated too! Thanks!

 

[chetrogers]

Sorry i dont have much info for you but im sure somebody will be here shortly to suggest some things..I dont have many firearms so im pretty new to shooting also.I would suggest getting a .22 long rifle.You can shoot them all day and you're shoulder wont hurt either will you wallet..I would suggest that you take some NRA classes on saftey.Just to refresh your memory on safety.I took 3 differnt classes and im 27 years old and the last class i would say 80% of the class was under 13 years old..I still had a blast.

And if you have some money now buy a safe or a cabinet to store you're guns in..Have fun and stay safe.Or actually Stay safe and have fun

 

[Grey54956]

If you are interested in learning the finer points of handgunning, get a .22LR pistol or revolver. My suggestions, both of which I currently keep in my stable, are either a Ruger MkII or a S&W 617. Try to get stainless if possible, as the heartbreak of finding the first spot of rust on a gun is terrible.

The Ruger MkII is the Model T of the .22LR world. These guns are over-designed and over-built. The MkII will last forever, shoots well, and if for some reason it should break, parts are very common. If you are worried about the outlay of cash, buy one used that is in good shape. I'm a little skeptical of the new MkIII pistols and dislike the Loaded Chamber Indicator that can cause misfires if struck sharply. The MkII does not have this feature, which isn't necessary anyway unless you live in a nanny state.

The S&W 617 is a wonderful revolver, and like the MkII, is amazingly rugged and survivable. It's a good shooter, and it's easy to clean and maintain. The benefit of the 617 is it shares the same frame, and therefore geometry and weight, as most of S&W's .38 Specials and .357 Magnums. So, once you have mastered putting lead to paper with the .22LR, the transition to these larger calibers is easy. Essentially, the basics of shooting (sights, trigger pull,etc.) are the same (just not recoil... ).

Can't go wrong either way.

 

[nhhillbilly]

First I would strong urge you to take two NRA courses one the NRA Basic Pistol and the NRA basic Rifle class. Good info for not alot of money or time.

The others suggestions for handguns are good ones'. For a good rifle I would suggest a Ruger 10-22 and a case of 22 ammo. Learing to shoot a 22 is less expensive and low recoil and normally very accurate. IF you want to up grade to a center fire later you can normally sell them and only lose about 25% of your investment and you have shot and learned a lot.

 

[Preacherman]

First of all, welcome to THR! Nice to have you aboard.

Secondly, that's an interesting username you've chosen - any particular meaning attached to it?

And now - at last! - on to shooting. I'd strongly suggest taking an NRA Basic Handgun course, which will give you the basics you need to understand. Don't buy a gun before this, as you'll learn a lot on the course: rather rent or borrow one (talk to your instructor about this). Most local ranges should be able to put you in touch with instructors.

If you want to get into long guns first, same thing - take the NRA basic course.

Once you've got some basic knowledge under your belt, go to a range offering rental guns, and rent a number of different ones over a period of a few weeks or months. This will give you exposure to different firing systems, recoil, etc. Once you find one that fits your hand, and with which you can shoot accurately, buy this as your first gun. If possible, rent guns at a range that will show you how to operate, load, disassemble, etc. the gun(s) you're renting, so that you get to know more about them than just the trigger pull.

Enjoy!

 

[Bob F.]

Hey, Deuce:
Welcome to THR!! And the fun world of shooting!!
Gotta be lots of shooters in your area willing to help. Formal training is great if you can find it, and really pretty cheap for the basic NRA courses. Excellent advise above re: guns. I also like the Ruger SP-101 .22 revolver. It should last 5 or 6 lifetimes; figure out how to wear it out. I even carried a .22 for SD for a while, certainly not my first choice, but I don't want to get shot with one either. Above all...

Stay safe.
Bob

 

[DeuceTrinal]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

As to the name - It does have meaning, but it's terrifically hard to explain to someone that hasn't traveled that addled paths inside my head. A secondary meaning is attached with "Deuce" being two, and "Trinal" refers to three, when put together (as in mathmatics) you mutiply, to get six. Mostly it's just a name I've used for a long time, and very unique.

Some great help here, I'd liek to just add a few tidbits/clarifications -

NRA classes - Is there a database that lists local class offerings, or contacts for local offices, anything like that which can put me in touch with local classes/instructors?

Rifle vs Pistol - advice for beginning? I'd love a good rifle, but am worried about expense vs pistols.

Lock/safe - I intend to use a safe, though it will be an inexpensive one. No children in my home to worry about right now.

Is the phonebook a good place to start looking for a range/rental facility? Until a local or two jum in here, I have no knowledge of the local places, and I don't want to go somewhere unsafe or disreputable.

Keep it coming guys!

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Check out Highpower Rifle clubs in your area. You can do a search or check out www.odcmp.com

Go to a few matches and watch. You will likely get folks who will give you an opportunity to shoot their nice rifles. Ask about any .22 shooting matches at the club. Check out any other clubs and look for clinics that interest you.

Do the same for other shooting clubs like Cowboy Action or other self-defense disciplines (military "as-issued" Highpower is the best).

Eventually, choose a shooting discipline and go out and have some fun!

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Oh...The sport I personally like next to Highpower Rifle is NRA Bullseye. Both have an excellent support network. It really depends on your ability to get out and shoot pistols vs. rifles and the local support structure for either.

 

[SmershAgent]

Personally, I've always been more of a handgun guy, but lately I've developed quite a penchant for long guns as well.

The phone book is a good place to look for stores/ranges. Many shops operate their own ranges and even let you rent firearms to try there. I'd strongly recommend doing that, since you don't seem to have a preference yet for a rifle or pistol. The MarkII is a common gun, and any decent place should have one. At every establishment I've been to, the clerks are always willing to explain the different features on a weapon and show you the proper way to use it. Most will probably have purchase recommendations for you as well.

You're fortunate enough to live in a state that still respects the Second Amendment, so you should be able to get going with no hassle or inconvenience.

You can find a brief overview of Idaho's enviable firearms laws here:

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=ID

Enjoy the sport and stay safe.

 

[Preacherman]

Ask your local law enforcement agencies about training courses, good shooting ranges, etc. They'd probably be the people with the most up-to-date knowledge about such things, and many agencies actually offer training themselves.

And the username - yeah, I'd figured out the "trinal" bit as referring to three, but the total of six is a nice touch. So, if I holler "Watch your deucetrinal", I really mean "watch your six!" - but I won't try that one on the Marines...

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Good suggestions above.

Go to NRA.org for information on just about everything related to the NRA and local organizations.

Long gun versus hand gun is personal choice. The handgun is more portable, but if you like long range challenges the rifle is great. The Ruger .22 lr autos are just about the least expesive way to begin and are easily stored in a small safe. There are two flavors--one with grip similar to popular .45 acp pistol and one traditional. They are extremely accurate so you will not be dealing with the gun's shortcomings in developing your marksmanship skills.

Oh, and I don't have any weapons, though I do have a few firearms. They are all recreational equipment.

 

[rust collector]

Try smallbore indoor shooting with an NRA affiliated club in your area. They love new shooters, usually have some equipment for the junior club that you can use, and there is no better way to pick up the basics not only of safety but the nuts and bolts of the shooting positions and some theory. Don't be put off by some wacky equipment that you see on the line--everyone starts with basic Rem/Win/Anschutz, and there is usually plenty of used equipment available.

You may find that the median age is 60 something, most of the members will be hard of hearing, and there may be some occasional joking at the expense of the new guy, but most of these folks will be happy to spend time with you to improve your technique and ability. From there, you may want to take up pistol shooting, hi-power competition, silhouettes, etc. The smallbore basics are your intro to a big world of shooting sports.

Check w/ NRA to get in touch with a club. Most do require NRA membership as their insurance and other perks depend on it.