NE Georgia newbie seeks guidance

[neoncowboy]

Hey High Roaders,
I grew up with guns (rifles/shotguns mostly) in Georgia, then moved to Hawaii when I was about 19. Guns are pretty much out of the question here unless your *really* determined, which I haven't been.

Now, we're moving back to Gainesville, Georgia! (YAY!)

Moving back home, where 2a rights are taken seriously and local values include love of guns has sort of rekindled my own love of guns and appealed to my political interests.

I am planning to go shopping and begin my collection shortly after arriving in Georgia, followed closely by getting into some training and applying for CCW permit to hopefully mature into a card (and pistol) carrying gun nut (already joined the NRA).

Anyway, I need a little help along this journey...considering I don't really know what I'm doing.

Anyone out there want to take me to the range (I'll buy ammo) and show me the ropes? I'm a private pilot and part of this move is to allow me to finish all my training/ratings to get commercial certification...I'd be happy to reciprocate by sharing the joy of aviation with folks who are into it.

Hope to see some of y'all real soon.

 

[neoncowboy]

anyone?

 

[BigG]

Hi, sorry for the delay. If you want to get together give me a PM when you arrive. I live East of ATL and we have a range down in Covington. Bet you're happy to be leaving a blue state.

 

[Nuclearmike]

Good to see you here on THR and back in GA. I live in Gwinnett (just NE of ATL) and we have an indoor range that's not too pricey (if I can get a kitchen pass I'm going to send a few rounds down range this afternoon). There is also some outdoor ranges on several of the WMAs or so I've been told, and I'd really like to go check them out. There is a thread on here about THR 'ers in GA and one kind soul even posted directions to them for me. So, I'm game to try 'em out and shoot up some paper villians.

General aviation guy, huh? Great! I've always wated to get my private pilot license. Started lessons a couple of times and never finished for one reason or the other. Have friends that fly and love to go up with them.

Mike

 

[neoncowboy]

Indoor range sounds like it could be fun...especially after dark on these short, cold winter days.

Is that the place in Lawrenceville? They have a shop with rental pistols too, no? I'd like to check that out. David Blinder told me about a place in Norcross that sounded pretty good, longer drive.

Yeah, no problem...I'll trade. Take me to the range sometime and I'll take you flying some other time. Deal?

 

[ny32182]

I'm in Clemson, in the northwest tip of SC. Not sure how far it is from you, but you are welcome to come shooting with me whenever. Range is outdoor and run by the DNR (fairly unregulated).

 

[Nuclearmike]

The one close to me is in Norcross. they have rentals there, too. I'm not that far from L'ville either, Let me know when you're in GA.

Mike

 

[petrel800]

Neoncowboy,

I have frequented both of the indoor ranges you have talked about. Bullseye (in Lawrenceville) is a good indoor range with a very good shop. Their prices are usually more than fair and they charge for their range by the hour. The range in Norcross is called American Classic Marksman and they have a flat fee of $12 to shoot. Their shop is not as good as Bullseye, and their prices are a little bit higher. However, they do have a very nice gentleman who is an NRA instructor who also fashions leather holsters for a very fair price. There are some other indoor ranges in the area, but I have either not been to them or have determined they are not worth the time.

As for outdoor ranges, I usually frequent Charlie Elliott's in Covington. It is a DNR range and consists of a 100 yd and 50 yd firing line. However, in the past few months they have really cracked down on plinking, only paper targets. I have recently learned of another DNR range up I 985 (north of your area Gainsville), that has an all purpose 75 yard range. I have been considering going to that range in hopes of bringing back out my clays and cans for plinking. Paper is fun for hand guns, but nothing is better than busting clays and moving cans with an AR, FAL or SKS. Best of all, the DNR ranges are free. There is also an outdoor range called Gun Site Hills that I have been trying so hard to check out. Apperently they have a 100, 300, and 600 yard range as well as several pistol pits.

As for other shops, Davids Gun Room in Norcross on the Buford Highway specializes in Reloading supplies and higher end bolt actions. Their prices are a little on the high side, but they have very nice people to deal with. They will also do a transfer for $25 dollars. Bernies is also a neat store in the Lilburn area, but in my opinion they are hit or miss with their pricing. I will also point out that there are several local pawn shops that will wheel and deal on firearms. I've gotten some good deals (GP-100 for $125 with a broken rear site. Cost me $4 and about 20 minutes to fix), but buyer beware (they are pawn shops). Tucker Gun in Tucker usually has some good deals on milsurps and used firearms.

There are also several gunshows in the area that are decent. I frequent them usually when I need reloading supplies. There is one coming up in the Norcross area off of I-85 in Dec (13th and 14th I think). It is put on by a company called Eastman gunshows. They have a website. Google it and it should come up. Eastman also has a Gainsville show every now and then. The gunshows are decent again buyer beware, but they are fun to frequent in my opinion.

CCW is very easy in GA. Took about an hour to fill out the forms and get finger printed, and costs about $45. I would also suggest that you go ahead and apply for your C&R license. Its $30 issued through the BATF and is good for five years. If you're really going to get into it like you say you are, you will at least earn back your $30.

I would also suggest starting in reloading. Its so simple, and is relatively cheep to do if you can live without blue equipment (I don't want an arguement here please). Either way, you can shoot to your hearts content as a reloader.

Good luck with your move. Feel free to e-mail me or IM me if you have any questions about the area.

Petrel800

 

[Nuclearmike]

To be fair to American Classic Marksman, guys shoot for $7/hr at lunch time 11-2, ladies $7/hr everyday except Thursdays ladies shoot free. In addition to the resident NRA instructor they have or did have a weekly IDPA shoot. They have decent, not great, prices for plinking ammo. I think I paid $9/box for .38 spl and $12 and change for .357mag full house today. I know ammo can be had a good bit cheaper at Georgia Arms over by six flags. Perhaps a trip across town is in my future.

Mike

 

[clown714]

has anybody been to Redlands WMA?

I,heard they allow Class 3 stuff out there

clown

 

[petrel800]

Please don't think I'm knocking American Classic Marksman, I actually perfer their range. Well lit, good heavy dividers between the lanes, flat fee for range usage, and they put up the back boards for your targets. I'm just saying their retail store is a little on the poor side, and they are a bit over priced when compared to Bullseye. They also have a very small selection of firearms.

I also forgot to mention Bass Pro Shops in Discovery Mills Mall off of 85. They have a good amount of firearms merchandise and are another good place to shop. Once or twice a year they have a 9mm dump out and I usually buy a case or two. $3.50 a box if I'm not mistaken.

 

[neoncowboy]

Good luck with your move. Feel free to e-mail me or IM me if you have any questions about the area.
Petrel800

Wow man! That's a lot of really good (semi) local information! Thanks!

Another member suggested I check out the Eastman Gun Show. What do you know, their Gainesville show is a week after we get there! Is it any better/worse/different than the Atlanta shows?

I think given that I'm pretty new to this and don't know enough about evaluating used weapons for safety or value, it might be better for me to start off with new guns and work up to haggling with gun dealers at shows after I've gained a little experience.

As far as ranges for regular use: I've heard about a public range in Gainesville that the Sheriff Dept. uses...have to look into that. My brother is lobbying to get me into his hunting club, which has a lease on 600 acres of timber. I'm sure there'd be a couple acres that could be converted into a 50yd pistol range fairly easily.

What I'd really love is some kind of indoor combat type range with reactive targets, low light...FBI sort of training range. I would imagine insurance companies shy away from stuff like that though. Probably I'll just be content shooting at paper

I'm encouraged that you suggested I get into reloading ammo. It seems like if you shoot more than about 100-200 rds a week, reloading ammo makes economic sense. I'd certainly like to shoot that much and think it would be rewarding to fire ammo I loaded myself. I've been reading about getting into handloading on the internet and think it looks like something I'd enjoy. Maybe you could help me select intro gear and set up my bench, make sure I know enough not to blow myself up...?

I'd love to get together with any of you local folks, especially when it's time to go shopping...something about being new and inexperienced and spending lots of money makes me a little nervous, I'd feel better with an experienced shooter/gunny looking out for me.

Thanks y'all! See you in a few weeks!

 

[Nuclearmike]

I didn't think you were knocking ACM. I just thought I'd let ya know that it's cheaper at lunch time.