Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Spam.
seeking advice
- Thread starter Agent P
- Start date
- Status
Spam.
Jenrick
Member
To re-enforce what everyone else has said: go with someone who knows how to shoot or take a class. When I bought my first pistol I went to the range and blasted through a box of ammo, had trouble keeping it on the target at 7 yds. Repeat once a week for about a month.
Went shooting with a friend who shoots IPSC, IDPA, GSS etc., spent most of the afternoon going over the basics and working rifle (since I'm much more comfortable shooting a rifle thanks the the Army). I finally got a good smooth trigger pull right before the day was over, couldn't repeat it with the rest of my magazine, but I know knew what I was after.
The next week I went to the range by myself, the first round out of the weapon was dead center in the X. The second followed it. I had found my trigger pull. Now to just get it down fast
I probably could have gotten a good pull a lot faster by going with a .22. The flinch you can get from a larger caliber weapon can be massive if you're suspectible to it. Dry fire a ton. There's no better way to learn how to acquire a sight picture, or to see if your pulling the sights off. Just make sure to get snap caps or the like if your weapon needs them. Also for something like practicing your draw, dry fires are a foot/leg saver.
Also avoid gadgeting up your weapon or swapping out parts to improve your groups. The vast majority of begginers don't shoot even close the accuracy of their weapon and ammo. My first weapon had a +8# trigger on it, I could have easily plunked down the money to have it lightend, etc. but I'm glad I didnt. Now I can shoot good tight groups with a heavy trigger, and borrowing my friends customized match gun makes it's really easy to do the same or better.
-Jenrick
Went shooting with a friend who shoots IPSC, IDPA, GSS etc., spent most of the afternoon going over the basics and working rifle (since I'm much more comfortable shooting a rifle thanks the the Army). I finally got a good smooth trigger pull right before the day was over, couldn't repeat it with the rest of my magazine, but I know knew what I was after.
The next week I went to the range by myself, the first round out of the weapon was dead center in the X. The second followed it. I had found my trigger pull. Now to just get it down fast
I probably could have gotten a good pull a lot faster by going with a .22. The flinch you can get from a larger caliber weapon can be massive if you're suspectible to it. Dry fire a ton. There's no better way to learn how to acquire a sight picture, or to see if your pulling the sights off. Just make sure to get snap caps or the like if your weapon needs them. Also for something like practicing your draw, dry fires are a foot/leg saver.
Also avoid gadgeting up your weapon or swapping out parts to improve your groups. The vast majority of begginers don't shoot even close the accuracy of their weapon and ammo. My first weapon had a +8# trigger on it, I could have easily plunked down the money to have it lightend, etc. but I'm glad I didnt. Now I can shoot good tight groups with a heavy trigger, and borrowing my friends customized match gun makes it's really easy to do the same or better.
-Jenrick
fisherman66
Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2005
- Messages
- 379
"I am told shooting birds on the ground with a pistol is just not done in the lower 48."
Grouse, but that is it."
I may be mistaken, but I believe Blue or Scaled Quail may be taken on the ground if they refuse to fly.
Another vote for the 22lr. I spend at least 75% of my pleasure shooting with it. If I lived in the country I'd spend the majority of my firearms use with it as well. A shotgun would be my next choice.
Grouse, but that is it."
I may be mistaken, but I believe Blue or Scaled Quail may be taken on the ground if they refuse to fly.
Another vote for the 22lr. I spend at least 75% of my pleasure shooting with it. If I lived in the country I'd spend the majority of my firearms use with it as well. A shotgun would be my next choice.
Wait to build a huge collection untill you can really afford it. Otherwise BA/UU/R you don't need a lot of bells and whistles on your gun till you shoot perfect. Taticool rail lights and lasers and all that just take money away from ammo.
And get into the swing of cleaning your guys right when you get home. Its easy to get lazy.
And get into the swing of cleaning your guys right when you get home. Its easy to get lazy.
ID_shooting
Member
"I may be mistaken, but I believe Blue or Scaled Quail may be taken on the ground if they refuse to fly."
In Idaho, grouse are the only game bird that can be shot with anything other than a shotgun.
In Idaho, grouse are the only game bird that can be shot with anything other than a shotgun.
Agent P
Member
Yeah, I've found myself flinching when shooting the powerful stuff. I've started reading Handguns '97 and today learned of the push-pull method of holding a gun. I don't think I use an actual stance or even proper hand placement so that'd be a good place to start acquiring the appropriate habits.
I definitely won't be moving to California, but thanks for the warning, Telperion.
And again, thanks to everyone for the suggestions.
I definitely won't be moving to California, but thanks for the warning, Telperion.
And again, thanks to everyone for the suggestions.
I guess I would say, first of all, Don't shy away from NRA organized marksmanship programs, if there are any around in your area. Rifle or Pistol shooting teams with good coaches will teach you skills fast and well, and get you into matches where you can really see the results of your practice.
I recently took an NRA instructor course, and I was the only one there who'd gone through any NRA Jr Rifle, Rifle, etc, and apparently it's quite rare. That's a shame, because they are good programs. If you learn the fundamentals screwy, it's much harder to unlearn that and relearn them right than it is to do it right the first time. 90% of people are interested in wicked ninja tactical combat, and not at all in practicing. Practicing without a coach/observer is a lot harder way to improve, since you can't always see your own mistakes. There are ways to do it, but it's harder.
Adding to that, it's not like riding a bike. The less you practice, the more you slip. You can be chewing out 10 rings with your 9mm or shooting perfect 200's with your .22 in NRA smallbore; stop shooting for a few months, a year, more, and the skills deteriorate. That's another reason it's important to have a good baseline grasp on the fundamentals. You don't really loose breathing, trigger squeeze, sighting, etc, it's just the whole business of tying them together just right that goes, in my experience.
Final thought: don't sell any firearm you've inherited. Things you've bought, ok, you'll probably just get taken in the deal, but anything that stood up to that "new cool gun" pressure in great grandpa's gun cabinet is a keeper. Even if it's .40-82 and a box of ammo costs a bajillion dollars.
I recently took an NRA instructor course, and I was the only one there who'd gone through any NRA Jr Rifle, Rifle, etc, and apparently it's quite rare. That's a shame, because they are good programs. If you learn the fundamentals screwy, it's much harder to unlearn that and relearn them right than it is to do it right the first time. 90% of people are interested in wicked ninja tactical combat, and not at all in practicing. Practicing without a coach/observer is a lot harder way to improve, since you can't always see your own mistakes. There are ways to do it, but it's harder.
Adding to that, it's not like riding a bike. The less you practice, the more you slip. You can be chewing out 10 rings with your 9mm or shooting perfect 200's with your .22 in NRA smallbore; stop shooting for a few months, a year, more, and the skills deteriorate. That's another reason it's important to have a good baseline grasp on the fundamentals. You don't really loose breathing, trigger squeeze, sighting, etc, it's just the whole business of tying them together just right that goes, in my experience.
Final thought: don't sell any firearm you've inherited. Things you've bought, ok, you'll probably just get taken in the deal, but anything that stood up to that "new cool gun" pressure in great grandpa's gun cabinet is a keeper. Even if it's .40-82 and a box of ammo costs a bajillion dollars.
Bullets don't travel faster or straighter if you snap your wrist like Andy Divine !
(If your under 50, that might not make much sense to you, but geezers know what I'm talking about)
I started with a single shot Remington rifle Model 510 in .22 rimfire. I can highly recommend starting with a quality .22 rimfire , and with a rifle as well. Pistols are much harder to start with and take more shooting disipline to be able to hit anything.
Learn the safety rules before you start . Stay safe and keep the people around you safe.
You often times do get what you pay for and it is best to buy the name brand and best quality firearm you can afford. Then you can plan on it lasting a lifetime if you choose to keep it, or can plan on it holding its value if you decide to sell or trade it. A good firearm most always increases in value enough that if used and not abused you will be able to use if for nothing over a 10 year period. (and may even gain in value) Try that with your car, couch, TV or anything else you buy.
Once you have a good gun - try hard to avoid selling it. Often times we get re-interested and kick ourselves for letting go of something that we now have trouble replacing.
Learn how your gun works - know the interaction of parts and what their name and functions are. Read & learn .
Andrew Rothman
Member
Now you've done it. Please post a recipe.
aguyindallas
Member
Going back to a newbie...
Save your money and buy some quality, especially if you intend to carry it. My first pistol was cheap. While I do not regret it because it was what I thought I wanted, it was just a waste of money in the long run.
Be sure to get yourself a nice .22 also. They are cheap as heck to shoot and it will at least get you to the range if you cant afford the plinking ammo of a .40 or .45 etc... Plus, they are just fun. Some of my most fun shooting experiences were with a .22 and some random junk in the desert of southern California.
Save your money and buy some quality, especially if you intend to carry it. My first pistol was cheap. While I do not regret it because it was what I thought I wanted, it was just a waste of money in the long run.
Be sure to get yourself a nice .22 also. They are cheap as heck to shoot and it will at least get you to the range if you cant afford the plinking ammo of a .40 or .45 etc... Plus, they are just fun. Some of my most fun shooting experiences were with a .22 and some random junk in the desert of southern California.
3 gun
Member
Be careful who you ask for advice. Live the 4 rules. Don't be in any rush to spend money. Don't be afraid to buy a used gun. Don't buy junk, spend a little more and get a good gun the first time. (That doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money) Don't buy till you know what you want, not what someone tells you, you need. (That aside a 22 IS a good place to start) Don't just shoot one thing, it gets old and limits your skill. Go new places, try new things. Nobody (who counts) really cares how you shoot or what you shoot as long as you do it safely. If it's not fun or you're not sure what to do next, don't be afraid to speak your mind or ask a question.
1) Pay cash for guns and gun stuff. It helps narrow down purchases to what you really want and decreases impulse buying. Interest charges and extended payment schedules also tarnish some of the joy.
2) Remember that the initial cost of the gun is a fraction of your total cost.
3) Good .22 rimfires are a joy forever.
4) Seriously consider reloading. For about the cost of a new, good quality gun, you can reduce you centerfire ammo costs 50 to 90 percent. (Another good argument for .22rf)
2) Remember that the initial cost of the gun is a fraction of your total cost.
3) Good .22 rimfires are a joy forever.
4) Seriously consider reloading. For about the cost of a new, good quality gun, you can reduce you centerfire ammo costs 50 to 90 percent. (Another good argument for .22rf)
fisherman66
Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2005
- Messages
- 379
""I may be mistaken, but I believe Blue or Scaled Quail may be taken on the ground if they refuse to fly."
In Idaho, grouse are the only game bird that can be shot with anything other than a shotgun.""
_____________________________________________
My mind skipped over the pistol part. I believe in Texas the law is similar in means of shotgun, but the shooting them in flight is an ethical issue and not a legal one. It is frowned upon to unsportmanlike shoot a still bird (except Blue Quail that run - which really falls into the excape; not still category.) Most dads (or moms for that fact) will let their children shoot a still bird on their kids' first hunt. I have somewhat mixed feelings about that, but I certainly don't frown upon it. I just feel that the ethics should be as strong as the laws for my family for the most part. I could see myself bending some on the first hunt or two and then having a good conversation on the sport of hunt afterward.
In Idaho, grouse are the only game bird that can be shot with anything other than a shotgun.""
_____________________________________________
My mind skipped over the pistol part. I believe in Texas the law is similar in means of shotgun, but the shooting them in flight is an ethical issue and not a legal one. It is frowned upon to unsportmanlike shoot a still bird (except Blue Quail that run - which really falls into the excape; not still category.) Most dads (or moms for that fact) will let their children shoot a still bird on their kids' first hunt. I have somewhat mixed feelings about that, but I certainly don't frown upon it. I just feel that the ethics should be as strong as the laws for my family for the most part. I could see myself bending some on the first hunt or two and then having a good conversation on the sport of hunt afterward.
Quality
Two things I have learned:
1. Buy the best quality, most reliable firearm you can afford.
I personally am partial to Les Baer's and Wilson Combat pistols, although there are many good production pistol manufacturers.
2. NEVER keep a live round in the chamber. (unless you are LE or going into a possible threatening situation) I personally do not even dry fire as it is a bad habit that may eventual lead to an accidental discharge. I have witnessed these AD's at local gun shows, many times commited by firearms dealers. It only takes a half a second to chamber a round in an auto. Practice chambering...you'll get good at it!
Two things I have learned:
1. Buy the best quality, most reliable firearm you can afford.
I personally am partial to Les Baer's and Wilson Combat pistols, although there are many good production pistol manufacturers.
2. NEVER keep a live round in the chamber. (unless you are LE or going into a possible threatening situation) I personally do not even dry fire as it is a bad habit that may eventual lead to an accidental discharge. I have witnessed these AD's at local gun shows, many times commited by firearms dealers. It only takes a half a second to chamber a round in an auto. Practice chambering...you'll get good at it!
Last edited:
TonkinTwentyMil
Member
Lessons Learned
1. WOMEN
Do NOT marry a woman who is anti-gun. In the long run, Political Compatibility is far more important than bedroom sizzle. It's possible for her to change/see the light, but it's more likely she'll try to change YOU... via "compromises". Real Second Amendment supporters DON"T compromise. Politicians do. And that's why the Great American Gun War continues, with our 2A rights slowly bleeding away.
2. MARRIAGE
When you get married, get a written PRE-NUPTIAL agreement that says your guns are sacred, off-limits for any subsequent divorce property settlement, and that, if in the event of any "domestic disputes", she will NEVER attempt to get a judge/court to grab your guns. Likewise, include a clause indicating she'll NEVER discuss/reveal your gun ownership to ANYONE without your written permission... including the police and her lawyer, etc..
This is harsh stuff, and it may not be fully enforceable in court (remember, 50%+ of marriages wind-up there). However, simply getting this on the table, up front, might cause her to balk. If so, kill the romance fast and get out while you can. Better women await.
3. WHERE YOU LIVE
If you live in a state with seriously anti-2A politics, MOVE OUT. Likewise, avoid moving to such a state for job reasons.
4. EMPLOYMENT
Avoid employment with organizations/businesses with rabid anti-2A ownership and senior management. Do your homework up-front... and ask 'em candidly if they discriminate -- In The Workplace, or Socially -- on the basis of Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation... OR Political Orientation. If they get fidgety, walk out. Watch for little clues of trendy political correctness (like "weapons-free environment", etc.) in their talk and literature.
Get the education, training, and resume to put yourself in a strong-enough professional position to do this, too.
SUMMARY
The heart of the matter is this: society's rife with people and organizations whose agendae includes eliminating your 2A rights. They have an arsenal of their own weapons to punish, penalize, feminize, marginalize, and homogenize us gunnies. Take every opportunity to undercut their games and reduce their power. Boycott THEM and their products. Punish THEM. And support groups like the NRA to help "Multiply The Force."
1. WOMEN
Do NOT marry a woman who is anti-gun. In the long run, Political Compatibility is far more important than bedroom sizzle. It's possible for her to change/see the light, but it's more likely she'll try to change YOU... via "compromises". Real Second Amendment supporters DON"T compromise. Politicians do. And that's why the Great American Gun War continues, with our 2A rights slowly bleeding away.
2. MARRIAGE
When you get married, get a written PRE-NUPTIAL agreement that says your guns are sacred, off-limits for any subsequent divorce property settlement, and that, if in the event of any "domestic disputes", she will NEVER attempt to get a judge/court to grab your guns. Likewise, include a clause indicating she'll NEVER discuss/reveal your gun ownership to ANYONE without your written permission... including the police and her lawyer, etc..
This is harsh stuff, and it may not be fully enforceable in court (remember, 50%+ of marriages wind-up there). However, simply getting this on the table, up front, might cause her to balk. If so, kill the romance fast and get out while you can. Better women await.
3. WHERE YOU LIVE
If you live in a state with seriously anti-2A politics, MOVE OUT. Likewise, avoid moving to such a state for job reasons.
4. EMPLOYMENT
Avoid employment with organizations/businesses with rabid anti-2A ownership and senior management. Do your homework up-front... and ask 'em candidly if they discriminate -- In The Workplace, or Socially -- on the basis of Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation... OR Political Orientation. If they get fidgety, walk out. Watch for little clues of trendy political correctness (like "weapons-free environment", etc.) in their talk and literature.
Get the education, training, and resume to put yourself in a strong-enough professional position to do this, too.
SUMMARY
The heart of the matter is this: society's rife with people and organizations whose agendae includes eliminating your 2A rights. They have an arsenal of their own weapons to punish, penalize, feminize, marginalize, and homogenize us gunnies. Take every opportunity to undercut their games and reduce their power. Boycott THEM and their products. Punish THEM. And support groups like the NRA to help "Multiply The Force."
Agent P
Member
No worries about that, mate, as I am, in fact, female.
cslinger
Member
When you come across a match grade M1 Garand at a gun show that has obviously been accurized and kept in perfect condtion for $500 do not pass go and buy it immediately.
Otherwise make sure to get a .22 pistol and rifle as these will give you lots of practice and an immense amount of cheap fun.
Never sell any firearm that shoots straight and works.
Chris
Otherwise make sure to get a .22 pistol and rifle as these will give you lots of practice and an immense amount of cheap fun.
Never sell any firearm that shoots straight and works.
Chris
- Status