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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on June 11, 2012 at 5:04pm

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Hansen on June 11, 2012 at 5:06pm

I don't think they have that to rent. :-)

But they do have 50cal sniper!

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Permalink Reply by Suburban Sentinel on June 11, 2012 at 9:04pm

Where do you get this stuff?-- don't say your garage.

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Permalink Reply by Paul_of_TX on June 11, 2012 at 5:06pm

Ask if you can hold the guns and feel which one fells best in your hand. Have you ever shot a gun before? If not you should let them know and maybe start with a .22 so you can focus on the mechanics and aiming the gun and not have to worry about the bang.

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Hansen on June 11, 2012 at 5:09pm

Good idea, I have shot a 22. once or twice a few years ago. And i've also fired one shotgun round, a good while back. Didn't send my on my butt so i think i can handle the kick. 

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Permalink Reply by Paul_of_TX on June 11, 2012 at 5:14pm

I'm not thinking anything will put you on your butt. Ammo is usually sold in boxes of 50 rounds and 50 rounds of .45 or .357 might bet old quick if this is your first time. At the range I go to they ask that you demonstrate how to operate the slide and magazine if you want to rent their guns. I would tell them upfront that you a novice and ask what they recommend.

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Permalink Reply by David F. on June 15, 2012 at 8:41am

I agree be honest with the people.  They can spot you are new to guns anyway.  Saying  that you new opens the bridge for them to give you a hand and they know you are serious.

Having just shot a handgun for the first time at thanksgiving, here is what I found.

The 22 was fun and I could focus on a smooth release of the round from the barrel.

The .38 feather waited (low powder load) also let me focus on a clean shot.

The .375 jumped around more in my hand but I did not notice a kick difference from the .38.  

Side story here:I know this sounds stupid but later in the day I accidentally loaded .357 rounds that I thought where the .38 feather waits. When I shot them my wife's Uncle jumped and asked to see the gun.  He discovered the error.  He asked if I noticed and frankly all I noticed was that the gun moved a little more when fired.  All I was focused on was a clean release of the bullet from the barrel.  I did not notice any more kick nor the greater sound of the bullet.

The Colt 9mm - That made me a bit gun shy and I stated anticipating the kick.  My Wife's Uncle loaded a clip for me that included a dud round to check this.  So at a random point to me the round did not fire as anticipated.   Once he pointed it out I worked on relaxing through the shot and did better.

I would suggest a lighter powered gun until you have aiming down.  Then work your way around.

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Permalink Reply by The Okie on June 12, 2012 at 2:29am

Well crap, I was going to suggest the .44 Mag as a joke, but then i guess i would feel bad if he injured himself...

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on June 11, 2012 at 5:22pm

I'd start with testing 9mm semi-automatic handguns to see what you like best ... 9mm is a good all-purpose round, but which 9mm is best for you depends a lot on comfort with the weapon.  When I tested 9mms for a primary sidearm, I tested the Glock 19, Walther P99, Heckler & Koch USP Compact 9mm, Sig Sauer P226, Heckler & Koch P30, Beretta PX4 Storm, etc.  I ended up choosing the HK P30 -- expensive, but worth it.  I hear the Smith & Wesson M&P is good too, though I've never fired that one.

.22 caliber is good for target practice, but I think introducing yourself to a more practical caliber like a 9mm then backing-out to a .22 is better than working with a small round like that to start.

JB

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Permalink Reply by Christopher M. Bartone on June 11, 2012 at 7:26pm

Target practice is what he's going to the range for, based on what he said.  A .22 is great for learning safety and basic techniques.  I think it's also easier to start on a small bore long gun than to jump right into handguns.

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Permalink Reply by Karl Helweg on June 11, 2012 at 7:01pm

It really depends on what your shooting goal(s) is.  For rifle a good .22 is hard to beat for beginners.  If you are shooting skeet or trap then a good shotgun probably in 12 ga.  There are all sorts of theories on which handgun is best to start with so ask the local instructor what they suggest.  

What all do they have to rent? 

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Hansen on June 11, 2012 at 9:09pm

Just about anything. From AK-47s to 12 gauge shotguns to AR-15s and much more.

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