NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm taking my first pistol shooting lesson today. Any general advice? I've never even HELD a gun! :confused:

Hopefully you have an NRA certified instructor (if you're in the US).

Listen to the instructor.

And remember that your safety is between your ears.

Hopefully you have an NRA certified instructor (if you're in the US).

Listen to the instructor.

And remember that your safety is between your ears.

Yes I do. He's the head instructor at the city's Rifle and Pistol Shooting Club. I'd like to get more into this I think. It's just completely new to me.

Move over Dirty Harry? ;)

Safety safety safety.

All firearms are loaded. - There are no exceptions. Don't pretend that this is true. Know that it is and handle all firearms accordingly. Do not believe it when someone says: "It isn't loaded."
Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy. - If you would not want to see a bullet hole in it do not allow a firearm's muzzle to point at it.
Keep your finger off the trigger unless your sights are on the target. - Danger abounds if you keep your finger on the trigger when you are not about to shoot. Speed is not gained by prematurely placing your finger on the trigger as bringing a firearm to bear on a target takes more time than it takes to move your finger to the trigger.
Be sure of your target and what is behind it. - Never shoot at sounds or a target you cannot positively identify. Know what is in line with the target and what is behind it (bullets are designed to go through things). Be aware of your surroundings whether on a range, in the woods, or in a potentially lethal conflict.

Yes I do. He's the head instructor at the city's Rifle and Pistol Shooting Club. I'd like to get more into this I think. It's just completely new to me. Move over Dirty Harry? ;)
If, as a new shooter, your instructor starts you off with anything longer than a .38 or fatter than a .45ACP... get a new instructor.

Getting over a Flinch is a real pain.

If you're using a semi-auto slide pistol (like a baretta), make sure you place your hand low enough on the grip that you don't catch some skin in the slide. When the slide cocks, it can take a piece of skin with it if your hand is in the way. So says CSI :p

You know something? The pistol really is the sword of the modern age. Just Whispering Leg's advice alone reminds me of my constant admonishments of those new to martial arts and swordplay. And my constant reminders to myself.

Everytime you "play" with a weapon, it becomes more likely someone will get hurt. Its a great responsibilty to handle one and needs to be treated as such. Dilatory concern for safety will frequently mean expulsion from a serious dojo. Guns are no different, respect the gun and what it can do.

If, as a new shooter, your instructor starts you off with anything longer than a .38 or fatter than a .45ACP... get a new instructor.

Getting over a Flinch is a real pain.

I'm starting w/a .22 then a .38... It's a slow go and no auto or semi-auto for now.

Heheheh How about that 460XVR...lol! What would someone use that for anyhoo?!! :confused:

one thing EVERYONE overlooks when shooting is the noise. You should receive some kind of ear-protection, if you don't (and you like being able to hear) then don't shoot. Trust me, guns are DEAFINING! Oh, and the other bit of advice I can give you is if your using a gun that isn't a revolver, don't cock it like you see in the movies (you know, when they go *chack-chack* and cock it really quickly), coz 9 times out of 10, you'll jam the breech, and that's a devil to get out again; cock your gun smoothly and slowly.
:sniper:

All firearms are loaded. - There are no exceptions. Don't pretend that this is true. Know that it is and handle all firearms accordingly. Do not believe it when someone says: "It isn't loaded."
Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy. - If you would not want to see a bullet hole in it do not allow a firearm's muzzle to point at it.
Keep your finger off the trigger unless your sights are on the target. - Danger abounds if you keep your finger on the trigger when you are not about to shoot. Speed is not gained by prematurely placing your finger on the trigger as bringing a firearm to bear on a target takes more time than it takes to move your finger to the trigger.
Be sure of your target and what is behind it. - Never shoot at sounds or a target you cannot positively identify. Know what is in line with the target and what is behind it (bullets are designed to go through things). Be aware of your surroundings whether on a range, in the woods, or in a potentially lethal conflict.

What Whispering Legs said times a 1000.

I once saw a certified instructor with years of gun handling experience, years of teaching others - put a bullet up his arm-- thats entry near the elbow joint with the round exiting up near the point of the shoulder - with a gun he was told was unloaded. One time in his life he forgot the primary note- unless YOU know and have PERSONALLY checked - the gun is always loaded. It took him over ten years to regain most of his flexibility and mobility in that arm.

Hyperslackovicznia

I too am fairly new to the World of Guns... and since I'm on lunch break (and have time), I'll go ahead and show you some of my favorites (most of these are pretty good and pretty popular).
----------------------------------------
This is a Colt Python .357Mag revolver:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976596461.htm

I've heard it said that the Python is the best production revolver ever made.
----------------------------------------

This is a Beretta 92FS 9mm (M9 in the US military):

http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_pistols_main.htm

-----------------------------------------

This is the Glock 19 9mm:

http://www.glock.com/te_g19.htm

-----------------------------------------

This is one of three versions of the Browning Hi-Power 9mm:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976577192.htm

-----------------------------------------

This is the Springfield Mil-Spec .45ACP:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-ms.shtml

It's based on John Browning's original Colt 1911 design. (ACP = Automatic Colt Pistol).

All firearms are loaded. - There are no exceptions. Don't pretend that this is true. Know that it is and handle all firearms accordingly. Do not believe it when someone says: "It isn't loaded."
Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy. - If you would not want to see a bullet hole in it do not allow a firearm's muzzle to point at it.
Keep your finger off the trigger unless your sights are on the target. - Danger abounds if you keep your finger on the trigger when you are not about to shoot. Speed is not gained by prematurely placing your finger on the trigger as bringing a firearm to bear on a target takes more time than it takes to move your finger to the trigger.
Be sure of your target and what is behind it. - Never shoot at sounds or a target you cannot positively identify. Know what is in line with the target and what is behind it (bullets are designed to go through things). Be aware of your surroundings whether on a range, in the woods, or in a potentially lethal conflict.

What he said!

Plus, use a gun that feels comfortable to you. If you can't hold the grip properly (to big, to small) look for a different gun. Don't start out shooting a .44 Bulldog or other snub nose revolver... They tend to want to spin on your finger leaving the barrell pointing up ward and you really don't want to rain stray bullets on anything... Don't start out with an H&K 9mm either... the long trigger pull with reek havoc with your nerves and also requires a fair amount of strength...

The 1911 is a fine pistol.

Reliable, rarely jams, very nice trigger, and in a nice calber.

Though the .45 ACP is nothing compaired to a .50 AE ;)

Here is the one I use for competition.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PX9151LLarge.jpg

I'm taking my first pistol shooting lesson today. Any general advice? I've never even HELD a gun! :confused:
Just don't allow yourself to be intimidated by the gun itself. If you have a good instructor, they will teach you stance, grip, trigger-squeeze, breathing, etc.

All firearms are loaded. - There are no exceptions. Don't pretend that this is true. Know that it is and handle all firearms accordingly. Do not believe it when someone says: "It isn't loaded."
Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy. - If you would not want to see a bullet hole in it do not allow a firearm's muzzle to point at it.
Keep your finger off the trigger unless your sights are on the target. - Danger abounds if you keep your finger on the trigger when you are not about to shoot. Speed is not gained by prematurely placing your finger on the trigger as bringing a firearm to bear on a target takes more time than it takes to move your finger to the trigger.
Be sure of your target and what is behind it. - Never shoot at sounds or a target you cannot positively identify. Know what is in line with the target and what is behind it (bullets are designed to go through things). Be aware of your surroundings whether on a range, in the woods, or in a potentially lethal conflict.
Excellent advice! :)

watch this

http://www.jokaroo.com/extremevideos/crazycop.html

watch this

http://www.jokaroo.com/extremevideos/crazycop.html
Apparently he's the only one in the room professional enough to shoot himself in the leg with a glock .40

Apparently he's the only one in the room professional enough to shoot himself in the leg with a glock .40

It's a classic.

I'm taking my first pistol shooting lesson today. Any general advice? I've never even HELD a gun! :confused:

My advice to you is, sell the pistol, now! Then, save a bit more money and go out and buy yourself a rifle or shotgun. A shotgun would be best if you are looking for home defense. If you are not going to invest hours and hours practicing with the pistol then you will not become a very good shot. I shotgun makes hitting the target so much easier also, just the threat of a shotgun makes a lot of people turn and run.

Ooh! Ooh! I have some advice. Don't let your first gun be a freaking .50AE Desert Eagle. Freaking thing damn near tore my shoulder out. Goddamned hand cannon.

Other than that, yeah. Listen to what WL and the other gun experts are saying, and realize that the thing you are holding can kill. It's not a toy.

Aim away from face.

Just a question, why are you taking shooting lessons anyways?

I'm taking my first pistol shooting lesson today. Any general advice? I've never even HELD a gun! :confused:

Stick to swords! :p :D ;)

Ooh! Ooh! I have some advice. Don't let your first gun be a freaking .50AE Desert Eagle. Freaking thing damn near tore my shoulder out. Goddamned hand cannon.

Other than that, yeah. Listen to what WL and the other gun experts are saying, and realize that the thing you are holding can kill. It's not a toy.


I wouldn't recomend the Desert Eagle to a new shooter. However, it may be just me, but everyone seems to over-exaggerate the recoil on it. I think the worst part of the Eagle as far as aiming goes has to be the grip and weight. Seeing the flame and hearing the boom is deffinantly worth the $1/round price!

What he said!

Plus, use a gun that feels comfortable to you. If you can't hold the grip properly (to big, to small) look for a different gun. Don't start out shooting a .44 Bulldog or other snub nose revolver... They tend to want to spin on your finger leaving the barrell pointing up ward and you really don't want to rain stray bullets on anything... Don't start out with an H&K 9mm either... the long trigger pull with reek havoc with your nerves and also requires a fair amount of strength...

I did my first shooting yesterday, and I wasn't able to try a 9mm yet, however, it's likely I won't be able to get my hands around the grip. I tried a .40 and a .45 and those were comfortable. I'm planning on continuing with this. It's just a matter of what gun to get. The instructor said the 9mm was like the .40 (which recoiled harder than the .45), but with less recoil. I was interested in that, until I realized I probably won't be able to grip it.

Plus, I'm cross eyed dominant! So I had to have tape over the left eye of the glasses I was wearing.

I did my first shooting yesterday, and I wasn't able to try a 9mm yet, however, it's likely I won't be able to get my hands around the grip. I tried a .40 and a .45 and those were comfortable. I'm planning on continuing with this. It's just a matter of what gun to get. The instructor said the 9mm was like the .40 (which recoiled harder than the .45), but with less recoil. I was interested in that, until I realized I probably won't be able to grip it.

Plus, I'm cross eyed dominant! So I had to have tape over the left eye of the glasses I was wearing.

It's interesting that the 9mm that you're thinking about trying has a larger grip than those that shoot .40S&W--it's a smaller (thinner) round. Most double-stack 9s are the same width as their .40S&W cousins. Different manufacturer?

You'll notice the 9 and the .40 have more muzzle flip than the .45, but the .45 pushes back into your hand/arm more. I like the push more than the flip myself.

Pistol shooting can be very fun and very addictive. So watch out. :)

To address your original question, though: Just remember it's a tool. You control that tool. If you're going to have a good or bad time with it, it comes down to you and what you do with it. It can't do anything without you.

Just don't allow yourself to be intimidated by the gun itself. If you have a good instructor, they will teach you stance, grip, trigger-squeeze, breathing, etc.

yup...also wear headphones

I'm taking my first pistol shooting lesson today. Any general advice? I've never even HELD a gun! :confused:

No matter how much fun your friends make of you, don't shoot anything larger than a .45.

I'm taking my first pistol shooting lesson today. Any general advice? I've never even HELD a gun! :confused:


!!!!

I am a rifleman however my grand service with my walther is excepted as average..now...DO NOT EVER hold the gun in a horizontal fashion like you see in the "hood"...NEVER it just looks PATHETIC...um....try not to shoot anything bar the target....and dont look down the barrel when the thing is loaded...enjoy :D

No matter how much fun your friends make of you, don't shoot anything larger than a .45.

Surprisingly, it was quite easy. I shot a variety of guns. Several .22s, a .40, and a .45. (BTW, none of my friends shoot, but my dad used to hunt, and before I even went to my first lesson he ordered me a subscription to guns and ammo! :p )

I LOVED it. I am definitely picking it up as a hobby. It's just too bad my hands are so small. I wanted to get a 9mm.

Also, the .40 I shot was more powerful and had more recoil than the .45. One of the .22s had a scope. I like the scope for sure!

The cross eyed dominant thing is a pain. I'm going to have to block out my entire left eye next time, because if my eye sees over or under the tape, I shoot so far off it's insane.

Also, they all work so differently. (As to where this button or lever is on this... etc.)

I also had these great electronic headphones where you can hear everything until the shot, and then the sound cuts out. :)

I stuck around for a while after because about 25 guys were having a competition. They time you and you have to go from station to station and shoot the terrorists twice each, without hitting the hostages. It looked like so much fun. They were using so much ammo it was insane!

I'm going out again next week to shoot and he may have a 9mm for me to try, but w/the double stacked ammo, I highly doubt my hand will fit around it.

For KELLARLY: I would do swords or martial arts, but there's nothing like that around here!

I've never heard of a Desert Eagle. I'm quite unfamiliar with guns. Period. I just know I won't be getting a 460XVR :p

I'm quite petite, so no magnum type things... Unless I want a broken wrist.

To the person who asked why I'm taking these lessons? It has interested me, as has swords, fencing, and martial arts. I am not in physical condition for any of the others, nor do they teach any of that close to home. Also, I am interested in target shooting. Like participating in those "Shoot the terrorist" timed things. A hobby, I guess. I don't like fishing. :D

As far as self protection, we don't have a conceal and carry law in my state, and I would never have a loaded gun in the house. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer not to have a gun in the house at all.

Someone suggested a Sig 229. I do think I want a Sig as I've been told they are of very high quality. I just have to try some grips, because of my small hand. I was told that gun would probably fit my hand well. I liked the .40 the best, but it kicked hardest. It had an easy grip, though.

I appreciate all your comments, btw. And sho 'nuff, my instructor reiterated a good share of them! :)

Another disappointing day for East Canuck...

and a great day for me!

Surprisingly, it was quite easy. <snip>

So, will you be purchasing your own to practice with, eventually? My first was a 10mm--but since it was a Glock, the polymer frame took pretty much all the recoil out of it.

Sounds like you had a great time. Keep it up!

So, will you be purchasing your own to practice with, eventually? My first was a 10mm--but since it was a Glock, the polymer frame took pretty much all the recoil out of it.

Sounds like you had a great time. Keep it up!

Yes, I'll be getting my own, but I wanted a 9mm, but I'm quite sure my hand won't go around the grip. So maybe a .40...

Yes, I'll be getting my own, but I wanted a 9mm, but I'm quite sure my hand won't go around the grip. So maybe a .40...


Depending on what you want in a pistoll....i would (given the chance) go for a webley.....these low cal. things are ok but there isnt much power in them..you dont get the full experience of the hobby inless your arm hurts at the end of the day..

Ooh! Ooh! I have some advice. Don't let your first gun be a freaking .50AE Desert Eagle. Freaking thing damn near tore my shoulder out. Goddamned hand cannon.

Other than that, yeah. Listen to what WL and the other gun experts are saying, and realize that the thing you are holding can kill. It's not a toy.

LOL! Horrid choice for a first gun! I've yet to take pistol lessons, but I'm quite handy with a rifle.

Yes, I'll be getting my own, but I wanted a 9mm, but I'm quite sure my hand won't go around the grip. So maybe a .40...

C'mon gang! We can find Hyperslackovicznia a slim-line 9mm, can't we? What was the make and model of the .40S&W that you tried and liked?

By the way, why the choice of the 9mm? Low cost of ammo?

Make sure the barrel is free of obstructions. I have never held a pistol (living in Canada and all), but what is true for rifles and shotguns in that respect should hold true for pistols.

In my firearm safety class (for a hunting licence) there was several rifles and shotguns lying in a rack and we had to check any 3 for obstructions in the barrel. About a half dozen people in the class inspected the 12 gauge shotgun and said it was ok. At the end, the instructor took the shotgun and fished out 3 plugs that were blocking the barrel with a cleaning rod.

I have very small hands myself, so I understand the problem with many of the sig saur and other large frames.

I use a Manurhin, a Walther PPK clone, in 32 calibur, and find it to be a wonderful gun. The recoil is minimal, and comes cleanly back into the hand, no flip. The sound is also far lighter. The frame size and weight is perfect for small hands.

And I don't care what any one says, 32 is just fine for taking a human down - casue it's not how big a hole you make, it's where you make the hole. Shot placement rules!

Plus 32 ammon is cheap, and therefore you can shot a lot of it and get very proficient.

Now as to Desert Eagles - these are tremendously fun hand cannons to shoot. and oddly enough despite my very small hands I can handle one quite comfortably. But I would in no way recommend one of these for a beginner - also despite my small hand size I do have very strong wrists.

Yes, I'll be getting my own, but I wanted a 9mm, but I'm quite sure my hand won't go around the grip. So maybe a .40...

A good 9mm that would probably work for you is the Makarov. It uses a slightly different ammo than a 'traditional' 9mm but it is still inexpensive and plentiful. My mom is on the petite side and she can handle the one I bought for her easily size-wise and recoil-wise. You can get one for about $250.

What state do you live in BTW?

Surprisingly, it was quite easy. I shot a variety of guns. Several .22s, a .40, and a .45. (BTW, none of my friends shoot, but my dad used to hunt, and before I even went to my first lesson he ordered me a subscription to guns and ammo! :p )

I LOVED it. I am definitely picking it up as a hobby. It's just too bad my hands are so small. I wanted to get a 9mm.

Also, the .40 I shot was more powerful and had more recoil than the .45. One of the .22s had a scope. I like the scope for sure!

The cross eyed dominant thing is a pain. I'm going to have to block out my entire left eye next time, because if my eye sees over or under the tape, I shoot so far off it's insane.

Also, they all work so differently. (As to where this button or lever is on this... etc.)

I also had these great electronic headphones where you can hear everything until the shot, and then the sound cuts out. :)

I stuck around for a while after because about 25 guys were having a competition. They time you and you have to go from station to station and shoot the terrorists twice each, without hitting the hostages. It looked like so much fun. They were using so much ammo it was insane!

I'm going out again next week to shoot and he may have a 9mm for me to try, but w/the double stacked ammo, I highly doubt my hand will fit around it.

For KELLARLY: I would do swords or martial arts, but there's nothing like that around here!

I've never heard of a Desert Eagle. I'm quite unfamiliar with guns. Period. I just know I won't be getting a 460XVR :p

I'm quite petite, so no magnum type things... Unless I want a broken wrist.

To the person who asked why I'm taking these lessons? It has interested me, as has swords, fencing, and martial arts. I am not in physical condition for any of the others, nor do they teach any of that close to home. Also, I am interested in target shooting. Like participating in those "Shoot the terrorist" timed things. A hobby, I guess. I don't like fishing. :D

As far as self protection, we don't have a conceal and carry law in my state, and I would never have a loaded gun in the house. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer not to have a gun in the house at all.

Someone suggested a Sig 229. I do think I want a Sig as I've been told they are of very high quality. I just have to try some grips, because of my small hand. I was told that gun would probably fit my hand well. I liked the .40 the best, but it kicked hardest. It had an easy grip, though.

I appreciate all your comments, btw. And sho 'nuff, my instructor reiterated a good share of them! :)
Good to hear everything went smoothly. Glad to know too that your personal desires about gun ownership and possession (your Choice) was not manipulated by those providing your experience. I would point out, however, having a hobby is much easier if you keep your equipment at home. Keeping a gun locked up and out of the way is no different than keeping a bowling ball out of the way. However, storing either outside of the home makes the hobby much more difficult to persue.

On a side note... What State do you live in? We can provide you with a wealth of info with that simple bit of disclosure....

I have very small hands myself, so I understand the problem with many of the sig saur and other large frames.

I use a Manurhin, a Walther PPK clone, in 32 calibur, and find it to be a wonderful gun. The recoil is minimal, and comes cleanly back into the hand, no flip. The sound is also far lighter. The frame size and weight is perfect for small hands.

And I don't care what any one says, 32 is just fine for taking a human down - casue it's not how big a hole you make, it's where you make the hole. Shot placement rules!

Plus 32 ammon is cheap, and therefore you can shot a lot of it and get very proficient.

Now as to Desert Eagles - these are tremendously fun hand cannons to shoot. and oddly enough despite my very small hands I can handle one quite comfortably. But I would in no way recommend one of these for a beginner - also despite my small hand size I do have very strong wrists.
I tend to agree with you. I had 2 CZ-50 .32acp pistols I bought from the Polezi. Nice little guns. My daily carry gun is an NAA Guardian .32acp loaded with 60gr Fiocchi SJHPs.

I carry my Guardian in the house
I carry my Guardian with my spouse
I carry my Guardian in the woods
I carry my Guardian because of hoods

And if .32 seems awfully small
It's certainly better than no Guardian at all.

(c) Me (written for The Firing Line 07-02-2001, 01:03 PM)

Regardless of what cannon I may or may not leave at home, my Guardian is ALWAYS in my back pocket.

Make sure the barrel is free of obstructions. I have never held a pistol (living in Canada and all), but what is true for rifles and shotguns in that respect should hold true for pistols.

In my firearm safety class (for a hunting licence) there was several rifles and shotguns lying in a rack and we had to check any 3 for obstructions in the barrel. About a half dozen people in the class inspected the 12 gauge shotgun and said it was ok. At the end, the instructor took the shotgun and fished out 3 plugs that were blocking the barrel with a cleaning rod.

I live in Canada and have three handguns so there are hand guns here. You have had some good advice all that I will add is to suggest that you try and hold as many handguns, both revolvers and pistols, as you can. Then buy one that fits you!!

For KELLARLY: I would do swords or martial arts, but there's nothing like that around here!

Yay! I got a mention :D

Pity though, still, enjoy your new hobby :)

I swear to God, when I first glanced at this topic, I swear it read First Time Postal Shooter... Any Advice? :eek:

I swear to God, when I first glanced at this topic, I swear it read First Time Postal Shooter... Any Advice? :eek:
Yes... get a good lawyer. Cat-Tribe... you busy? :p

Good to hear everything went smoothly. Glad to know too that your personal desires about gun ownership and possession (your Choice) was not manipulated by those providing your experience. I would point out, however, having a hobby is much easier if you keep your equipment at home. Keeping a gun locked up and out of the way is no different than keeping a bowling ball out of the way. However, storing either outside of the home makes the hobby much more difficult to persue.

On a side note... What State do you live in? We can provide you with a wealth of info with that simple bit of disclosure....

I'll be keeping it locked up at home. I live in WI. No conceal and carry here.

I'll be keeping it locked up at home. I live in WI. No conceal and carry here.
Ah, then Zaxon's your man. Need to know anything about Wisconsin gun laws he'll hook you up.

(thinks of stuff not mentioned yet)

1) I'd start with a .22 revolver, then go to the Ruger II. Shooting the first time is challenging enough, let alone to have to deal with flying brass. :)

2) Wear a t-shirt. I've had more than one hot casing go down my button down shirt. :(

3) Once you get get used to shooting (say, you've run 1000 rounds), try different stances. I do much better with Weaver than the Triangle.

4) Don't buy a gun right away. Try lots of different makes and models. For example, I discovered early on that I don't like Glocks very much.

5) There's nothing wrong with shooting .22 when you first get on the range, then swapping to other calibers. When I first started, I'd do 100 rounds of .22 to "warm up", then try a different rental gun.

Ah, pistol shooting. One of my favorite passtimes. OK, some advice:

-When aiming, concentrate on the sights, not the target. Make sure the tops of the front and rear sights line up.

-When reloading an automatic (well, technically the pistol is fires on semi-automatic, but it's refered to as an automatic), pull the slide back and release after loading a fresh magazine, don't thumb the slide release. Thumbing the slide release, while it looks really cool, is both ametuerish and isn't very reliable.

-9mm is a good caliber to start off with as well as .22. I myself own a .22 and have frequently shot 9mm, and can say that the .22 has practically no recoil, and the recoil from the nine is really light. They're both pretty damn accurate calibers, too.

-From what I've heard, 10mm is a real bitch to shoot. You might wanna stay away with that until you get a little more experienced.

I myself started off shooting .45s, so you'll start off better than I did, at least.

Yes... get a good lawyer. Cat-Tribe... you busy? :p
No thank you. I'd honestly rather go to jail.

I'll be keeping it locked up at home. I live in WI. No conceal and carry here.

You could move to Virginia. We can carry openly or concealed.

You could move to Virginia. We can carry openly or concealed.


lol! I'm not looking to move. BTW... I liked the .40 and .45 better than the .22. The recoil wasn't that bad. I wonder what the difference is between that and a similar caliber magnum....?

Anyone want to answer that?

lol! I'm not looking to move. BTW... I liked the .40 and .45 better than the .22. The recoil wasn't that bad. I wonder what the difference is between that and a similar caliber magnum....?

Anyone want to answer that?

Magnums have a much sharper recoil. I don't find it a problem, but you're not going to do a lot of rapid fire with one.

The 40 should have felt a bit sharper to you than the 45. Now, to get the sensation of 10mm, take the 40 up a notch.

That puts you in the lower end of recoil for a 41 Magnum, and about the same as 357.

Take up another notch for 44 Magnum.

Although you can go higher, I don't anymore, as it's just unpleasant to me. Syniks, OTOH, likes the pocket cannons.

Magnums have a much sharper recoil. I don't find it a problem, but you're not going to do a lot of rapid fire with one.

The 40 should have felt a bit sharper to you than the 45. Now, to get the sensation of 10mm, take the 40 up a notch.

That puts you in the lower end of recoil for a 41 Magnum, and about the same as 357.

Take up another notch for 44 Magnum.

Although you can go higher, I don't anymore, as it's just unpleasant to me. Syniks, OTOH, likes the pocket cannons.

Yes, definitely the .40 had more recoil than the .45. My big problem is my small hands. I wanted a 9mm or something, but I may end up with a .40...

I sent my father the info on that 460XVR, and he told me if I tried that, I'd break my wrist! :p

It's going to be harder to target shoot w/the smaller guns, that's for sure. I could go a much longer distance accurately with a .22, but I don't have the money to keep "buying up", so to speak. So I'm thinking a .40. I just wanted the power in a lighter, less recoil gun, (without a big fat grip!)

If you're getting a .40, I'd recomend a Springfield XD40. It's a pretty damn accurate piece and it's not really that expensive (well, compared to Glocks, at least). My old man's got one and it's pretty damn sweet.

If you're getting a .40, I'd recomend a Springfield XD40. It's a pretty damn accurate piece and it's not really that expensive (well, compared to Glocks, at least). My old man's got one and it's pretty damn sweet.

I was told a Sig would be really good.

Surprisingly, it was quite easy. I shot a variety of guns. Several .22s, a .40, and a .45. (BTW, none of my friends shoot, but my dad used to hunt, and before I even went to my first lesson he ordered me a subscription to guns and ammo! :p )

I LOVED it. I am definitely picking it up as a hobby. It's just too bad my hands are so small. I wanted to get a 9mm.

Also, the .40 I shot was more powerful and had more recoil than the .45. One of the .22s had a scope. I like the scope for sure!

The cross eyed dominant thing is a pain. I'm going to have to block out my entire left eye next time, because if my eye sees over or under the tape, I shoot so far off it's insane.

Also, they all work so differently. (As to where this button or lever is on this... etc.)

I also had these great electronic headphones where you can hear everything until the shot, and then the sound cuts out. :)

I stuck around for a while after because about 25 guys were having a competition. They time you and you have to go from station to station and shoot the terrorists twice each, without hitting the hostages. It looked like so much fun. They were using so much ammo it was insane!

I'm going out again next week to shoot and he may have a 9mm for me to try, but w/the double stacked ammo, I highly doubt my hand will fit around it.

For KELLARLY: I would do swords or martial arts, but there's nothing like that around here!

I've never heard of a Desert Eagle. I'm quite unfamiliar with guns. Period. I just know I won't be getting a 460XVR :p

I'm quite petite, so no magnum type things... Unless I want a broken wrist.

To the person who asked why I'm taking these lessons? It has interested me, as has swords, fencing, and martial arts. I am not in physical condition for any of the others, nor do they teach any of that close to home. Also, I am interested in target shooting. Like participating in those "Shoot the terrorist" timed things. A hobby, I guess. I don't like fishing. :D

As far as self protection, we don't have a conceal and carry law in my state, and I would never have a loaded gun in the house. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer not to have a gun in the house at all.

Someone suggested a Sig 229. I do think I want a Sig as I've been told they are of very high quality. I just have to try some grips, because of my small hand. I was told that gun would probably fit my hand well. I liked the .40 the best, but it kicked hardest. It had an easy grip, though.

I appreciate all your comments, btw. And sho 'nuff, my instructor reiterated a good share of them! :)

Before you lay down money, go to a dealer's storefront that carries multiple brands and sizes. Nines are usually smaller and slimmer than .40's in the same class-you may have been dealing with a service-size 9mm and a compact .40 at the class, since there are some right-dinky nine-millimeters out there (the KAR Arms compact comes to mind...)

For self-defense purposes, remember that a skilled hand with a .22 is more effective than an unskilled hand with a .40 or 9mm. Find a gun that's comfortable and that you can handle first, worry about what it feeds second.
I'll echo the comment about the Makarov-my mom carries one, and she loves it. (It's also her first pistol, and she's quite effective with it...)

A note about safe-storage:

If you can't afford a gun-safe (or your landlord won't let you drill the mounting brackets in the closet wall...) a trigger-lock is probably the worst viable option. Go with the the muzzle-to-chamber locking device instead. a criminal can't take it off with a good screwdriver or chisel. I forget the name of the brand, but the way it works, is a piece fits in the chamber like the round would, and you drop the other half down the bore, turn the key, extract the key. It locks the entire upper-half together on an auto, and keeps the cylinder from turning on a revolver. I've had mine for a numbr of years, and picked it up at a gun-show for about fifteen bucks in 1993.

If you're going out, but the pistol is staying home (a situation common to those of us with insurance-minded employers), disable the firearm mechanically and store the parts in separate areas. This does not mean taking the mag and hiding it, it means taking the slide off and hiding it.
You can reassemble when you get home, or when you can carry without violating laws or work-rules.
A firearm should never be stored 'ready for use' if you aren't going to have physical control of it-visitors, children(who haven't been taught gun-safety), and uninvited 'guests' are less likely to create mayhem if the weapon isn't operational. The through-bore lock works as a disabling method, the trigger lock simply does not.

I was told a Sig would be really good.

Before I buy a gun, I usually visit several gun stores, and feel up as many as I can. I know that sounds weird, but think about it.

If it doesn't feel good in your hand, you won't shoot well with it. Try the various controls, and see if it's too complicated for you.

Have the salesperson demonstrate the field strip and reassembly. You want something dirt simple - as an example, the Ruger 22 semi-auto pistols are NOT simple to disassemble, and neither is the Hi Point carbine (lucky to get it back together).

Then, if they have a matching rental, try it on the range to see how you do with it.

Once you've found one that feels good, is simple, and hits what you shoot at, by all means buy it.

Through four pages I'm suprised noone went into detail on the trigger pull. Most people miss targets with pistols because they yank on the trigger.

Make sure pressure is put on the trigger pushing directly backwards. That sounds obvious but it is easy to push the pistol to the left or right while pulling th trigget back. Exactly straight back as if the trigger would not touch the sides of it's housing.

If you are shooting a decent pattern or a small spread of hits but are consistantly off the mark this is what's wrong. Consistantly wrong because you exerting the same amount of pressure on the trigger to the left or right each time.

Good to hear you're enjoying it. Take a look at Isreali Military Industries Desert Eagle's Jericho 9mm or Baby Eagle 9mm. Out of my personal arsenal, my Baby Eagle has been the most dependable, it's cheap to shoot, very accurate, love it. It was made to shoot Palestinians...it has to be good.

I'll be keeping it locked up at home. I live in WI. No conceal and carry here.

Fellow Wisconsinite, it's because we can't be trusted to carry a gun when there are all those cows just standing there as such easy targets.

and where i grew up, in the northern quarter of the state (Minocqua), a concealed carrier might be tempted to use the weapon on FIBs.

hehe

Fellow Wisconsinite, it's because we can't be trusted to carry a gun when there are all those cows serving as such easy targets.

and where i grew up, in the northern quarter of the state (Minocqua), a concealed carrier might be tempted to use the weapon on FIBs.

hehe

After spending just one day in Appleton, I wanted to leave.

After spending just one day in Appleton, I wanted to leave.

appleton is some 150 miles southeast of Minocqua

when were you there?

appleton is some 150 miles southeast of Minocqua

when were you there?

1998, installing some software. I would say, however, that some places in Canada are more Godforsaken.

1998, installing some software. I would say, however, that some places in Canada are more Godforsaken.

was it the weather? (many people from warmer climes can't handle the bitter cold)

wisconsin is actually a clean, beautiful state with hills in the west, highland areas in the far north, farm land in the southern half and lakes and woods, lakes and woods, lakes and woods in the northern half. There are something like 1,000 lakes in the county where I grew up (Oneida). There are about 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin... more per square mile than there are in the rat-bastard (gopher...) state, Minnesota.

Before you lay down money, go to a dealer's storefront that carries multiple brands and sizes. Nines are usually smaller and slimmer than .40's in the same class-you may have been dealing with a service-size 9mm and a compact .40 at the class, since there are some right-dinky nine-millimeters out there (the KAR Arms compact comes to mind...)

For self-defense purposes, remember that a skilled hand with a .22 is more effective than an unskilled hand with a .40 or 9mm. Find a gun that's comfortable and that you can handle first, worry about what it feeds second.
I'll echo the comment about the Makarov-my mom carries one, and she loves it. (It's also her first pistol, and she's quite effective with it...)

A note about safe-storage:

If you can't afford a gun-safe (or your landlord won't let you drill the mounting brackets in the closet wall...) a trigger-lock is probably the worst viable option. Go with the the muzzle-to-chamber locking device instead. a criminal can't take it off with a good screwdriver or chisel. I forget the name of the brand, but the way it works, is a piece fits in the chamber like the round would, and you drop the other half down the bore, turn the key, extract the key. It locks the entire upper-half together on an auto, and keeps the cylinder from turning on a revolver. I've had mine for a numbr of years, and picked it up at a gun-show for about fifteen bucks in 1993.

If you're going out, but the pistol is staying home (a situation common to those of us with insurance-minded employers), disable the firearm mechanically and store the parts in separate areas. This does not mean taking the mag and hiding it, it means taking the slide off and hiding it.
You can reassemble when you get home, or when you can carry without violating laws or work-rules.
A firearm should never be stored 'ready for use' if you aren't going to have physical control of it-visitors, children(who haven't been taught gun-safety), and uninvited 'guests' are less likely to create mayhem if the weapon isn't operational. The through-bore lock works as a disabling method, the trigger lock simply does not.


Storing it isn't an issue... we have a huge ass safe that no one could get into unless they had some massive explosives.... (MASSIVE). My instructor showed me the muzzle to chamber thing. As far as size, beacause the ammo is stacked two by two in the 9mm, I was told that the grip will ALWAYs be bigger.... and too big for me.

I'm not planning on using this for self defense... (I'd have to get it out of the safe, take the muzzle thang off, load it... we have no conceal and carry law here). I wanted to target shoot, and get good at it. For fun and accuracy. Even if I look like a pirate or something with my left eye covered. :rolleyes:

1998, installing some software. I would say, however, that some places in Canada are more Godforsaken.

I don't live far from Appleton. :)

Fellow Wisconsinite, it's because we can't be trusted to carry a gun when there are all those cows just standing there as such easy targets.

and where i grew up, in the northern quarter of the state (Minocqua), a concealed carrier might be tempted to use the weapon on FIBs.

hehe

Yeah... especially the ones who come up here for the Kohler Food and Wine Experience. The ones with brand new MATCHING LAMBORGHINIs!

OK, I admit it, it's jealousy. *hangs head in shame, 'cause I drive a Geo, and even way back in college wanted a Lambo Countach*

Through four pages I'm suprised noone went into detail on the trigger pull. Most people miss targets with pistols because they yank on the trigger.

Make sure pressure is put on the trigger pushing directly backwards. That sounds obvious but it is easy to push the pistol to the left or right while pulling th trigget back. Exactly straight back as if the trigger would not touch the sides of it's housing.

If you are shooting a decent pattern or a small spread of hits but are consistantly off the mark this is what's wrong. Consistantly wrong because you exerting the same amount of pressure on the trigger to the left or right each time.

Good to hear you're enjoying it. Take a look at Isreali Military Industries Desert Eagle's Jericho 9mm or Baby Eagle 9mm. Out of my personal arsenal, my Baby Eagle has been the most dependable, it's cheap to shoot, very accurate, love it. It was made to shoot Palestinians...it has to be good.


My instructor must have had it all together... (well, he's a retired vet... Nam I think), but he explained where to put my finger to pull it straight back, and to pull it slowly.

Someone told me a Sig 229 might be good for me. There are a lot of Sig 229s though.

(To give you an idea how small my hands are, I can't get them around the neck of my bass guitar. Granted, the fretboard is wider than on most, and I can on most, but not on mine. And I suppose fingernails don't count! :D )

I'll be keeping it locked up at home. I live in WI. No conceal and carry here.

But definitely open carry. Provided you're not in Madison or Milwaukee when you do it. The sheeple tend to freak, and then you get ticketed for "disturbing the peace". Nice 'eh? You get the ticket because they're scared of the firearm--and that's exactly what they're afraid of. Take the gun off, you don't get a visit from the local constabulary. Just the presence sets them off. :headbang:

You can take classes for concealed carry in other states, however. I just requalified for my MN carry license on Saturday (had one damn flier--got a 149 out of 150--pissed me off to NO end). You can also go for a Florida non-resident that will give you another 27 states for legal carry.

Once that dipstick Doyle is gone in '06, you'll see a CCW law in the early part of '07.

If you're in the southern portion of the state, I can recommend a few places to practice and purchase.

Just send me a telegram.

Ah, pistol shooting. One of my favorite passtimes. OK, some advice:

-When aiming, concentrate on the sights, not the target. Make sure the tops of the front and rear sights line up.

-When reloading an automatic (well, technically the pistol is fires on semi-automatic, but it's refered to as an automatic), pull the slide back and release after loading a fresh magazine, don't thumb the slide release. Thumbing the slide release, while it looks really cool, is both ametuerish and isn't very reliable.

-9mm is a good caliber to start off with as well as .22. I myself own a .22 and have frequently shot 9mm, and can say that the .22 has practically no recoil, and the recoil from the nine is really light. They're both pretty damn accurate calibers, too.

-From what I've heard, 10mm is a real bitch to shoot. You might wanna stay away with that until you get a little more experienced.

I myself started off shooting .45s, so you'll start off better than I did, at least.

That's a myth about the 10mm (that's what I started with). It's certainly nowhere near a .44mag. Even a .357mag seems to have more recoil on it than a 10mm. It's just a little hotter than the .40S&W.

And please don't call them automatics--it's bad enough that the press loves to swap that term out, to scare folks--we don't need to help them.

I was told a Sig would be really good.

Good quality gun, but needy--they rust without enough attention and oil.

Before I buy a gun, I usually visit several gun stores, and feel up as many as I can. I know that sounds weird, but think about it.

If it doesn't feel good in your hand, you won't shoot well with it. Try the various controls, and see if it's too complicated for you.

Have the salesperson demonstrate the field strip and reassembly. You want something dirt simple - as an example, the Ruger 22 semi-auto pistols are NOT simple to disassemble, and neither is the Hi Point carbine (lucky to get it back together).

Then, if they have a matching rental, try it on the range to see how you do with it.

Once you've found one that feels good, is simple, and hits what you shoot at, by all means buy it.


Something of note with grips--just because it feels good in the hand when not firing, doesn't mean it's going to feel okay when lighting it up.

My other half stole my first Glock 20--10mm, fattest grip in the universe practically--because she liked the feel of the larger grip when it fired, as opposed to slimmer designs because it spread the recoil out over her entire palm, as opposed to just putting it in the webbing. Her hands are TINY. So, just because it feels "too big" in your hand, doesn't mean you should necessarily dismiss it until after you've tried it on the range.

Generally, though, WL's advice is spot-on. It is most likely that you'll want the smaller grip--just wanted to toss the other info out, just in case.

Through four pages I'm suprised noone went into detail on the trigger pull. Most people miss targets with pistols because they yank on the trigger.

Make sure pressure is put on the trigger pushing directly backwards. That sounds obvious but it is easy to push the pistol to the left or right while pulling th trigget back. Exactly straight back as if the trigger would not touch the sides of it's housing.


A good drill for that is to place a dime right behind the front sight (if you have a flat-topped firearm, that is), and dry-fire until the dime doesn't move. Great for flinches and trigger control.

Someone told me a Sig 229 might be good for me. There are a lot of Sig 229s though.


I recently took up shooting myself, and after experimenting with a variety of pistols, chose the Walther PPKS. Its a .380 semi-auto, and mine has a 7 round clip. Very similar to a 9mm, but no doublestacking in the clip/magazine so the handle should be fine for small hands. Great accuracy, (I love the sights on this pistol) and fairly inexpensive.

I recently took up shooting myself,

painful hobby?

lol i live in scotland so we dont even handle guns without wanting to be a criminal! dont know if thats good or bad?

painful hobby?

lol i live in scotland so we dont even handle guns without wanting to be a criminal! dont know if thats good or bad?

Here in the US, most Part I felonies (violent crime) are not committed with a gun (76 percent of felons do their thing completely unarmed).

Here, most guns are NEVER used in a crime.

painful hobby?

lol i live in scotland so we dont even handle guns without wanting to be a criminal! dont know if thats good or bad?

Neither, it's just different. :)

Originally Posted by Stenistan
I recently took up shooting myself,painful hobby?
Not if you miss... :p

Here in scotland most guns are illegal anyway.
If they weren't then I'd definatly take up target shooting, it soudns really good and I wish guns were legal here.

Here in scotland most guns are illegal anyway.
If they weren't then I'd definatly take up target shooting, it soudns really good and I wish guns were legal here.

I know what I should do.

Give tours to foreigners who come from countries where they can't have guns.

Arrive here in Virginia, and go to various gun ranges and shoot all kinds of different guns.

I know what I should do.

Give tours to foreigners who come from countries where they can't have guns.

Arrive here in Virginia, and go to various gun ranges and shoot all kinds of different guns.


your only jnot allowed to handle guns if you get caught..... >.> <.< not that i own a mouser, a walther or an SLR >.> <.<

But definitely open carry. Provided you're not in Madison or Milwaukee when you do it. The sheeple tend to freak, and then you get ticketed for "disturbing the peace". Nice 'eh? You get the ticket because they're scared of the firearm--and that's exactly what they're afraid of. Take the gun off, you don't get a visit from the local constabulary. Just the presence sets them off. :headbang:

You can take classes for concealed carry in other states, however. I just requalified for my MN carry license on Saturday (had one damn flier--got a 149 out of 150--pissed me off to NO end). You can also go for a Florida non-resident that will give you another 27 states for legal carry.

Once that dipstick Doyle is gone in '06, you'll see a CCW law in the early part of '07.

If you're in the southern portion of the state, I can recommend a few places to practice and purchase.

Just send me a telegram.

I am really thrilled with the response to this thread, because I never held a gun before last week. And the advice keeps pouring in and it's wonderful, and I thank you all! :fluffle: :fluffle: :fluffle:

I know what I should do.

Give tours to foreigners who come from countries where they can't have guns.

Arrive here in Virginia, and go to various gun ranges and shoot all kinds of different guns.

Actually, that's an extremely excellent idea, WL!

I am really thrilled with the response to this thread, because I never held a gun before last week. And the advice keeps pouring in and it's wonderful, and I thank you all! :fluffle: :fluffle: :fluffle:

Just enjoy it, and have fun. Wait until you get sucked in to things like reloading...

Just enjoy it, and have fun. Wait until you get sucked in to things like reloading...

I watched a timed match where each guy had to run and shoot each terrorist 2 times and not hit the hostages. Clips were flying all over! :p

Actually, that's an extremely excellent idea, WL!
IIRC That's actually a fairly common package deal in certain areas of the Left Coast & Alaska - especially by/for the Japanese...

I watched a timed match where each guy had to run and shoot each terrorist 2 times and not hit the hostages. Clips were flying all over! :p

Magazines, Hype. Magazines. I don't know of any current firearm that actually uses clips anymore. ;)

I'd have to ask those more knowledgable than I about what's the last weapon to use clips (the only one that I can think of offhand are the M1 Garands--do the carbines use clips?).

IIRC That's actually a fairly common package deal in certain areas of the Left Coast & Alaska - especially by/for the Japanese...

That's flippin' cool.