Might be buying my first pistol soon, who can show me the ropes?

Since I turned 21 a few months ago, I've been wanting to get a pistol of my own. Before I get one, or when I get one though I'd like to see if anyone could show me the ropes of gun owning and gun safety/cleaning. Also some rules to live by, etc.

My 2 best friends are avid gun owners and shooters but never really took the time to teach me anything. I think when I get my pistol, maybe somebody could spend the day with me at the range to give me an idea of how everything works. I've been before but I'd like to go with nothing but learning in mind, especially with my own gun which I think would be even better.

-Matt

;)

If you'd like something more formal, most gun shops will have an intro class you can take.

Rent some different guns at a gun range and take a class. When I was your age I hung out with some gun dealers and got to shoot just about everything I ever wanted. I don't own a pistol now and never felt I needed one.

If there was a good range closer to me I'd go with you, but Quail Creek sucks (big time). Bass Pro in Grapevine is about the only one I like that is fairly close.

DFW Gun Range in Dallas has a LOT of rental guns available. It costs a little, but it'll save you money in the long run because you'll know you like whatever pistol you choose.

Go with the best you can afford, and the largest caliber that you are comfortable with (and by comfortable, I mean that you can consistently shoot it accurately and quickly). For a lot of people that's a 9MM or .45ACP. I used to shoot .40S&W, but I'm slower with it due to the snappier recoil.

It's hard to go wrong if you stay with high-end brands like Glock, Beretta, H&K, S&W, Ruger, Sig, etc.

My daily carry is an H&K USPc 9MM. Are you planning to get your CHL? If so let me know, my coworker and boss both teach the classes :D

Mad, have you been to the range that's alone I-35? It's about halfway towards Denton from the Speedway. That's where I've been and it's a pretty good range.

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Originally Posted by Matt V

Mad, have you been to the range that's alone I-35? It's about halfway towards Denton from the Speedway. That's where I've been and it's a pretty good range.

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That would be Quail Creek. The range is fine, but the staff aren't exactly the "cream of the crop".

I see. I didn't remember the name because it's been a year or two since I've been.

I've been shooting and around guns since I was a little kid and have been a Marine Corps pistol and rifle marksmanship instructor for 4 and a half years now. I'd be more than happy to give you personal classes on weapons handling, safety, cleaning, ect and I only live about 15 mins away in Saginaw. No charge.

You can PM if interested. I'll give you my usmc.mil email. address if you'd like some kind of verification I'm a Marine.

He's a marine.

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Originally Posted by onething

He's a marine.

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Yep and we greatly appreciate his service! :salut:

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Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

I've been shooting and around guns since I was a little kid and have been a Marine Corps pistol and rifle marksmanship instructor for 4 and a half years now. I'd be more than happy to give you personal classes on weapons handling, safety, cleaning, ect and I only live about 15 mins away in Saginaw. No charge.

You can PM if interested. I'll give you my usmc.mil email. address if you'd like some kind of verification I'm a Marine.

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PM sent, sir!

Id also add I can teach you cleaning safety and weapons handling without having to be on the range. I suggest this for a day or so before actually going to the range if you have no or very little firearms experience.