Pistol Shooting

[Masherbrum]

Originally posted by -tronski-
Last week we got a pamphlet in our letterbox advertising a local rifle range open day. It was from a couple of different shooting clubs, (and a RC plane club) - where you could go and try your hand at shooting. My wife was immediately interested in going and suggested we attend.

And we both had a blast!

Both my brothers, and even my Father came as well. The range was split up into different clubs, and their particular speciality (ie Rifles, Pistols, Air rifles, air pistols, small calibre pistols/rifle etc). The Wife has always wanted to try pistols, and seeing how I've never shot one - I thought why not.

After the sign in (with obligatory showing of the photo ID), and paying $2 for the five round shoot...there was a safety video, and then another talk about safety, grips etc - and then we lined up and collected our safety glasses and hearing protection. There were 3 ranges, with six shooters at the tables at each range - with an instructor with every shooter. The range was open and there were plenty of uniformed and brightly marked club members and officials. It was an obviously well run event.

After a quick talk about the range rules, I was led to the instructor, introduced my self - and he then showed the pistol (a Glock 17) I was going to use, and gave me an instructions on its use.
I must say the heart was beating really fast, and even before I squeezed my first round - the sudden noise of the shots around me really gave me a start. I fired my first round - and was shocked by how quickly it discharged and how fast it was over. And then I slowly aimed and fired my remaining 4 rounds scoring a bullseye (!!!), the remaining 4 spread around the target (2 close to the bullseye). After it was called safe I collected my target and walked back to the safe line comparing shots with my wife (who also nearly bullseyed twice with her glock) beaming. I looked at her and smiled, and we both immediately lined up again!

About 20 mins later I had a HK .45 USP in my hands. After getting used to the wider grip - and again steadying the nerves,  I again fired with 2 bullseye, and the last 3 just off - but all 5 were very closely grouped. As I safety'd the pistol and stood back I watched my wife fire another Glock. She was having trouble but her instructor was really great and was patiently trying to correct her. He then safety'd her weapon, and pulled out his own personal pistol and gave it to her and they ended up firing about another 15 or so rounds working on her troubles.
When we both walked back the instructors all complimented me on my shooting (now THAT put a smile on my face) and asked to seriously consider taking it up  - especially seeing how it was literally only my second time and I did so well - and all recommended I join the club....which my wife and I prompty agreed to.

We both had a great time - the club members seemed like all great people, extemely courteous, helpful and obviously passionate about their sport...and I highly recommend it to anyone who gets the chance!

 Tronsky

I own a USP .45.  Best damn $500 I ever spent.  

Karaya

[-tronski-]

Originally posted by Masherbrum
I own a USP .45.  Best damn $500 I ever spent.  

Karaya

It felt a little awkward compared to the glock..but I think that was mostly my awkwardness with learning the grip, and being used to even holding it...but I did like it a great deal more than the Glock...the $1400 dollar price tag compared to the $800 Glock is quite a difference but I would consider worth it on first impressions!

I get the distinct feeling the money we're putting aside for a trip to las vegas, could be soon diverted to another past time....

 Tronsky

[lazs2]

Did you try any revolvers?

lazs

[thrila]

I used to go pistol shooting as a kid on my uncles farm.  I've footage of me shooting bottles off a fence on vhs somewhere.  Shame about the ban, i had some great fun as a kid.  I can still do clay pigeon shooting though.

[lazs2]

yep thrrilla... they are hoping that you will be the last of the people who remember what it was like to have that freedom.

lazs

[-tronski-]

Originally posted by lazs2
Did you try any revolvers?

lazs

No I didn't, although both my brothers did - and said they were amazed at how much heavier it was...

I know it made a hell of a racket!

 Tronsky

[cpxxx]

A few months ago it was all theoretical but after a shooter took a court case against the police the ban on handguns was found to be wrong. The  law on handguns eased up here and now you can buy a handgun in this country after 30 years of a de facto ban. Of course there's restrictions. You have to have monitored gun safe at home. But I can actually seriously consider buying one for the first time in my life. Maybe not yet but it does mean I can go to the local range and fire one. That I will be doing soon.  Is this the first time a country actually eased a handgun restriction?

[Halo]

Yeah, I remember the old old days too of shooting cans and bottles in the river.  We were too young and naive to think about the environmental impact.  

In those days litter was commonplace and recycling non existent.  The land and water seemed infinite and able to absorb anything.  

Fortunately nowadays we all know better, and of course the population has increased so much that in most places the only really safe place to shoot is a regulated firing range.

[stiehl]

Is this  normal?  My cousin was showing me his newly bought kimber .45 this weekend(he's stationed in NC) which had me thinking that it was about time to get a gun of my own. Jumping through hoops and paying $400+ for the priviledge of enjoying my 2nd ammendment rights

[lazs2]

The same time I was shooting bottles thrown into the water... guys with pickups were shovling trash into it.   people just dumped stuff everywhere... real "conscious" folk would try to find a little ravine to dump their waste into.   Times have changed.

I am gald that restrictions on handguns have eased in your country cpxx... Handguns are a lot more fun and challenging for most folks to shoot.

As for NYC... cities have a right to restrict things in their city limits.  If you want to shoot move.   There is not enough money to get me to live in NYC.  I enjoyed my visit but was glad to leave.

A revolver is a great handgun for newbies and vets.   I would suggest a good quality .357 or 44 mag.   You can reload the ammo cheaply and it is hard to match the accuracy and power of these revolvers with a semi auto.

lazs