Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: -tronski- on May 15, 2005, 12:21:44 AM
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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
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Sounds like you had a good time.
Gun people=Friendly people in just about everyone I have met.
You and your wife going to buy one?
Nothing is nicer then having your women be a shooter too.
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Sounds like you had a great time Tronsky. First time shooting? Man I remember one time we took some Japanese exchange students to the range, and they hadn't ever fired a gun. One of them fired the .58 Zouave rifle (black powder) and he almost dropped it after it went off. Everyone started laughing, even the other guys there who were before making snide remarks. Rednecks and couple biker looking guys who had a Tommy gun with them.
That broke the ice from then on and we all got along fine. We shot my Bulldog revolver and one of the Japanese guys loved it so much he bought another box of ammo at $20 to shoot it some more. I helped him shoot bullseyes at 25 yards and he couldn't get enough of it.
Thing about it is, where I'm from you grow up shooting, but those guys went for that like it was the most fun thev've ever had. And I gotta admit it was fun for me too seeing how enthusiastic they were.
Les
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Sounds like the first time I went shooting.
Fun,isn't it?
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Originally posted by GtoRA2
Sounds like you had a good time.
Gun people=Friendly people in just about everyone I have met.
You and your wife going to buy one?
Nothing is nicer then having your women be a shooter too.
They were all really nice, and very very informative and eager to answer even the most simple question.
I think we're going to see how things go before we consider actually purchasing a firearm. One of the requirements for owning a pistol would be difficult for us right now (dyno-bolting a gun-safe to the floor in our apartment could be interesting), but we both really understood how much better it would be to actually own your own. But if we decide to go that far - we have a few options we can go.
Originally posted by Leslie
Sounds like you had a great time Tronsky. First time shooting? Man I remember one time we took some Japanese exchange students to the range, and they hadn't ever fired a gun. One of them fired the .58 Zouave rifle (black powder) and he almost dropped it after it went off. Everyone started laughing, even the other guys there who were before making snide remarks. Rednecks and couple biker looking guys who had a Tommy gun with them.
That broke the ice from then on and we all got along fine. We shot my Bulldog revolver and one of the Japanese guys loved it so much he bought another box of ammo at $20 to shoot it some more. I helped him shoot bullseyes at 25 yards and he couldn't get enough of it.
Thing about it is, where I'm from you grow up shooting, but those guys went for that like it was the most fun thev've ever had. And I gotta admit it was fun for me too seeing how enthusiastic they were.
Les
I've shot rifles before, and when I was in the airforce SLR's, but it's been such a very long time since. We have shotguns at work, but I've never needed to use them - so I guess it felt like almost like my first time ever. But the pistols were so much more interesting - and after we tried it, it was all I wanted to do.
There were so many different "types" of people there, but no one you'd ever look twice at if you understand what I mean.
My wife met another female first timer there and they really hit it off. When we met her on the safe line she'd already been up 4 times!...She was really keen to try the revolvers (with full loads?) and almost talked my wife into trying it with her.
Originally posted by Sox62
Sounds like the first time I went shooting.
Fun,isn't it?
lol, in-between the washing - she's popping her head in and talking about it still :)
Tronsky
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Never been a member of a gun club, but I've always had a good time with friends when shooting. Whether it was target, skeet or hunting. It's about as close as adults can get to being a little kid again and just having fun.
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One time we floated a bathtub down a small creek and tried to sink it with gunfire. Of course there were only two of us but we sank that bathtub with about 200 shots during a 200 yard travel. We figured about one shot per yard at about 10 ft/min. Some .22 but mainly buckshot, blackpowder and pistol shooting also. Now that was fun.:D
Les
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Tronski,
Are the gun laws there the similar to NZ? Require Firearms licence and different classes A,B,C, restrictions on semi autos,mag capacities for Class A holders.etc. Others classes next to impossible to obtain. etc.
By the way where abouts are you in Aus? I got a new job and moving to Sydney in 5 weeks.
...-Gixer
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Sydney :)
It's not impossible, it's just hard enough to make it so you really do want it to go through with it before you start.
From what I understand...
Depending on the type (class of gun) of license you want - you have to provide a "genuine reason" to have a license (depending on class). Being a member of a club provides you a target, or hunters reason, if your a farmer...for work a letter from your employer is another. You can join a specific club, or just the Australian shooters association. I think there is a requirement that you have to attend a safety course, and submit that safety certificate with your application.
For pistols if it's accepted your on probation for 12 months, and you can only purchase 2 firearms after 6 months of that probation. After the 12 months period is when you can purchase as many as you like.
To purchase a firearm you have to submit an intention to buy with a specific type of firearm mentioned. After this permit is given I think you have 6 weeks to purchase the weapon(s). You have to have a specific type of gun-safe, which can be inspected at any time by the police to store your weapons.
There are special licensing requirements for pistols...I just don't know them yet :)
Tronsky
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Originally posted by Leslie
One time we floated a bathtub down a small creek and tried to sink it with gunfire. Of course there were only two of us but we sank that bathtub with about 200 shots during a 200 yard travel. We figured about one shot per yard at about 10 ft/min. Some .22 but mainly buckshot, blackpowder and pistol shooting also. Now that was fun.:D
Les
God I love the south. Only in the south could you be walking in the woods and come across two dudes trying to sink a bathtub in the river, by shooting at it. Lol.
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No this was a small creek and no shot was made from over 30' away. It was a plastic tub liner and almost impossible to sink. We had to put ballast in it beforehand.:)
But hell yeah we would plink beer bottles (found on site) by throwing em hard as we could out in the Eskatapa River. We didn't drink while doing this, but there were plenty beer bottles laying around at the river bank. That was .22 rifle plinking though. Some of those shots were at around 100 yards. The mission was to not let the bottles pass.:D
But that was shooting back in the old days. Can't do that anymore. It is too crowded and not safe and makes people nervous. But we had fun while it lasted.
Les
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100 yards? wow
I remember trying to hit a beer bottle with a with a 22 that had a telescopic sight from about 100 yards, and that thing was swaying madly in the sight (well it was my hand moving from side to side).
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well... I am glad that you had a good time and that you are able to afford to purchase a pistol and able to meet all the requirements to own one.
I do feel soory for those who have been denied through one of the processes and... it sounds like they got you with the "bolted down safe" rule. that is the gun grabbers goal... make it so difficult that it just isn't worth it.
My safe is behind me. it is not required but I have it anyway.. it has proven to have more uses than guns tho and seems a good investment.
In the safe are a dozen or so handguns of different types and calibers... several high capacity carbines and riot shotguns and WWII rifles.
I probly have 500 or more rounds for every gun and I have a room in the house I use just to reload ammo.. I shot about 400 rounds of 44 mag and 45 auto rounds and 50 or so makarov rounds in my brothers back yard Friday.
I do not want to be restricted in my gun ownership any more than I allready am.
I have never taken anyone shooting who did not enjoy him/herself and at least think of getting a firearm for themselves.
Any government that makes it difficult/expensive for new people to enjoy and own firearms or use them is not to be trusted. They don't trust you why should you trust them?
lazs
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Originally posted by spitfiremkv
(well it was my hand moving from side to side).
Sure. :)
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Originally posted by Jackal1
Sure. :)
if you're implying anything about masturbation, then your genitals must be really weird looking.
and no please don't send any pics..
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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
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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
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Did you try any revolvers?
lazs
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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.
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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
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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
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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?
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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.
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Is this (http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/nypd/html/dclm/ldinfo.html) 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 :aok :mad:
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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