Advise a complete noob please

[swiven]

I’m a gun noob. I didn’t grow up with guns, and so don’t have any inherent knowledge about them that gun people seem to take for granted.

I traded shamelessly on the goodwill of a couple of acquaintances, went to the range a couple of times, learned which end to point at the target, and qualified for my CHL.

I figured it would be easy enough to read some books and figure out what to do for training next. Like I said, I’m a noob.

After thousands of pages of books on guns, and reading through at least 10 googled gun forums, I’m not any closer on knowing where to start. Except that you’re supposed to ask your friends for advice on good classes. The aforesaid acquaintances have not been able to help me with this.

Since this is the only forum I’ve read so far that I understand 90% of the posts made, I thought I’d beg for help here.

So, here’s the deal:
I need help with range etiquette and gun maintenance, in addition to actual shooting technique.
I am broke – I have about $50 a month to spend on everything gun, including ammo, range fees, and classes.
I have a library card, so books/magazines/DvDs are basically free.
I live in Dallas.

Any suggestions?

[Wildscar]

So, here’s the deal:
I need help with range etiquette and gun maintenance, in addition to actual shooting technique.

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... php?t=1801
Read this post over and over. Never forget it.

I am broke – I have about $50 a month to spend on everything gun, including ammo, range fees, and classes.

That will get you about 100rds of ammo and a range fee and targets(If you have access to a printer you can print some out or get a permanent marker and make your own out of card board.) about once a month. Roughly since I dont know what you are shooting.

I have a library card, so books/magazines/DvDs are basically free.

Read all you can. You can never have too much knowledge.

I live in Dallas.

This is a good area cause there are lots of ranges around so you wont have to burn up a lot of gas going to and from the range.

[Mithras61]

I need help with range etiquette

Follow the posted rules and any instructions given by range personnel, especially the range officer. Never ever, ever point your weapon at anything you don't intend (and aren't willing) to destroy. Don't shoot anyone's target except your own. Keep you finger off the trigger until you plan to shoot (e.g - sights are on target). Always feel free to ask questions of your neighbors at the range (you'd be surprised how many of 'em will help you out!).

and gun maintenance,

Maintenance is a variable thing, as far as I can tell. I always clean mine as soon as possible after shooting, even if it was only a few rounds (like THAT ever happens... a "few" is usually a few BOXES according to my wife). Other than that, I wipe it down after each wearing and make sure it's clean and dry before I put it away at night. Some folks don't clean as often as me.

in addition to actual shooting technique.

Again, if you want help, folks at the range with good technique will most likely be willing to give you pointers. I like a two-handed grip that allows me to put pressure on both the front & back of the grip (push with right & pull with left hand... but I'm a right-handed shooter). Some people recommend that you practice separately with each hand (how else will you get good enough to still be in the fight if your strong side hand is out of order?).

I am broke – I have about $50 a month to spend on everything gun, including ammo, range fees, and classes.

Sorry, I can't help you there, as I'm in the north Houston area. If you know someone with some acreage, you may be able to cultivate a friendship that includes some shooting time. That will help cut down on range fees...

I have a library card, so books/magazines/DvDs are basically free.
I live in Dallas.

Reading is good. For mindset, you might want to check out "Ride Hard, Shoot Straight & Tell the Truth" by Jeff Cooper and most anything else as well. Massad Ayoob is also good for lots of info.

You might think about a practice gun that is something like an airsoft bb gun for drawing and target acquisition. Get one that's the same style as your carry gun. That way if you do "AD" with it, you won't do significant damage.

Check out some of the videos on gun handling like the IDPA match posts on YouTube.com similar sites. Practice what you see. You might also want to drop in on some IDPA matches. You may not be able to compete in them because of cost, but you can still pick up some good pointers and visit with like-minded folks who will undoubtedly be willing to help you ought with knowledge.

[BobCat]

Wildscar is right about that post - it is worth reading and re-reading.

I will diffidently suggest that a .22 pistol is the best teacher you can have. Ammuntion is relatively inexpensive, there is no significant recoil or muzzle blast to distract you and make you flinch, and there are many .22 pistols around from which to choose.

Jeff Cooper's "commentaries" are on the web - not a bad place to start. Search for and download "Kill or Get Killed" - it is a book (very long and substantial) by a guy named Rex Applegate (WWII trainer and arms instructor) that is on the web as a .pdf a couple places.

If you can find a book called Hatcher's Notebook, it is a treasure. Maybe not what you want for learning to shoot a pistol, but certainly for obtaining the "gun" background you refer to.

Other members here will have more suggestions, but think about the .22 - maybe a Ruger, Browning Buckmark - there are lots of good makes.

Have fun! Shoot well.

[RPBrown]

I would be happy to help you out. As I'm in the A/C business, time is getting limited. I'm trying to get to the range Sunday afternoon. PM me if you would like to shoot a couple of mine to get a feel for something you may like.

As stated in previous posts, read the link given many times prior to going though.

And welcome to the forum

[para driver]

You can always attend a local IPDA or IPSC match and just watch for free. There will be lots of good shooters, and a few new guys as well.

Remember that so called 'experts', rarely are what they proclaim to be.

[Venus Pax]

As far as cost, I sympathize. I know it gets expensive. Even once you have the gun and it's paid, the ammo is high. I agree with others--if you can save enough to get a practice .22, do it. .22 ammo is about $10 for 250-500 rounds. You can practice sight picture, drawing, changing magazines, and a lot of other stuff while at the range if the ammo isn't killing you.

The library is an excellent source. I checked out a lot of material while waiting on my CHL to arrive. If my own library didn't have it, I asked the librarians. They would usually find books for me at other libraries. This is all paid for with your tax dollars. You're wise to use it.

As far as training, consider meeting up with some of the forum members in Dallas. (Someone here has already offered!)

If you can make it to Houston in September, a forum day is held at Pearland Sportsman's Club (PSC) in Friendswood. There will be a lot of free training there. I know gas is high, but a forum member from Dallas may be able to split the gas with you. Go shooting with a few people that offer and see if you would feel comfortable riding with them (and they, with you).

What caliber are you shooting?
We often post on the board if we run across good deals on ammo.

[para driver]

some guns are available with .22 conversion kits from companies like Ciener and Kimber..

[swiven]

Guess I should have said that I own a Glocks in the 19, 26, and 22 models. Do you think it's worth it to get a .22 as well?

Thanks everyone for the advice. I really appreciate the advice on reading material. I know so little about firearms that I have no way of sorting the good stuff from the complete dreck, so every recommendation helps, even if it's just a basic book that you assume everyone has heard of – because I probably haven't.

[seamusTX]

Do you think it's worth it to get a .22 as well?

I shoot a .22 revolver several times a week, about 10 times more than centerfire pistols. I think the basics of aiming and safe handling carry over. Some people disagree vehemently. You just have to find out for yourself.

- Jim

[The Marshal]

Swiven,

You can join me at the Garland Public Range, and we can shoot .22s, .45s, and Rifles. I'll spot you some of the larger ammo.

I'll be happy to help you learn what I know of shooting, cleaning, etiquette (also known as Common Sense, which isnt! )

That will get you your "field time" portion of your learning.

Obviously learning Gun Safety is the first priority.

Shoot me a PM if interested.

~Bill

[longtooth]

swiven,
Take Marshall up on this offer.
He is a great guy to know & much knowledge & maturity for his youthful age. You will learn a lot, fast.