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This may seem like a silly question to some of the old-timers here, but does anyone know where I can rent a revolver in Austin? I'm taking the June 13-17 class, so I have to track one down for the qualifications. As strange as this might be to some people, I've actually only shot a revolver once in my life. I'm young enough to have always shot Glocks, and whatever else my friends have. My initial plan was just to borrow one from a friend, but I've been somewhat stunned to discover that none of them own one. After going through twenty people, I've found willing 1911s, Berrettas, XDs, M&Ps and more Keltecs and Glocks than I can count, but not a single revolver. Is there any store in Austin that will rent me a .38 for the day? I suppose I could just use this as an excuse to buy a .357 and qualify with .38, but the last time I asked a question on here I realized I needed a .22 so I'm trying to avoid the "ask a question, buy a gun" trap.

Red's or Eagle Peak will rent one to use on their range, but I don't know anyone who will rent a gun "by the day" to be taken off premises.

I'm sure some poor stick up men, who can't even afford a decent Jennings/Lorcin .25 auto would love to find a gun rental store though

croc870 wrote: so I'm trying to avoid the "ask a question, buy a gun" trap.

That's NOT a trap -- It's a FEATURE!!

There's about a million scenarios that would explain why a place would never rent you a gun to take off their premises, and I won't insult your intelligence by explaining them. My suggestion is to talk to your instructor. Most instructors, myself included, will allow you to use one of their guns for your class, but still not keep it in your possession after the class. So, contact the instructor first and explain the situation (and hope they don't give you a snubby )

If you were in the June 1-4 class I would let you shoot my 686. Put a shout out to others taking the class you are taking and ask if anyone will let you shoot their revolver.

Oh I agree about the million reasons (and I can't help but crack up at the mental image of some sad sack going to the rental store: "So I need to knock up the liquor store, what do you have on the two hour special"). I was hoping there was some little loophole however, or some small store that practiced this sort of arrangement. I don't see a thread for the June class, so I think I'm going to start one.

If you have the dough, go ahead and buy one. I bought my Ruger SP101 used for around $170. I've used it for the last 6 years at renewal time. And before that I used my Taurus Model 85CH. You will be using it in the future at Instructor renewal time.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Papacub wrote:If you have the dough, go ahead and buy one. I bought my Ruger SP101 used for around $170. I've used it for the last 6 years at renewal time. And before that I used my Taurus Model 85CH. You will be using it in the future at Instructor renewal time.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Papacub, I've heard differing viewpoints on using a 5-shot revolver for the instructor qualifying. Something about a 5-shot gun messing up the loading rotation, so the DPS instructors prefer everyone have a 6-shot? But sounds like you'd done it multiple times with 5-shot guns.

I have a S&W J-frame that I can easily qualify with. But a friend has agreed to loan me his 686 stainless if I need it.

Yes, the six shot revolver is the way to go. But at the time the 5-shot was all I had, so DPS put up with me! They were very accommodating, but they would prefer to have it their way, if you know what I mean. When I was shooting the Taurus, it was at the old range next to headquarters and we had to shoot paired off with another person because there were not enough shooting lanes. Now, out in Florence they have enough lanes to have 60 at a time shooting. So they like to get through as fast as possible.

Are they still doing the SA/NSA (semi-auto / non-semi-auto) designations on licenses?

If so, I'd highly recommend borrowing a semi-auto for the class, even if you plan to carry a revolver. If you qualify on a revolver, that's all you're licensed to carry. If you qualify on a semi-auto, you can carry either. Might as well get a "full" license so that you can change your mind later on and carry any handgun you want.

fickman wrote:Are they still doing the SA/NSA (semi-auto / non-semi-auto) designations on licenses?

If so, I'd highly recommend borrowing a semi-auto for the class, even if you plan to carry a revolver. If you qualify on a revolver, that's all you're licensed to carry. If you qualify on a semi-auto, you can carry either. Might as well get a "full" license so that you can change your mind later on and carry any handgun you want.

This is for the instructors class -- instructors have to qualify with BOTH semi-auto and revolver.

Ahhh.

I'll return quietly to the peanut gallery.