Is there a place On Long Island that lets you try before you buy

D

dianec

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I have a pistol license (woman) and would like to purchase my first pistol. I have tried some of my friends guns but still have not found the gun for me. But, I am ready to buy one of my own. Does anybody know if such a store exists. I do not mind if this gun/pistol is new or used.
Thanks I am sure that this sounds lame but this is a big step for me and I want to make sure that the gun I get is right for me. How does everybody else choose their guns?
Thanks and looking forward to your help.
diane:o
 
There probably aren't many places that will let you try a gun before you buy one.
There are shooting ranges that rent a variety of guns. So you can try the type of gun you want to buy. There are some shooting ranges that will sell you the guns they rent.

Google long island NY shooting ranges and you'll get plenty of hits.

You might consider holding off on buying a gun till you've taken some basic handgun courses. You also might consider buying a .22 caliber handgun before you buy a more powerful centerfire.
 
I chose mine by renting as many as possible before buying. Even then, you'll probably move on to something else later.

If you can't rent any locally, you may want to ask on here if anyone is heading to the range (if there are any) and pay for ammo/range fee in return for trying out what they have.

Also check out corneredcat.com for more info.

If all else fails, head to the gun store and handle just about everything they have and talk with the counterperson about the operation of each one.
 
Appreciation

:)Wow, I really appreciate all of your comments. That would be great if I can rent a pistol. I will have to look into that.
 
Like everyone else said, renting is the way to go. Keep in mind you will most likely have to purchase over priced range ammo to use in rental guns. Atleast thats been the case at every range I have been to. I'm not at all trying to discourage you, instead giving a heads up so there no sticker shock. That can really mess with your aim.
 
Try the LI Shooting Center. They're in Islip, in South-western Suffolk County. {1.631.665.7011}. I don't know if they rent guns, or not, but their 50' indoor range is right alongside their store. Maybe you can work out a deal after you've narrowed your choices down to one or two guns. Obviously, they won't let you try out a new gun, but just maybe a used gun wouldn't be a problem.

Second, try out the West side gun club (or shooting club) in lower Manhattan. (You'll need to google it). They offer a choice of rental guns.

Have you got any ideas what you'd like to look at?
 
renting

Diane: I wish you luck in finding a place to rent. I have heard of only two and I live in NY - on Long Island all my life. NYS gun laws are so restrictive that rentals are not readily available.
Try this: http://www.lisc.net/p332.htm (LI Shooting Center) I have read that they rent guns. Try also the Executive Shooting Center in Medford.
And this for info: http://www.longislandfirearms.com/forum/m-1243034646/
Also, I am in charge of a private range in Brooklyn, NY - at Metropolitan Rod and Gun Club. PM me if that interests you at all. http://www.metrorgc.org/
Good Luck.
Pete
 
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Diane, the suggestions above are good, hopefully you'll find some good places that let you handle different pistols and rent range time with ones you like. Definitely fire a 22lr as suggested above since it's cheap, accurate and not intimidating. Excellent and fun way to learn to shoot. Of course it's not a good choice for self defense due to the small caliber.

Out of curiosity, what handguns have you tried and did not like? Model and caliber? We might be able to make recommendations based on what you've tried so far.
 
Look in the phone book for the local sportsmen club(s). Call and ask what night they have pistol shooting. Show up and ask to shoot a couple guns. Ill bet they will welcoime you with open arms. Several of us let 'visitors' shoot whatever they want.

You would have to have a safety briefing and someone looking over your shoulder but??

If you have an old gun in the sock drawer do the same thing. Take the gun and ammo with you. Someone will show you how to clean and shoot the gun.

If you belong to a club offer the clean/shoot service to the community and you will get good publicity and probably some new members from it.
 
I have to get in touch with the people that let me shoot their pistols and ask them exactly what models I tried so that I can tell you guys. I am so excited with the help that everybody has offered me - it makes me feel like I am not trying to figure this out on my own.
Thanks again
diane:D
 
Hey Diane,

Have you checked out www.longislandfirearms.com ??

Check it out and introduce yourself. There are several clubs and club members who will allow you to try out their gun. A great group of knowledge over there.

Where do you hail from? I'm on the Island by Babylon.
 
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