new guy needs some help...

S

scyman

New member
i'm totally new to firearms (only been to the range twice) and need some help. i recently purchased my first gun, a sig 2340 in .357 sig. i haven't had an opportunity to take it to the range yet, and need some advice

1. what kinds of cleaning equipment do i need to buy now for my gun, and where are the cheapest places i can order this stuff from (seems i can find better deals on the net)?

2. although i've been to the range, i didn't do too well and was pretty much winging it, so can anyone refer a good book that teaches the right ways to stand/shoot/aim ?

3. what types of ammo (.357 sig) should i use? the gun is mainly for going to the range and having fun, so i just need to find some good, cheap practice ammo. any good web sites y'all know of that offer good prices on good products? i heard that using remanufactured ammo isn't always safe, so i'd like to stay with new ammo..but then again, what do i know.

thanks everyone
 
I'll give you some advice! (Just remember what you paid for it!)

First, you can't learn shooting from a book. It's just too complicated. You need to get good instruction from a qualified intructor. How do you do this? Look in the phone book for indoor gun ranges. Most will offer individual instruction. It will cost you, but you'll learn much more than if you just sqeeze the trigger all alone. If the local ranges don't offer instruction, you can start to shoot in competitions. Don't worry if you aren't very good. Most shooters are more than willing to help beginners. If you are interested in self defensive shooting, look for a local IDPA club. Or you can go to the NRA website for ranges that offer NRA certified instruction - http://www.nrahq.org/safety/ .

Or, you can take a class from a firearms training company. There are some GREAT places that teach shooting. Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, Frontsite, FAS, and a bunch more. If there aren't any around you, there is another alternative. There are world class instructors that tour the country and give classes. Some names are Randy Cain, Jim Crews, Louis Owerback, and many more. (sorry about any misspelling) If you go this route, expect to pay from $350 and up. Many are three day courses that are usually offered on a Fri, Sat, Sun.

If you post where you live, I'm sure someone can point you in the right direction. It will cost you money, but it will be money WELL SPENT.

Second answer, where to get cleaning supplies. I suggest going to gun shows. You will be able to see/feel/touch what you buy. And many of the gun show dealers will be happy to give you a five minute explaination. You will also "get in the loop" about different guns and accessories. I hate to break the news to you, but if you really enjoy shooting, you'll be getting more guns - this stuff is really addictive. ;) And Many ranges set up tables to let people know about their services.

I hope this gives you a place to start!
Gino
 
Don't know how much help this will be. For cleaning the pistol you should get some patches, something like Hoppes solvent, and a cleaning rod long enough for the barrel. Some rags would also be a good idea. You'll probably need a copper brush attachment if you are shooting lead bullets.

The best way to clean the barrel is to run the patches through the chamber, of course after you've dissassembled the pistol. Usually people avoid cleaning from the muzzle as they don't want to accidentally mar the crown which could effect accuracy.

You should also get a decent gun oil, I've heard good things about mobile synthetic,to put a light coat on working parts after cleaning.
 
scyman If you can't find training in your area or if money is tight you can do several things to help.Go to the IDPA web site and try to find a range in your area,find out when the matches are and attend one,talk to the match director and he probably can recomend someone to help you,also get a Wilson Combat catalog toward the back they have several training videos done by Ken Hackathorn and Bill Wilson these are excellet quality videos.They start out with Basic Self Defense Handgun use and Safety then progress to the Advanced Self Defense Shooting,I have these and they are very helpful.Hope this helps Good Luck. BILLG
 
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