Trial Weapons in Colorado...

B

blincoln

New member
I have posted several threads in the forums asking peoples opinions on a variety of topics on CCW from weapon preferences to thoughts on specific models, specific caliber, and even holster options... The one common thought or advice I always seem to take away it try different guns out for comfort and feel.

However, at $500ish average a pop and all-sales-final rules, trying out guns for comfort seems to be financially irresponsible...

My question is, does anyone know of a range, club, or dealer that has trial weapons available for some of the more popular brands and/or models? In Colorado if they exist would be ideal, though a trip to Wyoming isn't out of the question...

If not, does anyone have a recommendation or suggestion on how to try different weapons?

Thanks in advance!


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Most commercial shooting ranges rent guns. The one where I shoot does. Not the widest selection in the world, but it's a small range.

Ask around.
 
another thing you can do is go to the ranges, and just be friendly. Lots of shooters will offer to let you have a few rounds (especially if you have your own ammo) out of their guns after they get to know you a bit.

If you find someone shooting a gun you have an interest in, talk to them. Ask them what they like, and don't like about it. Discuss things. Many folks are glad to help you shape an opinion, some, too much so!:D

Just don't be a jerk. If they first words out of your mouth are "can I try that?", I'm not going to be very willing. Like anything else, being polite goes a long way.

You might also search the web for "gun rentals", or something like that.
 
Find a range that has competition. Teams if possible. Join up, make friends, and you'll get lots of offers to shoot this or that gun.
 
I'm always surprised at what I find for rent at the range.

I expect to find a few Glocks, S&W revolvers of different calibers, and some 1911s.

It would make sense to only rent guns that you have in stock and can sell, but I've found it doesn't seem to work that way. In one shop I saw they had two BHPs, (no new ones under glass - no BHPs at all besides the rentals which were not for sale). In another shop I saw S&W 5904 & 5906 pistols.

I always look at the rental section now just to see what neat stuff they have.
 
In the Denver area ...

The Firing Line in Aurora
The Shootist in Littleton (?)
Family Shooting Center at Cherry Creek State Park all have rentals available.

Firing Line of the three has the best selection in my experience...

Good luck

David
 
Just a thought about the being friendly and meeting people idea:

I am normally happy to let a person try one of my guns, assuming he hasn't struck me as a being a jerk. That said, if you would like to put more than a few rounds through my gun, it's good form for you to offer to buy some ammo. I might or might not take you up on it, but the offer is always appreciated.

My guess is that others might feel the same way.

Also, DO NOT slam a cylinder shut or do any of the other stupid Hollywood tricks to somebody else's gun. Odds are that if it's something you've seen on TV or in a movie, it's not good handling. If you are at all uncertain about the weapon's operation, ask the owner; don't guess.
 
Bluecore in littleton has by far the best selection of range rental weapons. Plus it's only 20 bucks and you can keep swapping them out over and over without paying a new rental fee each time.

Be aware I think bluecore, as well as most ranges, will not rent to you if you go alone. You will either need to bring a weapon or person with you to rent. Call to confirm if you want to shoot solo with a rental gun.
 
Be aware I think bluecore, as well as most ranges, will not rent to you if you go alone. You will either need to bring a weapon or person with you to rent. Call to confirm if you want to shoot solo with a rental gun.
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Odd. Is that a suicide prevention thing?
 
This may sound trite, . . . but it has been my 40+ years experience that I will 99% the time find out if I like a gun just by picking it up, . . . making a few "down range sight pictures" with it.

I have been surprized a couple of times (Browning HP was one) but for the most part, . . . if I liked it just holding it, . . . I liked it when I shot it.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
This may sound trite, . . . but it has been my 40+ years experience that I will 99% the time find out if I like a gun just by picking it up, . . . making a few "down range sight pictures" with it
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I would normally agree, but given that I am interested in a smaller CCW weapon at a "larger" calibre (9, 40, 45)... I think that shooting would be of benefit to asses accuracy and the "popiness" of the weapon.

All in all convincing my wife to buy a gun was a challenge. Now I am trying to get a 2nd... Getting a 3rd because I end up not liking the 2nd is probably out of the question...
 
Getting a 3rd because I end up not liking the 2nd is probably out of the question...
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It's like we are from different planets!

I find a good deal on a gun online. I buy it, I send the MO, I get my FFL to send a copy to the seller. LONG before the gun actually arrives at my dealer's shop, I'm seriously considering another purchase.

When the dealer sends me an email to say there is a gun there for me to pick up, I'm always a little curious what it will be.... sometimes I've already forgotten in the drive to get something else!

Gregg
 
Don't forget to try older guns too. They do not have to be new, and if money could be a problem, you may be able to save some.

Try a CZ 82 (9X18) or a CZ 83 380 (AKA 9X17). you should be able to find a CZ 82 for under $250, with holster, in good shape. I did, it is really very nice. Shoots good too. Surplus ammo for practice, nice American made hollowpoints for SD carry.

Great compliment to my full size CZ 85 9mm. (9X19)
 
Ichiban, sadly, yes - it's a suicide prevention thing.

Or, possibly, it's a suicide liability prevention thing. "He had his own handgun, and could just as easily have used that."

There were a rash of suicides (including a murder-suicide) at Orlando area ranges in the last year. A friend's shop had a suicide in the Atlanta area not that long ago. Back when I lived in the Seattle area, local ranges had the same policy, again due to at least one suicide with a range rental gun.

I've always felt that most suicides were selfish - they devastate the surviving friends and relatives. This is just one more side-effect.
 
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