SigP6Carry
New member
as far as "NRA" courses go, just call all the stores around you and ask about courses they have to offer.
What else does a newbie need?
- Thread starter GreySmoke
- Start date
Willie Lowman
New member
From what everyone has already said, I can only add...
Trigger time. Follow the rules of handgun safety and have fun.
Trigger time. Follow the rules of handgun safety and have fun.
Where to find ammo....
If Wally World is out, try gun stores. They almost always have something, but it could be expensive.
Do your local laws allow you to have ammo shipped to you? If so, cheapest way to buy ammo is usually online, and in bulk. $100 or $200 will buy you a lot of ammo online. Places to shop:
MidwayUSA
Graf & Sons
Wideners
If Wally World is out, try gun stores. They almost always have something, but it could be expensive.
Do your local laws allow you to have ammo shipped to you? If so, cheapest way to buy ammo is usually online, and in bulk. $100 or $200 will buy you a lot of ammo online. Places to shop:
MidwayUSA
Graf & Sons
Wideners
Pietro Beretta
New member
When I first started shooting handguns: 4 years ago now (The day I turned 21 to be exact) I started out with just some basic Silenco ear muffs.
I soon found out that shooting indoors is very loud, at first I found myself flinching as I walked into the range and other people were shooting.
I recommend you combine a "regular" set of ear muffs, along with the ear plugs that you squish between your fingers and insert them in the ear canal. (I now use Peltor TacSport Muffs still with the ear plugs and the volume turned all the way up on the Peltors.)
Some people like to get really nice shooting glasses, example oakley makes a cool set of glasses; however at a hundred dollars a pair for glasses that your going to scratch (and you will scratch them) I would opt for a pair of Cabela's brand Shooting Glasses, or Peltor shooting glasses. (Anything that meets ANSI Z87.1)
As for a range bag, I used any bag that could contain my gear, I have went through several as the stitching of most bags seems a little meager for all the weight I tug along. I now use the Uncle Mike's Deluxe Range Bag and its holding up so far. I have a regular fishing tackle box for my tools (screw drivers, punch set, pliers) and accessories like snap caps, cleaning solvents and all the little nick knacks.
I recommend the Otis Tactical Cleaning Kit, I know you only have 1 .45 but I really like this kit as it included several brushes for different calibers and is a great alternative to the old rod cleaning kits. I also like to use Hoppes No.9 solvent and Hoppes Dri Lube.
Ammunition is still the cheapest at Wal-Mart. Usually Winchester White Box (WWB) Value Packs are the best deal. Right now the pickings are a little meager and local shops tend to charge you way to much. There are some good deals to be had online. Places like:
Ammoman.com
sportsmansguide.com
ammunitiontogo.com/
ableammo.com
OR You can go to: http://gun-deals.com/ammo to find user submitted data of the most current ammunition offerings with price.
budsgunshop.com has great prices on handguns and accessories.
If your looking into hollow point home defense ammunition, it costs a lot more: and you should fire a few hundred rounds just to make sure its reliable in your handgun. I know sometimes this is cost prohibitive since hi grade ammunition cost a hell of a lot more than range practice ammunition; still you always need to make sure that the ammunition you are using is reliable in your gun.
Its for you to decide how many magazines you want to buy. Some people have a hell of a lot because they only like to reload once.
In my case I have 5 for my HK, 2 for my 1911, and 4 speed loaders for my revolver. I suggest factory magazines, just purchase as many as your willing to afford, as they can be expensive. Its going to be rare in a self defense situation that your going to need more than 2 magazines.
You can have all the "gear" in the world, however if you dont practice its not going to mean squat.
Practice, Practice, Practice, then Practice some more, then after that, practice, Practice, practice, then more practice, then more practice and keep going and going and going
I know traditional training is the best: but there are some great videos on youtube. Here is one of them:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v-mxvnFLfc
So what it comes down to:
Basic Handgun Safety & Knowledge
Bore Brush, Brass Jag .45, Solvent, Lube, Patches: To clean your firearm
Hearing Protection: Since your shooting indoors I suggest Muffs combined with ear plugs
Eye Protection: Anything that meets: ANSI Z87.1
Ammunition: (I never trust someone elses reloads: sorry fellas)
Range Time: LOTS OF RANGE TIME!!!!!
I soon found out that shooting indoors is very loud, at first I found myself flinching as I walked into the range and other people were shooting.
I recommend you combine a "regular" set of ear muffs, along with the ear plugs that you squish between your fingers and insert them in the ear canal. (I now use Peltor TacSport Muffs still with the ear plugs and the volume turned all the way up on the Peltors.)
Some people like to get really nice shooting glasses, example oakley makes a cool set of glasses; however at a hundred dollars a pair for glasses that your going to scratch (and you will scratch them) I would opt for a pair of Cabela's brand Shooting Glasses, or Peltor shooting glasses. (Anything that meets ANSI Z87.1)
As for a range bag, I used any bag that could contain my gear, I have went through several as the stitching of most bags seems a little meager for all the weight I tug along. I now use the Uncle Mike's Deluxe Range Bag and its holding up so far. I have a regular fishing tackle box for my tools (screw drivers, punch set, pliers) and accessories like snap caps, cleaning solvents and all the little nick knacks.
I recommend the Otis Tactical Cleaning Kit, I know you only have 1 .45 but I really like this kit as it included several brushes for different calibers and is a great alternative to the old rod cleaning kits. I also like to use Hoppes No.9 solvent and Hoppes Dri Lube.
Ammunition is still the cheapest at Wal-Mart. Usually Winchester White Box (WWB) Value Packs are the best deal. Right now the pickings are a little meager and local shops tend to charge you way to much. There are some good deals to be had online. Places like:
Ammoman.com
sportsmansguide.com
ammunitiontogo.com/
ableammo.com
OR You can go to: http://gun-deals.com/ammo to find user submitted data of the most current ammunition offerings with price.
budsgunshop.com has great prices on handguns and accessories.
If your looking into hollow point home defense ammunition, it costs a lot more: and you should fire a few hundred rounds just to make sure its reliable in your handgun. I know sometimes this is cost prohibitive since hi grade ammunition cost a hell of a lot more than range practice ammunition; still you always need to make sure that the ammunition you are using is reliable in your gun.
Its for you to decide how many magazines you want to buy. Some people have a hell of a lot because they only like to reload once.
In my case I have 5 for my HK, 2 for my 1911, and 4 speed loaders for my revolver. I suggest factory magazines, just purchase as many as your willing to afford, as they can be expensive. Its going to be rare in a self defense situation that your going to need more than 2 magazines.
You can have all the "gear" in the world, however if you dont practice its not going to mean squat.
Practice, Practice, Practice, then Practice some more, then after that, practice, Practice, practice, then more practice, then more practice and keep going and going and going
I know traditional training is the best: but there are some great videos on youtube. Here is one of them:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v-mxvnFLfc
So what it comes down to:
Basic Handgun Safety & Knowledge
Bore Brush, Brass Jag .45, Solvent, Lube, Patches: To clean your firearm
Hearing Protection: Since your shooting indoors I suggest Muffs combined with ear plugs
Eye Protection: Anything that meets: ANSI Z87.1
Ammunition: (I never trust someone elses reloads: sorry fellas)
Range Time: LOTS OF RANGE TIME!!!!!
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Part of what you need is a willingness to experiment and work at it and document what you're doing at the range.
Example: one issue is that you may run into a bad magazine once in a while. If you know your gun is "jamming sometimes" but you haven't tracked it down to either a particular load (or bullet type) that the gun doesn't like, or a bad magazine, then you're going to think the gun is bad when it isn't.
You need to take a scientific approach.
Another issue is sights. I wrote about that here:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292194
It's towards the bottom, and continues some the next page.
It's mainly about fixed sights but the principles are the same if your gun has adjustable sights. Basically, this is about dialing the gun in for your eyes, your hold and your preferred ammo. Actually "preferred weight class" of ammo - all rounds of a given weight, given gun tend to go about the same place in terms of elevation even when power (bullet speed) varies.
I also like to tune my guns for my ergonomics. I'm a revolver guy so I can adjust grip thickness, in some cases hammer reach, etc...make the gun fit me perfectly. Not everybody agrees with that last, there's a school of thought that says you can adapt to anything (even a Glock 10mm!!!) and that might well be the case.
"The proper self defense mindset" is a whole 'nuther subject you'll need to ponder at some point. Best discussed over on the tactical sub-forum.
Feel free to ask questions. This is one of the top gunnie communities on the net.
Example: one issue is that you may run into a bad magazine once in a while. If you know your gun is "jamming sometimes" but you haven't tracked it down to either a particular load (or bullet type) that the gun doesn't like, or a bad magazine, then you're going to think the gun is bad when it isn't.
You need to take a scientific approach.
Another issue is sights. I wrote about that here:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292194
It's towards the bottom, and continues some the next page.
It's mainly about fixed sights but the principles are the same if your gun has adjustable sights. Basically, this is about dialing the gun in for your eyes, your hold and your preferred ammo. Actually "preferred weight class" of ammo - all rounds of a given weight, given gun tend to go about the same place in terms of elevation even when power (bullet speed) varies.
I also like to tune my guns for my ergonomics. I'm a revolver guy so I can adjust grip thickness, in some cases hammer reach, etc...make the gun fit me perfectly. Not everybody agrees with that last, there's a school of thought that says you can adapt to anything (even a Glock 10mm!!!) and that might well be the case
."The proper self defense mindset" is a whole 'nuther subject you'll need to ponder at some point. Best discussed over on the tactical sub-forum.
Feel free to ask questions. This is one of the top gunnie communities on the net.
azredhawk44
Moderator
Excellent example!
I've got a colt LW commander 1911 that, in my hands, has never malfunctioned.
I put it in my novice little brother's hands this last weekend, and he stovepiped it 4 times.
Why?
Limp-wristing. Shooting technique. He also was shooting with one of my "range" magazines. It wasn't a bad mag, but it is used and I picked it up inexpensively even though it is a Chip McCormick 1911 magazine.
So, two variables: shooter AND unfamiliar magazine. It was pretty obvious it was the shooter in this case though, since the brass was ejecting all over the place rather than in a nice neat pile. Spring tension seemed just fine when loading the mag, and I've shot it a couple times with satisfactory results.
Just goes to show, you need to keep track of ALL the variables. Ammo, springs, magazines, shooter fatigue or skill... all of it.
A great piece of kit for your shooting setup is a notebook. Keep a log of things that seem note-worthy to you. And speculate on why you think things happen: Great shooting, poor shooting, malfunctions, flawless performance... all of it.
Exactly.
One of the things you end up doing as you dial the sights in, is you prove to yourself that the gun can do it's part. Granted, you're not using a shooting technique that's any good in actual use, esp. not combat use (you can sometimes get a good braced rest while hunting). But you then spend quite some time (usually years) building your skills up to being able to use most of what the gun is capable of doing.
One of the things you end up doing as you dial the sights in, is you prove to yourself that the gun can do it's part. Granted, you're not using a shooting technique that's any good in actual use, esp. not combat use (you can sometimes get a good braced rest while hunting). But you then spend quite some time (usually years) building your skills up to being able to use most of what the gun is capable of doing.
Well I've been on a bit of a spree..
As for Cleaning I went with the Hopps 44-45 cal Pistol Kit and a Can of Breakfree CPL and a small bag of cotton patches .45cal sized.
Checked out an iTAC Retention Paddle Holster and seemed cool for the outdoor range so I ordered one along with a Fobus Paddle Dual Mag Pouch, 3 Factory 13rd Mags and a Maglulu ( I viewed the video and was hooked).
Radians NRR 29 muffs (I plan on using the spongy ear pieces also)
Also ordered a leather Gunbelt.
Picked up a 50cal ammo can and filled it with (all 230gr fmj Unless noted)
250ct UMC (Brass) Mega Pak ($139) damm should be half this
50ct Fiocchi ($29)
50ct Brazer Brass ($29)
2x 50ct Remington UMC ($19.95)
50ct Winchester (JHP) ($27.99)
Purchased at several different shops....
As for safety - I may have viewed every safety video and read every doc on the INTERNET in the last 6 months, since I decided on the purchase. Now I need to put what I've read and viewed in practice so it becomes muscle memory.
I plan on taking a class or three as well.
A cigar buddy of my is a retired Sheriff (1980's drug task force member) and we will go out and shoot together for my first range visit. Although he is a Customized Colt Gold Cup guy I guess he still shoots 45's...
Thanks again for all the sound advice I welcome more and I'll Post pics as soon as she arrives...
As for Cleaning I went with the Hopps 44-45 cal Pistol Kit and a Can of Breakfree CPL and a small bag of cotton patches .45cal sized.
Checked out an iTAC Retention Paddle Holster and seemed cool for the outdoor range so I ordered one along with a Fobus Paddle Dual Mag Pouch, 3 Factory 13rd Mags and a Maglulu ( I viewed the video and was hooked).
Radians NRR 29 muffs (I plan on using the spongy ear pieces also)
Also ordered a leather Gunbelt.
Picked up a 50cal ammo can and filled it with (all 230gr fmj Unless noted)
250ct UMC (Brass) Mega Pak ($139) damm should be half this
50ct Fiocchi ($29)
50ct Brazer Brass ($29)
2x 50ct Remington UMC ($19.95)
50ct Winchester (JHP) ($27.99)
Purchased at several different shops....
As for safety - I may have viewed every safety video and read every doc on the INTERNET in the last 6 months, since I decided on the purchase. Now I need to put what I've read and viewed in practice so it becomes muscle memory.
I plan on taking a class or three as well.
A cigar buddy of my is a retired Sheriff (1980's drug task force member) and we will go out and shoot together for my first range visit. Although he is a Customized Colt Gold Cup guy I guess he still shoots 45's...
Thanks again for all the sound advice I welcome more and I'll Post pics as soon as she arrives...
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
A 22LR pistol to practice with...
a lot of targets and a camera with a zoom function so you can take pics of your targets and see your groupings. this might seem wasteful, but I shoot one clip into a target and either replace it, or shoot at another target
that way you can see how you did and what you need to do to improve.
I see people put 300 rounds into 1 piece of paper, and after 50 rounds you cant even tell what your doing anymore.
and it punches a big ass hole into the board making it harder to put up new targets.
I love how people cheap out on certain stuff.
also, if you do shoot at a place like a i shoot at, see pic, a staple gun is a life saver
that way you can see how you did and what you need to do to improve.
I see people put 300 rounds into 1 piece of paper, and after 50 rounds you cant even tell what your doing anymore.
and it punches a big ass hole into the board making it harder to put up new targets.
I love how people cheap out on certain stuff.
also, if you do shoot at a place like a i shoot at, see pic, a staple gun is a life saver
azredhawk44
Moderator
Unfortunately, you're not going to find an "XD" style pistol in .22 or a conversion upper slide for it yet. There are conversion slides for 9/40 caliber glocks, for 9/40 caliber CZ's, and for 1911's, but not yet for the XD series.
The closest I can think of that you might like would be a Ruger 22/45. It's a full size grip (some of these .22's can get a bit small) and modeled after the 1911 grip angle. I think it's modeled after a straight mainspring housing whereas the XD grip has more in common with a Browning Hi-Power or arched MSH 1911, but it's about as close as you're gonna get.
Walther .22's are tiny and slide-heavy.
I find the Sig Mosquito to be tiny and slide-heavy, too.
You might consider the Browning Buckmark. It's a well respected constant in the .22 autoloader field. Also full-sized. In fact, it might be better than the 22/45 in regards to the grip.
22/45:
Browning Buckmark:
Either of these will be extraordinarily accurate pistols and are probably the highest quality bulk consumer .22 autoloaders on the market.
A few other suggestions.
Cabelas has a really nice gear bag on sale for $19 - regularly $40.
A hard-sided case for the shooting glasses - busted glasses are a pain.
I buy targets in bulk from wally world or fleet farm or wherever I find them.
I keep a roll of masking or painters tape, and a staple gun and box of 3/8 inch staples in the range bag to easily hang targets - the range provides the cardboard backers.
A small bottle of alcohol-based hand cleaner and a shop rag to clean the shooting residue off your hands if the range doesn't have facilities.
I also just bought the SIG Mosquito as a way to get more range time. 1,000 rounds of 22LR were $39. All kinds of fun, and the ammo is easy to get and cheap to shoot.
Cabelas has a really nice gear bag on sale for $19 - regularly $40.
A hard-sided case for the shooting glasses - busted glasses are a pain.
I buy targets in bulk from wally world or fleet farm or wherever I find them.
I keep a roll of masking or painters tape, and a staple gun and box of 3/8 inch staples in the range bag to easily hang targets - the range provides the cardboard backers.
A small bottle of alcohol-based hand cleaner and a shop rag to clean the shooting residue off your hands if the range doesn't have facilities.
I also just bought the SIG Mosquito as a way to get more range time. 1,000 rounds of 22LR were $39. All kinds of fun, and the ammo is easy to get and cheap to shoot.
greghalliday
New member
I didn't see it posted yet: a good pair of shooting gloves.
The range I shoot at is either out in the middle of nowhere or has the bathroom on the other side of the building. I like that the gloves keep my hands clean. They also make my CW9 a little more comfortable to shoot. For me, the checkering is a bit too aggressive.
As far as recommendations, try the cheap Cabela's ones. For more durability, try the bare-bones Mechanix Gloves. I say the bare-bones ones because the more expensive ones have more padding an protection that make them a bit too thick and less tactile for my liking.
The range I shoot at is either out in the middle of nowhere or has the bathroom on the other side of the building. I like that the gloves keep my hands clean. They also make my CW9 a little more comfortable to shoot. For me, the checkering is a bit too aggressive.
As far as recommendations, try the cheap Cabela's ones. For more durability, try the bare-bones Mechanix Gloves. I say the bare-bones ones because the more expensive ones have more padding an protection that make them a bit too thick and less tactile for my liking.
hickorynut690
Inactive
GreySmoke you wouldn't be from around the Lockport area would you? By the way The Gun Shop closed.Safer USA is a good place for NRA classes http://saferusa.org/index.html
Greysmoke,
I know you said you were out in the Chicago suburbs so carrying is out of the question, but think about getting a small pistol safe when the pistol is not in use. I don't know if you have kids running around the house, but they are good to have anyways. Wally Worls sells cheap ones for $30 dollars or so.
I know you said you were out in the Chicago suburbs so carrying is out of the question, but think about getting a small pistol safe when the pistol is not in use. I don't know if you have kids running around the house, but they are good to have anyways. Wally Worls sells cheap ones for $30 dollars or so.
guntotin_fool
New member
If you have a "safety supply or industrial supply store nearby, stop in and look at the glasses they have , buy three or four different styles, they will run you less than five bucks a pair. try them out at the range, the style you like, go back and buy a dozen pairs, use fresh ones as soon at the previous pair starts to have any scratches or defects.