Went to an indoor range which was 30 feet.
The Beretta ARX 160 22lr rifle was a dream. The on gun, flip sights worked perfectly. No problems out to the full shoot. Hit the red part with every shot even at a faster pace. Couldn't tell that till I brought the paper where I could see it though. Blind old man or just too far.
Now the SAR K2P was whole different animal. Almost a wild beast. It said it kicks with the force of 4 pounds. I didn't realize how much that was. On a good note, the first shot made the bulls eye at 15 feet. That thing sounds like a cannon going off. Probably louder being indoors. It was downhill from there. Near the end of this 25 round shoot I was feeling more comfy with the gun. Much more practice is need with this one.
Overall I found I could still shoot a rifle, but 9mm is 2 hands full. I want to shoot soda bottles next.
I did ask some questions from a couple guys. One asked what gun it was I was shooting. He was referring to the Beretta. He had never seen one and thought it was cool.
I don't thinking flinching was an issue with me doing the shooting. I knew it was coming. Now mine DA/SA so pulling the trigger back helped not over pulling back on the gun in first shot places. I felt more frustration than anything on how to control this beast.
Flinching........I would be surprised if it wasn't there. You were pleased with the 22lr rifle but surprised by the loudness of the nine handgun. Nothing to be ashamed of. It is an issue that affects EVERY shooter at some point. Do the plug plus headphone thing Carver has sagely advised when shooting inside. I have a couple big boomers that I use the double method even outside.
I don't thinking flinching was an issue with me doing the shooting. I knew it was coming. Now mine DA/SA so pulling the trigger back helped not over pulling back on the gun in first shot places. I felt more frustration than anything on how to control this beast.
Control comes with practice, and the right kind of practice! My first gun was a .22 rifle, at age 9. At age 12 my mother bought me a 12 gauge Long Tom for Christmas! And I assure you that I learned to shoot it real quick! It only kicked me down once, and that was my fault!
Unless you are physically small enough that the weight and bulk of a 12 gauge is uncomfortable, I suggest that over a 20.
While it is true that a standard 12 gauge load has more recoil than a standard 20, a regular 12 gauge gun is heavier than a 20, so the recoil you feel is about the same.
They make "low recoil" 12 gauge ammo (but not 20), and shooting it in the heavier gun gives you LESS felt recoil than a 20.
And lastly, 12 gauge has the widest availability of ammo of any shotgun.
.22 lr is extremely fun to shoot! My .410 pump action is fun to shoot. My .40 pistol is fun to shoot. Shootin is just plain fun. I would advise to stick with the 9 foot a little longer, see if you get used to it before switching it up. Now that you know what to expect, your next range trip shouldn't be so bad.
Get the earmuff for shooting. Carver is right on this. The ear protection you stick in your ears is not good enough. At least not for me. You can get them at any hardware store. They use them in construction and they work as well as the handgun models.
Remember to squeeze the trigger and focus on the front sight.
Indoor ranges are too dang loud. Some folks only have those to shoot in. Good quality (ear muff type) protection is a MUST. Ear/hearing damage isn't a barrel full of monkeys - and it's doesn't 'heal' or get better.
It is measured in "yards" and not feet. That makes me feel better.
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