(really) NEW TO FIREARMS! - The Firearms Forum

little.e · 02-25-2009, 03:17 PM

Hello everyone!

I just joined this forum in hopes to start something up with firearms. I have always been very intrigued with firearms and finally decided I want to be involved. Now, I have no idea where to start or begin with the process so if you guys would kindly help me out.

For example, do I research for a shooting range within my area and ask about lessons? Should I take some classes? (is there any classes for that?)

I know these are very 'stupid' questions but I really want to get into it and know no one I can inquire. Obviously, I'm really new to this so it would help to get a pretty detailed information to start up. I currently reside in San Diego, CA. I'm interested in all sorts of firearms: shotguns, handguns, semi-auto rifles, rifles in general. I would love to learn the usage and maintenance. Practically everything. I don't mean to use it as a general defense, more like a hobby, therefore, I'm not really interested in the joining the military.

I have not exactly been reading up on guns. The most knowledge I have about guns are from Counter-Strike (the game) and many other co-op games which I know doesn't give you much info given it is a game, compared to in real life situation everything is a lot more complicated.

I would greatly appreciate your time and advice.

Thank you!

-E

pinecone70 · 02-25-2009, 03:20 PM

Welcome, you found an excellent forum.

If there is a range nearby that rents guns, you could try a variety of different ones that way. Guns make a good hobby!

Marlin T · 02-25-2009, 03:31 PM

Stupid questions? Naaa, there is no such thing.

Welcome aboard.

Oneida Steve · 02-25-2009, 04:19 PM

If you are interested in rifle shooting, buy a .22 rifle and practice at the range. Most .22 rifles are reasonably priced, and the ammo is cheap.

Shotgun shooting? A pump action 20 gauge is a good first shotgun.

Handgun? Ruger's .22 Auto pistol has been the first handgun for thousands of new shooters.

Of course you already know that you cannot learn to shoot from video games, anymore than you can learn to swim by reading a book. You can get insights on shooting from airsoft or BB guns, but starting with a forgiving .22 will be your best bet.

durk · 02-25-2009, 04:39 PM

Welcome little e. First you should probably move out of CA.

But I hear the weather is great in San D. Sooooo, yes, take classes and get involved at a range.

TranterUK · 02-25-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oneida Steve

anymore than you can learn to swim by reading a book.

Now you tell me, I nearly drowned !!!!

Nha, he's right, find a local range with nice people have a go, get some instruction and have some fun.

armedandsafe · 02-25-2009, 04:57 PM

There are several good indoor ranges in the San Diego area. I'm not upto date on the exact locations and names any more, having moved out of Cal over 10 years ago.

Check in here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php

http://www.crpa.org/

There is a strong GrassRoots presence in San Diego, also. I'll do some checking around and see if I can find you a contact. When I lived there, I did most of my indoor range shooting up in Escondido. Partly because I lived in Mira Mesa, so it wasn't that far.

Pops

little.e · 02-25-2009, 05:43 PM

Wow. Thanks for all the feedback, guys! I really wasn't sure what kind of reaction I'd receive from such a post.

I shall begin looking into it, asap!

P.s. Armedandsafe:
I live on mira mesa right now, so around the area would be awesome!

armedandsafe · 02-25-2009, 06:48 PM

Down 163 to Ruffin Rd is American Shooting Center. It was new when I was there, and still looks pretty, now.

We lived 18 years on Flanders Dr, a couple of blocks from the schools. Mixrd memories. Mostly good, though.

Browsing through theinternet yellow pages for "shooting range" for San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, El Cajon (etc.) I find only a couple I recognise. The one down on Morena Blvd was a little run down and dumpy when I was there last, but the people were great. The shotgun range on the south side of the airstrip was military only when I was there, but appears to be open for civilians, now.

The thing is, get into a gun store and ask those dumb questions. Somebody will pick you up, and give you whole bunches of the information you need.

Pops

cranky cj · 02-25-2009, 09:31 PM

I guess I would advise you to back up a step and establish a budget on how much you 'want' to spend and how much you can 'afford' to spend when thinking about starting or taking up a new hobby.

Look at all the associated costs, range fees, ammunition, a gun or two (to start with), safety equipment (ear plugs, glasses, etc.) cleaning supplies, storage (gun safe?), education and training, etc.

See how fast it could add up. Most have been collecting these things throughout the years and the costs are not appearant. Start slow so if it turns out that it is not your cup of tea, you have not invested too much of your hard earned cash into a hobby that may turn out to not be for you. If it is for you, great.

Invest in education/training and safety equipment. THERE IS NO CUTTING CORNERS WITH SAFETY WHEN DEALING WITH FIREARMS. If you know somebody that can sponsor you and mentor you, all the better.

I hope this does turn out to be a hobby for you that lasts a lifetime. Good luck.

noslolo · 02-26-2009, 01:02 AM

Welcome aboard! You have hit the jackpot with this site! I have never found a site that I learned so much from.

artabr · 02-26-2009, 01:09 AM

Welcome, Little E. You've come to the right place.
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers

Art

1shot1k · 02-26-2009, 01:10 AM

Welcome aboard pard.."no stupid questions here "..for sure as said...only the occansional Stupid Answer ....of course thats where I come in...

of course..check ranges..safety lessons...start with .22 pistol and rifle...I say rifle first to learn ballistics..pointing..etc...can shoot all day for peanuts on ammo costs...this site has good people who will help you.....and they have integrity when it come to advice...And I know integrity....I ..remember when I had it...!

welcome.....

glocknut · 02-26-2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlin T

Stupid questions? Naaa, there is no such thing.

Welcome aboard.

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome little.e !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mike
gn

pickenup · 02-26-2009, 12:15 PM

Welcome to The Firearms Forum.

mrkirker · 02-26-2009, 12:22 PM

Welcome! You've found a great site, kinda like a cyber-campfire for "Firearms & Beyond!"

cutter · 02-26-2009, 01:33 PM

The range in ElCajon is a great range. When I visit my Daughter we will go to this one. The one on Morena is a little scary. the one in ElCajon borders Santee. Many shooters in that area. No questions are silly or dumb! Join the NRA and take some friends with you when you go shooting! Good luck and glad to have a new shooter.

armedandsafe · 02-26-2009, 08:28 PM

I windered about the one on Morena when I put it in there. However, it has been almost 15 years since I was last there, and it was alright when I was going. The owner was a pretty cool fellow.

Pops

jacksonco · 02-27-2009, 06:14 AM

Welcome to the club.

02-25-2009, 03:17 PM	#1
little.e Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	(really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Hello everyone! I just joined this forum in hopes to start something up with firearms. I have always been very intrigued with firearms and finally decided I want to be involved. Now, I have no idea where to start or begin with the process so if you guys would kindly help me out. For example, do I research for a shooting range within my area and ask about lessons? Should I take some classes? (is there any classes for that?) I know these are very 'stupid' questions but I really want to get into it and know no one I can inquire. Obviously, I'm really new to this so it would help to get a pretty detailed information to start up. I currently reside in San Diego, CA. I'm interested in all sorts of firearms: shotguns, handguns, semi-auto rifles, rifles in general. I would love to learn the usage and maintenance. Practically everything. I don't mean to use it as a general defense, more like a hobby, therefore, I'm not really interested in the joining the military. I have not exactly been reading up on guns. The most knowledge I have about guns are from Counter-Strike (the game) and many other co-op games which I know doesn't give you much info given it is a game, compared to in real life situation everything is a lot more complicated. I would greatly appreciate your time and advice. Thank you! -E --> Last edited by little.e; 02-25-2009 at 03:20 PM..

02-25-2009, 03:20 PM	#2
pinecone70 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Minnesota Gal! Posts: 4,730	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome, you found an excellent forum. If there is a range nearby that rents guns, you could try a variety of different ones that way. Guns make a good hobby! __________________ _____________________________________________ "Miss Scarlet, in the library...with a revolver...."

02-25-2009, 03:31 PM	#3
Marlin T Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 7,857	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Stupid questions? Naaa, there is no such thing. Welcome aboard. __________________ "But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people." Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government. - Thomas Paine Did you read todays GOOD shooting? >>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<<

02-25-2009, 04:19 PM	#4
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,029	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! If you are interested in rifle shooting, buy a .22 rifle and practice at the range. Most .22 rifles are reasonably priced, and the ammo is cheap. Shotgun shooting? A pump action 20 gauge is a good first shotgun. Handgun? Ruger's .22 Auto pistol has been the first handgun for thousands of new shooters. Of course you already know that you cannot learn to shoot from video games, anymore than you can learn to swim by reading a book. You can get insights on shooting from airsoft or BB guns, but starting with a forgiving .22 will be your best bet.

02-25-2009, 04:39 PM	#5
durk Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,026	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome little e. First you should probably move out of CA. But I hear the weather is great in San D. Sooooo, yes, take classes and get involved at a range. __________________ Durk

02-25-2009, 04:57 PM	#7
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! There are several good indoor ranges in the San Diego area. I'm not upto date on the exact locations and names any more, having moved out of Cal over 10 years ago. Check in here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php http://www.crpa.org/ There is a strong GrassRoots presence in San Diego, also. I'll do some checking around and see if I can find you a contact. When I lived there, I did most of my indoor range shooting up in Escondido. Partly because I lived in Mira Mesa, so it wasn't that far. Pops Last edited by armedandsafe; 02-25-2009 at 06:30 PM.. Reason: Wrong range mentioned

02-25-2009, 05:43 PM	#8
little.e Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Wow. Thanks for all the feedback, guys! I really wasn't sure what kind of reaction I'd receive from such a post. I shall begin looking into it, asap! P.s. Armedandsafe: I live on mira mesa right now, so around the area would be awesome!

02-25-2009, 06:48 PM	#9
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Down 163 to Ruffin Rd is American Shooting Center. It was new when I was there, and still looks pretty, now. We lived 18 years on Flanders Dr, a couple of blocks from the schools. Mixrd memories. Mostly good, though. Browsing through theinternet yellow pages for "shooting range" for San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, El Cajon (etc.) I find only a couple I recognise. The one down on Morena Blvd was a little run down and dumpy when I was there last, but the people were great. The shotgun range on the south side of the airstrip was military only when I was there, but appears to be open for civilians, now. The thing is, get into a gun store and ask those dumb questions. Somebody will pick you up, and give you whole bunches of the information you need. Pops

02-25-2009, 09:31 PM	#10
cranky cj V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 59	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! I guess I would advise you to back up a step and establish a budget on how much you 'want' to spend and how much you can 'afford' to spend when thinking about starting or taking up a new hobby. Look at all the associated costs, range fees, ammunition, a gun or two (to start with), safety equipment (ear plugs, glasses, etc.) cleaning supplies, storage (gun safe?), education and training, etc. See how fast it could add up. Most have been collecting these things throughout the years and the costs are not appearant. Start slow so if it turns out that it is not your cup of tea, you have not invested too much of your hard earned cash into a hobby that may turn out to not be for you. If it is for you, great. Invest in education/training and safety equipment. THERE IS NO CUTTING CORNERS WITH SAFETY WHEN DEALING WITH FIREARMS. If you know somebody that can sponsor you and mentor you, all the better. I hope this does turn out to be a hobby for you that lasts a lifetime. Good luck.

02-26-2009, 01:02 AM	#11
noslolo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Johnstown PA Posts: 1,559	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome aboard! You have hit the jackpot with this site! I have never found a site that I learned so much from. __________________ I'm a heck of a "obesito illegitimo"

02-26-2009, 01:09 AM	#12
artabr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Iberia, Louisiana Contributor Posts: 7,859	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome, Little E. You've come to the right place. There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers Art __________________ God and the soldier we like adore, In times of trouble, not before. When troubles ended and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier is slighted. Francis Quarles 1592 - 1644 __________________ When asked for my race, I answer CauCajun. Hope is not a plan, and not all change is good. The resistance is here; the resistance is now. RESIST! These hands are neither cold nor are they dead!!

02-26-2009, 01:10 AM	#13
1shot1k Former Guest Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 904	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome aboard pard.."no stupid questions here "..for sure as said...only the occansional Stupid Answer ....of course thats where I come in... of course..check ranges..safety lessons...start with .22 pistol and rifle...I say rifle first to learn ballistics..pointing..etc...can shoot all day for peanuts on ammo costs...this site has good people who will help you.....and they have integrity when it come to advice...And I know integrity....I ..remember when I had it...! welcome.....

02-26-2009, 12:15 PM	#15
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,841	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome to The Firearms Forum. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

02-26-2009, 12:22 PM	#16
mrkirker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,067	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome! You've found a great site, kinda like a cyber-campfire for "Firearms & Beyond!" __________________ *I don't know if dogs have a heaven, but there will be dogs in mine.*

02-26-2009, 01:33 PM	#17
cutter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 633	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! The range in ElCajon is a great range. When I visit my Daughter we will go to this one. The one on Morena is a little scary. the one in ElCajon borders Santee. Many shooters in that area. No questions are silly or dumb! Join the NRA and take some friends with you when you go shooting! Good luck and glad to have a new shooter.

02-26-2009, 08:28 PM	#18
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! I windered about the one on Morena when I put it in there. However, it has been almost 15 years since I was last there, and it was alright when I was going. The owner was a pretty cool fellow. Pops

02-27-2009, 06:14 AM	#19
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: (really) NEW TO FIREARMS! Welcome to the club.