Gun question:
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 393
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From: U.S.A.
I visit the local indoor target range quite often. For $8 you can use any rental gun they have. You just have to pay for the range time and ammo.
I have shot the H&K USP, Glocks, S&W (Walther), Rugers, SIGs, and Berrettas. All in 9mm. I've probably shot a few more but cannot remember the brands. The best was the M4 (converted to 9mm) Full auto is fun!
By far my favorite was the H&K USP. Such a smooth gun, fit very well in my hand, and the controls were all nicely placed. The worst was the S&W (Walther). It just didn't feel good, and the controls were not very easy to get to. The Glocks were ok, I think the one I fired had had many rounds through it. It felt "loose".
I have sinced moved to shooting the 22LR pistols. The ammo is much cheaper ($2.50 for 50 rounds vice $10 for 50 rounds of 9mm), and I'm there for target practice and fun anyway. I don't need stopping power for a paper target! My intention is to purchase a 22 pistol.
I have shot the H&K USP, Glocks, S&W (Walther), Rugers, SIGs, and Berrettas. All in 9mm. I've probably shot a few more but cannot remember the brands. The best was the M4 (converted to 9mm) Full auto is fun!
By far my favorite was the H&K USP. Such a smooth gun, fit very well in my hand, and the controls were all nicely placed. The worst was the S&W (Walther). It just didn't feel good, and the controls were not very easy to get to. The Glocks were ok, I think the one I fired had had many rounds through it. It felt "loose".
I have sinced moved to shooting the 22LR pistols. The ammo is much cheaper ($2.50 for 50 rounds vice $10 for 50 rounds of 9mm), and I'm there for target practice and fun anyway. I don't need stopping power for a paper target! My intention is to purchase a 22 pistol.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 528
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From: Indy
I have sinced moved to shooting the 22LR pistols. The ammo is much cheaper ($2.50 for 50 rounds vice $10 for 50 rounds of 9mm), and I'm there for target practice and fun anyway.
If you are wanting to learn about firearms, have you considered long arms? You can pick a .22LR Henry Lever Action for under $200. Many people start out w/ .22 rifles and move on - besides lever actions are just fun (and inexpensive) to plink with.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 598
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From: southington ct usa
Smith and Wesson is making those here in the USA.
http://www.swfirearms.vista.com/stor...sw_activeTab=1
Just one little thing. When you hold a handgun, look straight ahead holding the gun down your side near you leg. Without looking at it, raise it up and point it away from your body,extending your arm out to your side fully, again do this without looking at the gun keeping your eyes forward.
Now, note which way the barrel points. Up, down or level. this is how you normally hold a handgun, it should point level, if not try a different gun with a different grip/ grip angle. Every time you fire it you will have to correct for a gun that points either up or down instead of level, this takes an extra effort, and slows you down and fatigues your arm, hand and wrist, which in turn decreases accuracy.
You have gotten good advice, a 22lr is and excellent way to learn and hone your skill. Much cheaper to shoot, and most good 22's are less to buy. Good 22's can be had by Ruger(my fav) S&W Sig, Beretta.Colt High standard(out of business, Mitchell arms makes copies)
I love all those who say 9mm, no good - no stopping power. Well aim and ability are far more a factor thean the cailber of your gun.
a 22 in the head sure beats a 9mm in the hand.
I've had them all Sigs, H&K, S&W. Glock. I will say I am no fan of a semi-automatic without some type of manual safety. I like the fact that some Smiths, like a 6906 has a mag safety, so the gun can be made useless by just removing the mag, good idea if kids are around.
http://www.swfirearms.vista.com/stor...sw_activeTab=1
Just one little thing. When you hold a handgun, look straight ahead holding the gun down your side near you leg. Without looking at it, raise it up and point it away from your body,extending your arm out to your side fully, again do this without looking at the gun keeping your eyes forward.
Now, note which way the barrel points. Up, down or level. this is how you normally hold a handgun, it should point level, if not try a different gun with a different grip/ grip angle. Every time you fire it you will have to correct for a gun that points either up or down instead of level, this takes an extra effort, and slows you down and fatigues your arm, hand and wrist, which in turn decreases accuracy.
You have gotten good advice, a 22lr is and excellent way to learn and hone your skill. Much cheaper to shoot, and most good 22's are less to buy. Good 22's can be had by Ruger(my fav) S&W Sig, Beretta.Colt High standard(out of business, Mitchell arms makes copies)
I love all those who say 9mm, no good - no stopping power. Well aim and ability are far more a factor thean the cailber of your gun.
a 22 in the head sure beats a 9mm in the hand.
I've had them all Sigs, H&K, S&W. Glock. I will say I am no fan of a semi-automatic without some type of manual safety. I like the fact that some Smiths, like a 6906 has a mag safety, so the gun can be made useless by just removing the mag, good idea if kids are around.
Last edited by jstang; Aug 12, 2004 at 01:39 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 393
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From: U.S.A.
36fan: You have to buy the ammo from the shop to use in the rental guns. It's just one of the ways they profit.
I've spent quite a bit of money at their range. But the advantage is that I know what guns I like, and which ones I don't. I could have purchased a gun by now, but i would probably have bought something that wouldn't work for me. Then I would have been stuck.
It's kinda like buying shoes. Your friends can all tell what they like. But until you find shoes that fit just your feet, you won't happy.
Tey them all out and enjoy!
I've spent quite a bit of money at their range. But the advantage is that I know what guns I like, and which ones I don't. I could have purchased a gun by now, but i would probably have bought something that wouldn't work for me. Then I would have been stuck.
It's kinda like buying shoes. Your friends can all tell what they like. But until you find shoes that fit just your feet, you won't happy.
Tey them all out and enjoy!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Indy
36fan: You have to buy the ammo from the shop to use in the rental guns. It's just one of the ways they profit.
I've spent quite a bit of money at their range. But the advantage is that I know what guns I like, and which ones I don't. I could have purchased a gun by now, but i would probably have bought something that wouldn't work for me. Then I would have been stuck.
It's kinda like buying shoes. Your friends can all tell what they like. But until you find shoes that fit just your feet, you won't happy.
Tey them all out and enjoy!
I've spent quite a bit of money at their range. But the advantage is that I know what guns I like, and which ones I don't. I could have purchased a gun by now, but i would probably have bought something that wouldn't work for me. Then I would have been stuck.
It's kinda like buying shoes. Your friends can all tell what they like. But until you find shoes that fit just your feet, you won't happy.
Tey them all out and enjoy!
Several of my friends and relatives bring their firearms to our little 'private' range. The selection of firearms isn't as good as a commercial range, but you can't beat the price!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,565
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From: NJ
From what I read, SIG makes a nice 22 also, the trailside.
http://www.sigarms.com/products/trailside.asp
http://www.sigarms.com/products/trailside.asp
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Indy
That's awsome!
Where in Indy are you? I lived in Southport for a while, then moved to Franklin
Where in Indy are you? I lived in Southport for a while, then moved to Franklin
If you want to shoot sometime, just let me know