Anyone experienced with firearms?

I been thinking about target shooting as a new hobby but I have never shot a gun before. Any recommendations on gunshops around addison that will have a good selection of handguns? I have been looking at the kel tec plr-22 or the ruger sr9. Leaning towards starting with a .22 since ammo is cheaper. Also where are some good indoor ranges?

The .22 is great for beginners but I prefer a 9mm, and it's (for me) just as easy to shoot, and I am no professional. If you are going to invest in a firearm, buy something that you would use in a self defense situation. Yes, the .22 is great to start with, the recoil is practically nothing, it's light, cheap, etc., but you don't want a .22 if you're looking for protection. Buy what is going to be protecting you and become one with it.

The only range I've been to is Targetmaster Indoor Shooting Center in Garland.

I have a close friend who gives lessons for certification. If you need someone to help you with that, PM me.

Jay:

My experience consists of a ROTC firearms course in college and a beginner's certification course in the early 2000's so take this for what it's worth.

I think your choice of firearm really depends on the reason you want it.

If you just want something to use for target practice, blow off steam, because it's fun, etc., then a .22 is fine. It has virtually no recoil and the ammo is cheap.

Dannie's right though. If you intend to use it for home protection as well, then a .22 is next to useless. You would almost have to be within 3 feet of a perp for a .22 to have the intended effect (at least that's what I've read).

For home defense, the decision usually boils down to whether you want a handgun or shotgun (at least IMHO). For handguns, the main camps seem to be 9mm or the more powerful calibers (e.g., .40 or .45).

The 9mm has less kick and its ammo is noticeably cheaper so if that means you go to the range more often and become a better shot, then it could be worth it for you to invest in one.

The .40 and .45 caliber weapons have more recoil and better single shot knockdown power, but the ammo is relatively expensive. Also, if you have a SO and want her to use it, she might not be able to handle/want to fire such a powerful weapon.

As for shotguns, my cop buddies all tell me that is the weapon they recommend to average joe homeowners. First, if you are dealing with an intruder and are scared out of your wits, a shotgun gives you a MUCH better chance of actually hitting your target because of its spray pattern. Second, the sound a shotgun makes as a round is chambered is distinct and pretty much guaranteed to scare the bejeezus out of anyone.

There are also other arguments that you might consider if you get serious about this decision like the fact that a 9mm has a higher muzzle velocity than a .40 or .45 so the 9mm has a higher likelihood of going through drywall and hitting an unintended target (at least that's what I've read).

I haven't shot in a while, so I am not that familiar with the indoor ranges, but the ones I used to go to had a ton of weapons you could rent. My two cents is to go to a range, try out the different calibers, see which one you feel comfortable with, and then try the models from the major manufacturers within that caliber until you find what "feels right." For example, if you shoot a 9mm, .40, and .45 and like the 9mm the best, try the 9mm's made by Glock, Sig Sauer, etc., until you come to "the one."

Hope this helps. I am by no means an expert. You live in Texas, so I'm assuming there are a LOT of guys who have much more experience than I do. :-)

If you just wanna shoot paper, then 22 is fine.

If you are looking for home defense or for a carry piece, you cant go wrong with a Glock. I have never had a failure with a glock. Very reliable, but the Glocks do not have a manual safety, so you have to be confident in your triggerfinger control.

9mm and 45cal seem to be the most popular with people i know. I myself carry a 45. Its a bigger round and seems to do more sledgehammer type damage from personal experience. And make sure to use hollowpoints for defense, they have less chance of making it thru a wall and killing someone innocent.

As far as ranges.. there are several around dallas.. Targetmasters , DFW Gun CLub, Elm Fork, Garland Public Shooting range..

I prefer outdoor ranges.

I guess im not too worried about home defense and just want to shoot targets. What about a good gun shop around north dallas where i can check out different guns? What kind of gun do you have Dannie?

If your going to buy a gun just to learn to shoot, you can't go wrong with a .22. Kel-Tec makes a decent .22, but Ruger, Walther and Sig all make a better one for about the same price. You'll probably find yourself wanting something bigger and better in no-time, that's when it becomes really confusing because there are as many opinions about what you should get as there are choices. Personally, a Glock 17 or 19 is about as good as it gets for an all-around gun. Lightweight, high capacity and very simple to operate.

I suggest the bullet trap over in Plano... Lots of firearms you can rent first and then decide what you like and do not like. The Range is there.. LOTS of guns to chose from, Sell the ammo there ect... Sounds just like what you are looking for.

Personally the Glocks are over priced... I like the Springfield XD's... as the .40 is my primary choice. Would take one of those over the Glocks anyday...

If all your looking to do is make holes in paper, .22 is probably a good way to start. Firearms (with providers being a very close second ) is one of the product areas I would never skimp on. There are lots of poorly made firearms out there that will get you at least maintenance nightmares, and worst, serious injury. For .22 target shooting, the Ruger Mark series or Browning Buckmark series are both tried and true designs that will give you a lifetime of great enjoyment even after you've decided to step up to something with a litle more kick.

I guess im not too worried about home defense and just want to shoot targets. What about a good gun shop around north dallas where i can check out different guns? What kind of gun do you have Dannie? Originally Posted by jay

(I've been to BulletTrap and they were kind of snobby-ish. Just sayin'. I didn't feel welcomed there at all as a novice.)

I just got mine earlier this year. I have itty bitty hands so I got a CZ 75 P-01. It's super light.

If you want a gun to stop someone cold you need a 45, 9mm, 357 etc. Many FBI agents were killed by bads guys with just 38.

Thanks for all the responses. Im gonna check out some 9mm tomorrow.

A Ruger Mk II .22 is hard to beat for hole punching.

I favor Glocks because they are easy to work on and customize. Also, you can get a .22 upper and have the best of both worlds.

The Bullet Trap in Plano was going to be my suggestion as well. They have a large selection of weapons available for test shooting as well as purchase. Another store with quite a large selection of handguns is Bachman Pawn and Gun on W. Northwest Highway close to Harry Hines.

Another option is to go to a store like that for research and then go to a local gun show like the one this weekend in Mesquite at Big Town. You'll often find the same weapons you see in the stores sold at a considerable discount.

If you just want to look at guns on line for an idea of pricing and some general information, here's a great site to check out.

http://www.thegunsource.com/

Bullet Trap is good because you can try out different guns.

If you want real target shooting get yourself a shotgun (best home defense IMHO) and head for Elm Fork Shooting (it's close to The Lodge too!). Shooting sporting clays can be as satisfyingly aggrevating as finally boinking a flakey hot chick.

Well my preference always is a revolver. Yea I know they don't hold as many rounds as 9mm or other autos, but all you have to do is pull the trigger. They are usually more expensive than the autos, but for my protection it is worth it. I will also say that if you really need more than 5 or 6 rounds, then probably you should not have gone there in the first place. Find a .357/.38 or a 44 special and you will find them more than able to suffice for protection. And remember mass will go along way over speed of the bullet. I also find for shooting a bunch of rounds the revolvers are easier to load the clips. And a couple of speed loaders will give a faster way to reload. But I am with so many that say you should use a 12 gauge pump for home protection.

Now for punching wholes in paper, I have a Sig Mosquito, Taurus 9 shot .22 revolver, Charter Arms Ar-7, and of course a Ruger 10/22. I always have fun out with friends at the range shooting all of them.

Now having said all of that, I have somewhat of survivalist attitude. If I have to be on the move and carrying everything, then the .22 firearms is what I will be packing along with one shotgun (pump or double barrel). I can carry 1000 rounds of .22 a whole lot easier than the center fire ammo. One bandoleer of shotgun shells should go along way.

My nickels worth.