New to guns

[Max]

Thanks again, guys. Some solid information that I could have most likely figured out eventually, but as brush_beater pointed out, it's important to start off with good habits.

Oddly enough, I've been searching in my area for dependable firing ranges, stores, and instructors, and I'm coming up with a bunch of zero. Who would have thought that anywhere in Texas, of all places, would be low on any of the above?

If anyone's got a bead on some quality resources in East Texas, toss them my way. If I can't find anything, I'll be making a trip to either Houston or Austin, I suppose.

You guys will make a prepared and informed person out of me yet!

[SARKY]

Try contacting the NRA, they can more than likely hook you up with a certified instructor in your area.

[Lorna]

Max, if your anywhere near Dallas, there's a great firing range off of Mockingbird and 35.

[rebel]

An air marshall fires more than 30 000 rounds a month !!!

I don't suppose your Zero key stuck? That'd be hard to do. You probably would have nubs for fingers from the reloading.

[crashdive123]

When I was teaching shipboard anti-terrorist tactics my teams and I would put 2,000 to 5,000 rounds down range every month that we were not at sea.

[rebel]

I was at the FAM school. It was a little over 1000 per week and that took some time. You have to allow for class time, PT, eat and sleep.

[Pal334]

Far be it from me to interject facts, perhaps the following can give you a better idea on the reality.

GAO report number GAO-04-242entitled 'Aviation Security: Federal Air Marshal Service http://www.gao.gov/htext/d04242.html
the Service's documentation confirmed that instruction in advanced
marksmanship is a critical part of this training, even though passing
this element is no longer a condition of employment.


http://www.thegunzone.com/fam-lawman/fam-qual.html

[Ken]

Far be it from me to interject facts, perhaps the following can give you a better idea on the reality.

Leave us alone. Facts are always confusing and only take away from the discussion. Incorporating facts into a post is a change we can't accept, with all of our misoneism and all. And who cares about reality? It's only perception that counts, isn't it?

[Pal334]

Leave us alone. Facts are always confusing and only take away from the discussion. Who cares about reality? It's only perception that counts, isn't it?

Aah so true, wandering through the wild flowers enjoying the sunshine with our heads stuck up ,,,, oops, better not continue that thought, is a family show after all

[Ken]

Nice. More coffee to clean off of my screen. Thanks.

[Ken]

Did you know:

All nutrients required to sustain human life can be acquired by licking the backs of 15,000 postage stamps daily.

Playing Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" at over 75 dB is illegal in the Tennessee valley.

If you nurse a puppy on human milk, they are more likely to say "I Ruv You" like Astro. Downside is, you get hairy nipples.

Since the increased popularity and long term use of the birth control pill in the last two decades, estrogen has leaked into the public drinking supply, causing the feminization of frogs and other amphibians. Public health officials have predicted that in 150 years, all born males will become transvestite by the age 20. Although it is hard to predict the social implications, sociologists believe this will decrease the amount of war and create more open ideals of sexuality.

An air marshall fires more than 30 000 rounds a month!!!

All facts. All true. Honest.

[Pal334]

Did you know:

All nutrients required to sustain human life can be acquired by licking the backs of 15,000 postage stamps daily.

Playing Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" at over 75 dB is illegal in the Tennessee valley.

If you nurse a puppy on human milk, they are more likely to say "I Ruv You" like Astro. Downside is, you get hairy nipples.

Since the increased popularity and long term use of the birth control pill in the last two decades, estrogen has leaked into the public drinking supply, causing the feminization of frogs and other amphibians. Public health officials have predicted that in 150 years, all born males will become transvestite by the age 20. Although it is hard to predict the social implications, sociologists believe this will decrease the amount of war and create more open ideals of sexuality.

All facts. All true. Honest.

"the feminization of frogs" may have already occurred based on the way some nations are acting. All of the rest I am leaving on the table, way too many lines there

[Ken]

Gee, Pal, we did a simul-post. I added one last fact to my list that your quote didn't catch. Sorry.......

[Pal334]

My misoneism precludes me from accepting those changes or facts

[Ken]

My misoneism precludes me from accepting those changes or facts

http://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/upl...ice-724789.jpg

[Max]

@ Remy- You ask some good questions. Do I want to kill someone? Absolutely not. Do I want someone to kill me? Again, absolutely not. Will I kill someone to defend myself? If there is no other way, yes. The way I figure, being a woman, I have absolutely no chance in a physical fight, unless that person is another woman, or a small, out of shape man. I won't go gunning for someone, but I have to assume that anyone entering my home or apartment intends to do me harm, and it's likely they're also armed. Big no-no where I'm from. Luckily, my state protects my right to defend myself under these circumstances.

After the suggestions on here, I think that I will in fact start off with a shotgun, because you're right: noise recognition for that will be a big deterrent (hopefully), and the need for accuracy in the heat of the moment is not as great.

That being said, I also want to become proficient in smaller firearms eventually. Not every situation in my life is going to need a shotgun. As far as mastering, I agree, it takes practice, but even my first time at the firing range, only three of my shots where outside of the target outline, but they were all still on the paper. I was able to also cluster most of the shots. There were a few strays, but I've always had good hand-eye coordination. It's the comfort and familiarity I want to work on.

I'm taking everything you guys are saying to heart, and trying to gain knowledge. I feel it can only be to my benefit, as well as those around me. It's people that don't know sh*t that cause problems for those that do. I don't like being that kind of person.

[crashdive123]

Good for you Max. I applaud the way in which you are going about this process. A shotgun is an incredible tool for home defense. Make sure that before you purchase one that you fire one. There is a big differnce in firing a shotgun versus firing a smaller handgun. Also, keep in mind there are different sizes (guage) of shotguns just as there are different calibers of handguns and rifles.

[Rick]

You might consider a .410 gauge for the recoil but your choice of ammunition will be somewhat limited. A 12 gauge will offer you the greatest range of ammo but some can kick like a mule.

You can miss with a shot gun at close range just like a handgun. You would be surprised how well shot holds together in a short distance so it's much like shooting a bullet. Six or eight inch patterns are pretty common at 10 yards. Generally, the shorter the barrel the wider the pattern. And a short barrel is easy to maneuver with inside the house.

If you do get a shotgun then take it to the range just like a handgun. Indoor ranges will usually limit you to slugs because the shot can bounce back. At least the ones I go to limit you.

[crashdive123]

Another option for you Max (don't you love trying to digest rapid fire info) is the revolver of your choice loaded with a frangible round like Glaser Safety Slugs. You get a couple of advantages with them. The shot inside will expand to give a bit more coverage, and it is unlikely that they will penetrate a wall - possibly injuring an unitended target. They are more expensive, but it is not a round that you will be practicing with. Try them on a target at 10 feet so you know what they will do, but practice with a normal round loaded into your revolver. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaser_Safety_Slug

[Max]

Another option for you Max (don't you love trying to digest rapid fire info) is the revolver of your choice loaded with a frangible round like Glaser Safety Slugs. You get a couple of advantages with them. The shot inside will expand to give a bit more coverage, and it is unlikely that they will penetrate a wall - possibly injuring an unitended target. They are more expensive, but it is not a round that you will be practicing with. Try them on a target at 10 feet so you know what they will do, but practice with a normal round loaded into your revolver. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaser_Safety_Slug

Now that's something to consider, too. I'm in a major city this weekend, and have access to quite a few good gun stores and ranges, and someone with me that understands this sort of thing, so I'll definitely checkout this option as well.