Handgun courses?

[Dominic]

On the same note as the handgun thread below - I'd like to properly learn how to use handguns (both revolvers and semi-autos) and get some experience with them, as well as a few lower powered rifles and some shotguns.

I've been highly interestedin buying a Remington 870 or Winchester Defender 12gauge for sometime, but having never shot more than a BB-gun and with my g/f having tons of gun experience I feel a little inept. Is there any way to get gun experience before buying?

What do I search for in they yellowpages to find a decent gun range? Do cops have courses? Need info!

[Dojo2000]

Depending on your state, people are required to take courses before they can obtain concealed carry permits. These courses are usually centered around handguns, and usually cover the state's laws on concealed carry, general firearm safety, and firearm proficiency. The courses are usually taught by NRA-certified citizens and/or ex-law enforcement. The course I took here in NC was taught by an ex-cop and his wife. We covered laws and guidelines, and then had a handgun proficiency test out on the range. I have my own handguns, but they provided some for those that didn't. If you feel comfortable enough to pass a handgun proficiency test, then a course like this might be helpful for you.

You could also find a nearby gun store that has a range where you could rent handguns and try them out. I just did that yesterday down in Charlotte after browsing a gun show. I was trying to decide between two guns, rented them at the range, and found one that I liked.

A few gun companies, mostly the higher priced ones, also offer handgun courses that range from basic firearms safety to special forces tatics. Something like that may be interesting to you, but the ones I've seen are somewhat expensive and you have to go to them.

[Blindside]

yea, i went to the gun show at Charlotte. All i bought was a nice butterfly knife

[Dojo2000]

Originally posted by Blindside:
yea, i went to the gun show at Charlotte. All i bought was a nice butterfly knife

I was the tall guy feeling up all the Sigs, and the Hesse H&K-91 clone.

[Silv6]

http://www.thunderranchinc.com/
this would help tremendosly

[L32Projekt]

Look for a NRA basic firearms course. Actually, just hit up the NRA website and poke around.

[ellik]

look for NRA sponsored gun courses, or look around for local sportsmen clubs. Usually, if you go to one of the clubs the people are pretty open and laid back and MORE THAN WILLING to help out someone new to promote their sport.

[wantmorepower]

The remington 870 is a fine shotgun..... kinda more on the side of utility but a very fine shotgun.

If I could only keep one gun It would be the 870... ;)

As far as gun courses..... i hope your not as limited as we are here.....

The only real way for me to practice/learn firearms safety/proficiency is to buddy up with someone in the rural areas and go from there.

Can not say this enough...... you'll here it a million times when you bring up learning firearms....

Treat every gun as it is loaded

Only point your gun (loaded or not) at something you want to destroy...

Be safe and have fun.

[Mighty Thor]

For some reason, women are better at target practice than men do.

I used to go to a Target Range once a week.

[Dojo2000]

Originally posted by Mighty Thor:
For some reason, women are better at target practice than men do.

I used to go to a Target Range once a week.

Don't tell my girlfriend that. She might make me buy her a gun :D

[L32Projekt]

My wife consistently shoots better than most people I work with in the Air Force. If she shot as much as me I'm sure that she'd outshoot me as well!

[Razzer]

We have it far worse out in California when it comes to gun laws and legislation. 10 day waiting period, 1 handgun per month and all of the cool assault rifles are banned with felonies attached if you get caught. Oh well maybe its time to move. As for the topic I love my 870, and almost every college has a basic gun/range course for administration of justice courses. It was 200$ with 1000 rounds. It alot of fun.

[ellik]

^ my wife picked it up very quick. Shes only been to the range 3-4 times, but is shooting very well considering. I'd love to pick up a pair of skeet guns and get her into that sport.

[Dojo2000]

Originally posted by Razzer:
We have it far worse out in California when it comes to gun laws and legislation. 10 day waiting period, 1 handgun per month and all of the cool assault rifles are banned with felonies attached if you get caught. Oh well maybe its time to move. As for the topic I love my 870, and almost every college has a basic gun/range course for administration of justice courses. It was 200$ with 1000 rounds. It alot of fun.

That's why we call it the 'People's Republic of Kalifornia'
You should really get out of their if you value your freedom at all.

I'm almost positive we don't have any kind of gun courses here at the university, but we do have a local gun club that students can join for only $50/year. :D