My first range visit

[rbensi]

rbensi, welcome to the sport and to the forum. I posted a thread about basic indoor range gear for new shooters that might help you.

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1018285

Thanks for pointing this out.
I think it's very informational for the "newbie" that I am.
The range I'm going to provides the stapler(at least that's what I've been told)and being somewhat close to the house, whatever I forget, I can get pretty quick.
My range bag is starting to get pretty heavy.
Thanks again to everyone for the great advice!

[Rod Nokin]

You'll love Metcalf. The parking lot is right behind the firing line. As soon as you get out of your car you will realize the importance of hearing protection. You say you are older. 60 and over is only 10.00 a day. The far end of the pistol line is the 7 yard area. I would start there. Don't be surprised if your first shots don't hit paper. Shooting isn't that easy but that's what makes it fun. You can never stop improving.

[Che762x39]

I've just received my new glock 19 ...

The Glock 19 was an excellent choice. Calgunners have great advice, have fun and thank you for sharing.

[BigL]

I have the same followers on my g19 never had a problem

[jdogg2000]

I second this. Do not cause permanent hearing damage trying to "get used to" the volume of gun shots. The forums are filled with people who regret the serious hearing loss they experienced by not wearing hearing protection when they should have been. At the same time, those in a defensive shooting often say that, in the heat of the moment, they did not even notice the report of their weapons firing.

I would like to say DO NOT SHOOT WITHOUT HEARING PROTECTION!

The chances of you actually needing to fire your gun in a self/home defense scenario is extremely extremely extremely slim, maybe even never if you are lucky.

The chance of damaging your hearing by firing a gun without ear protection is close to 100%.

So every time you do it, you damage your ears a bit more and more. When you need it, it won't be there.

If a home invader breaks in and you don't even hear it, you're in trouble. And forget that, you can't even hear music or other people speaking without ringing in your ears?

Please do NOT shoot without ear pro. If you ever do need to do it ... what value is it that you are "used to it?" You only get used to it if your hearing is so damaged that you can't hear it.

Preserve your hearing! If you want to sort of get used to gun fire, get some electronic ear muffs, they'll let you hear the sudden sound and get you familiar with it without the volume and hearing damage. Yes, the real thing is much louder, but so what?

And my last advice is ... go shoot some USPSA competitions, it's an extremely FUN way to learn how to shoot quickly and practice malfunction drills on the spot, plus you'll "get used to" gunfire from other guns and learn tons and tons of stuff.

Be safe and filter internet advice (including mine!) with common sense.

PS. No offense to you sfarchitect, I just am stating that I'm 100% against the idea of shooting with no hearing protection. There are a lot of veterans on this board who ahve had to fire guns in real life and death situations without hearing protection ... ask them about hearing damage!

[ElDub1950]

I second this. Do not cause permanent hearing damage trying to "get used to" the volume of gun shots. The forums are filled with people who regret the serious hearing loss they experienced by not wearing hearing protection when they should have been. At the same time, those in a defensive shooting often say that, in the heat of the moment, they did not even notice the report of their weapons firing.

I'll third it. There is tons of anecdotal evidence that the sound of your gun blast, pistol, rifle or shotgun, has no effective during a real HD/SD situation. Trying to 'get used to' loud gunfire is just self inflicted damage for no reason.

[rbensi]

Wow! What a blast! First off I really love Metcalf Range! Being outdoors feels so much more comfortable for me. I know I'll be hitting this place as much as I can afford to. Everyone around me was so nice and helpful. The County RM's are extremely nice, and helpful! Wow, who knew Santa Clara County had such a great place to go.
I fired more than 200 rounds today. My first impression is I need help. I seem to be "pulling" the G19 low and left. I feel that I'm definitely going to get some 1 on 1 help.
My followers were not a problem, although I had 1 FTFeed in mag#4 (I numbered my mags) it was the last round, but only happened once.
My biggest problem happened when I had a round fail to feed but was strange. This particular load will not enter the chamber. I tried it in multiple mags, empty mags, and it just won't go.
My question is, should I send this thing back to Remington, or just chuck it?
All in all what a great time. Made some new friends, and finally got to shoot my new G19. Thanks to eveyone here for the awesome advice