Returning Shooter

[Gary13]

Back when I was growing up in the Bay Area I had a Marlin 22 Semi with scope that I got for my 16th birthday, and access to my dads Ruger 22 pistol and .308 deer rifle, and I would go to Sharps Park in Pacifica and go shooting. Never had an official training, but common sense was enough. Unfortunately, between school, no one to shoot with, work, and girls, I stopped shooting. My wife had no interest, so the Marlin went to my brother and his 4 boys, and when my dad passed, my mom sold the Ruger and everything else without my knowledge.

After moving to the central valley in 2005 I found out that this small town that I live in has a gun shop and indoor range. After talking about it for a long time, I went there and shot a rental Ruger just like my dads. Wife went and shot, but she really could care less. My 13yo daughter wants to go sometime, but has not yet. Since shooting the Ruger, I have gone back and shot a S&W .357 revolver, shooting both .380 and .357. It was ok. Then went and tried 9mm, first shooting a Beretta which after 50 rounds I did not like, then switched to a S&W, which I liked. Yesterday I went and shot .40(they are out of 45, but when they have it in, I want to shoot their 1911 Kimber), first in H&K, which was nice, then tried their Sig, which I could not hit anything, so switched to their Glock 23, which I could control well, but it seems too light.

Next Saturday I take the NRA beginning class so I can be trained properly, then hope to try the .45 and then decide if I want to purchase. I really enjoy doing this again after so many years, and like this site. Sorry this is so long.

[1064chubbs]

Welcome to the site. And its a good thing you want to shoot again just be warned it can become really addicting

[Swiftyjuan]

Welcome back to shooting! I grew up in Salida, about 5? miles from Ripon.

[Apex]

I learned to shoot with my dad and uncle in Colorado and Idaho. After high school life in California took over and I rarely got the chances to go shooting again. Now, in my 40's, I'm picking it back up even though this state isn't nearly as firearm friendly as I remember those other places.

Or, maybe that's exactly the reason.

Either way, I feel ya! Welcome to the forum!

[eccvets]

its a good idea to shoot as many guns as possible before buying the ones you want.

[BLC]

Welcome back, thats a nice story.

[rkt88edmo]

welcome back

[One Shot, One Dropped]

It's great to hear that we didn't lose you (to the anti-'s)

It's also great to see you are doing it right and trying a lot of guns before buying...

[Gary13]

Thanks for the comments. Purchased a years use at the local indoor range and have tried about a fourth of their guns. Just enjoying myself and trying to improve my accuracy.

I did see a S&W Model 22A in the Bass Pro Shop add today for $249. This would just be for fun, not for home defense. Seems like a good price, how does it compare to some of the other popular 22's, like the Ruger MkIII, which I have shot.

Also saw on one of the posts that a store out of state was selling used Police issue Glock Model 22 for $319. Seems like a good deal.

Thoughts?

[B Strong]

Back when I was growing up in the Bay Area I had a Marlin 22 Semi with scope that I got for my 16th birthday, and access to my dads Ruger 22 pistol and .308 deer rifle, and I would go to Sharps Park in Pacifica and go shooting. Never had an official training, but common sense was enough. Unfortunately, between school, no one to shoot with, work, and girls, I stopped shooting. My wife had no interest, so the Marlin went to my brother and his 4 boys, and when my dad passed, my mom sold the Ruger and everything else without my knowledge.

After moving to the central valley in 2005 I found out that this small town that I live in has a gun shop and indoor range. After talking about it for a long time, I went there and shot a rental Ruger just like my dads. Wife went and shot, but she really could care less. My 13yo daughter wants to go sometime, but has not yet. Since shooting the Ruger, I have gone back and shot a S&W .357 revolver, shooting both .380 and .357. It was ok. Then went and tried 9mm, first shooting a Beretta which after 50 rounds I did not like, then switched to a S&W, which I liked. Yesterday I went and shot .40(they are out of 45, but when they have it in, I want to shoot their 1911 Kimber), first in H&K, which was nice, then tried their Sig, which I could not hit anything, so switched to their Glock 23, which I could control well, but it seems too light.

Next Saturday I take the NRA beginning class so I can be trained properly, then hope to try the .45 and then decide if I want to purchase. I really enjoy doing this again after so many years, and like this site. Sorry this is so long.

Good on you G13, professional instruction is a sound investment.

If you get the bug and really want to get into shooting handguns, you may want to check out the Front Sight trainign facility outside of Las Vegas. You can pick up discounted first timer training certificates (good for up to four days of training) on Ebay for under 200.00.

[B Strong]

Thanks for the comments. Purchased a years use at the local indoor range and have tried about a fourth of their guns. Just enjoying myself and trying to improve my accuracy.

I did see a S&W Model 22A in the Bass Pro Shop add today for $249. This would just be for fun, not for home defense. Seems like a good price, how does it compare to some of the other popular 22's, like the Ruger MkIII, which I have shot.

Also saw on one of the posts that a store out of state was selling used Police issue Glock Model 22 for $319. Seems like a good deal.

Thoughts?

If it's a factory refurbished 22, that's a great deal.

Hard to go wrong with a Glock, but if it's a major caliber (anything other than 9mm) it's best to get an aftermarket barrel:

http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/glock-kb-faq.html

Don't be scared off by the information there, any semi auto or full auto piece can go Kb.

[Gary13]

If it's a factory refurbished 22, that's a great deal.

Hard to go wrong with a Glock, but if it's a major caliber (anything other than 9mm) it's best to get an aftermarket barrel:

http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/glock-kb-faq.html

Don't be scared off by the information there, any semi auto or full auto piece can go Kb.

It did not mention anything about being refurbished, just sounded like they were police turn ins. They had new ones for $499. I was wondering if it was worth it to save some money to get a used one.

[tankerman]

Nice to have you here.

Please do take your daughter to the range, it'a great family time.

[Gary13]

Site for the used Glocks:

http://sgcusa.com/Handguns-Glock/c84_87/index.html?osCsid=f9c968a8a443a7cc4f659a9cd5968051

I was able to find reviews elsewhere on the S&W 22A, which appear to be good except for some feeding issues, but I could not find anything on this site.

[Gary13]

Any suggestions concerning the Glock or S&W?