Range in SoCal...and other info

[Catalyst81]

Hello. I'm looking to be a new handgun owner soon. I need some advice on where a good place to take a firearm (specifically handgun) safety course would be. I would appreciate advice from anyone familiar with ranges or stores in Orange County where I could take the course.

Also, once I have taken the course and passed the test required by state law I'm planning on renting a bunch of guns at a range to see what gun and caliber I prefer. Suggestions on ranges in the area (preferably south county) that allow you to switch out guns would be greatly appreciated. Also, feel free to throw out guns suggestions. I've shot a little bit w/friends and so far I'm favoring either 9mm and.40 S&W. BTW, I did a search but couldn't find the info I need, so sorry if these questions have been asked repeatedly.

[hawk81]

Any gun shop has the tests to take in order to buy a handgun. It is like a 25 question multiple choice, easy test.

[Rekrab]

I think your best options are On Target in Laguna Nigel or OC Indoor in Brea.

I shoot at OC Indoor on a weekly basis and really enjoy my experiences there. They also have very reasonable membership fees which entitle you to unlimited range and gun rental time. Their rental stable isn't huge, but it will give you a reasonable experience.

They offer training, testing and sales there. Totally worth the drive.

[Catalyst81]

Thanks, I'll definitely have to check those out. Does anyone have experience with firing line in huntington beach? Also, is important to take some shooting training classes? I definitely want to learn to shoot correctly and avoid picking up bad habits. How much training would I need before I could just focus on honing the skills? I know this will depend. I guess I'm asking whether or not there is a minimum amount of training I should do in addition to the basic training/safety course.

[karrenrlim]

wow u live really close to us.

[Catalyst81]

wow u live really close to us.

So I do. Where do you usually go shooting?

[Keith]

The Firing Line in Huntington Beach is a good place. It is on Talbert just accross Beach Blvd.

Where in Costa Mesa are you?

[Catalyst81]

The Firing Line in Huntington Beach is a good place. It is on Talbert just accross Beach Blvd.

Where in Costa Mesa are you?

Just across the freeway from the OC fair. Over by Mesa and Elden. Speaking of the fair, do you know if the gun shows there worth checking out?

[karrenrlim]

So I do. Where do you usually go shooting?

Firing Line. We are new to this. I 've only been there twice and I really like it. Staffs are friendly and they helped us with our sig mosquito when it jammed.

[Catalyst81]

That's great. I think I'm going to take a safety course through them. Could anyone direct me to a place with good prices on guns in the OC area? I had a friend recommend Turners.

[Rekrab]

Ade's in Orange has good prices, but they don't like me so I don't go there.

OC Indoor has reasonable prices, but not the best.

Turners is probably going to be the most expensive.

Ammo Bros has good prices, but I've never bought from them.

The best place to find good prices is right here on CalGuns for PPTs.

[dg29]

Head down the freeway (south) and when it ends on the left hand side you'll see Grant Boys. They have some fair pricing on some consignment guns in there. Ades also has good prices on consignment guns (I just purchased one there last week). The week before I'd picked up a used trade-in at Turners. The Costa Mesa Gun show is worth going to. Set the time aside and check out the next one.
Good luck,
dg

[U5512]

Is this what you're looking for?

http://www.turners.com/engage/basichandgun.html

[Catalyst81]

Yes. I have been looking at that and other similar courses. If anyone has taken a specific course or knows someone who has, feedback on it would be great.

[Keith]

Grant Boys is decent, theres Saddleback Gun Center in Laguna Niguel, and the Stockade in Westminister probably has one of the best selections around but is on the expensive side.