New here... have some questions

[JCM]

Hello!

Been lurking around here for a few months and finally got the courage to post.

First I'll introduce my gun. Its a Colt Trooper MkIII 357 my dad gave me. He bought it in the mid 70's.







I've never shot this gun and would really love to. About 10 years ago I went with a buddy to the range and shot his 9mm. That was my first and only experience shooting a gun.

I would like to shoot this gun since it came from my dad and keep it in the family to eventually hand down to my son. However I'm thinking of getting another handgun, either in 9mm or 45.

I know Insight in Artesia offers some classes. Would it be a good idea to start with that?

I know you have to bring a buddy to rent at Insight and my friend has been busy lately. Can you rent there if you're a member or if you bring your own gun?

Thanks.

[Z.1]

Welcome!

Can't speak for that range specifically, but generally if you bring your own gun, you can rent even if you're by yourself. YMMV
I'm sure someone will be along with more info for you.

Oh, and nice wheel gun

[redhemi]

Welcome and I will say that is one nice shooter. If your new to firearms taking a class would be a good start, it will teach you good safe gun handling and the mechanics of shooting. As for renting a gun buy yourself if your a member give them a call and they will give you all the info you need. Good luck and happy shooting.

[GuillermoAntonio]

Most ranges, if not all, will let you shoot by yourself and even rent one if you take your own gun when you go.
The reason behind ranges asking you to bring a pal to rent, is that in the past there were incidents where someone commited suicide after renting a gun. The idea is, if a suicidal person wants to go this route today, they would need to bring a pal along, making it harder to happen.
If you own your own handgun however...
Makes sense?

[Psychobroker]

I was just at Insight last night checking out a GP100 and inquiring about classes. I believe they are $45/hr, and in all likelihood, well worth at least one hour. I'm not sure about their rules on whether they require a friend in order to rent out a gun.

[bjl333]

Just kidding!! Welcome to Calguns!! There are many Calgunners willing to take you along shooting and give you some pointers. The best thing to do go take some firearm training classes.

[JCM]

Cool thanks guys.

I get Friday afternoons off so 1pm to 5pm is 'my time' before I have to be home to get the kids from the after school program.

I'll ask them about the classes and the possibility of taking one this Friday.

I figured the buddy rule was to weed out the wackos. Almost worked in my case

[BigDogatPlay]

Welcome to Calguns, and that's a very nice shooter you have there.

Definitely check into a basic class. Not meant as a gratuitous plug, but check out if any ranges or clubs near you are putting on an NRA Basic Practical pistol class. Safe handling and marksmanship fundamentals, plus the NRA classes won't set you back an arm and a leg. I'd recommend learning the basics with the gun you have before you go out and purchase another gun. The Trooper is a fine, well made gun that will give decades of accurate and trouble free service.

There's also oodles of Calgunners in SoCal, many of whom would love to help you shoot that Trooper.

[jmsenk]

I shoot at Firing Line in Huntington Beach, and they don't require a buddy to rent one of their guns, but it cannot be your first time there. Also, if you're on your own, and you've never shot before, they require you to go through a saftey course.

Speaking not only as an NRA instructor, but as a shooter, you aught to get some instruction before you just go to the range and start blasting. Even if the instruction is informal, and consists of a buddy showing your the ropes on both your piece, and his own (namely saftey)

another advantage of taking a formal class, is that the instructor aught to be able to tell you specifics about the particular guns you are looking to shoot/buy, and many ranges will throw range time and gun rentals in with the course.

You might also want to have a buddy with you at the range until you are really comfortable shooting on your own, and handling your firearm (or ones that you rent)... plus shooting with a friend is just more fun.

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

Take classes and be a member to take your pistol skills seriously. And also, you'll have lots of fun.

[morrcarr67]

Welcome to the club and welcome to Calguns.

Everyone has given you some great advise.

If you ever want to head my way I'd be glad to work with you and show you some things. I'm not an instructor or anything but I was in the Army and have been shooting for over 26 years.

I'll let you shoot my guns free of charge; just buy the ammo.

[the foot]

That is one fine looking Colt.