Need some range info for SF area

[FourT6and2]

Technically by that method you could just go to the gun store and buy whatever feels best out of everything you hold.

No, not the same. There's a difference between SHOOTING 300 rounds thru a firearm and holding it in your hands for 30 seconds... I just don't understand why one needs to take a class before buying their first pistol. Go to a range, rent a few guns, see what you like. Done. No need to bring a third party into it.

But regardless of what gun you chose, you'd still be the same shooter with the same skill level you are today. So again, I'm not seeing the point.

I don't follow your line of thinking. I put a few hundred rounds through each firearm I rented. And I must have tried at least 10 different pistols before I bought my first one. That's somewhere around 2,000 rounds of experience downrange. While not a "lot," it's more than a complete newb who walks into a store and asks the clerk what to buy and just following that blindly. And no classes needed. I prefer to learn on my own, through experience. Safety is important, yes. Everyone learns differently. Me? I prefer to hit the ground running. Then after I have some frame of reference, I'll seek third-party instruction.

I'm also guessing you weren't a anti trying to be converted either though?

Someone that already has a hate, fear, or both of guns picking up a gun for the first time without training or someone they know and trust helping them, is likely not going to end well for them.

Yeah, I can see that actually. No, I quite liked the idea of shooting a gun. The way it started for me was one day a buddy of mine and I were like... what haven't we done before? Let's go shooting. Went to a range. Rented a few guns. I was hooked. But honestly, I haven't even shot my pistol in about two years. It's just not very fun compared to long range precision. I haven't even picked up my AR15 in about 8 months. Long range is where it's at for me now. I keep the pistol and AR in case I want to compete in a match that requires them.

[hardcore4sure]

OP, how experienced are you, how good of a shooter would you rate yourself?

[b18rexracer]

This won't be his very first time firing or holding a gun. Our cousin took him shooting with an AR and an 1911 .45

I've told him to get an idea what he likes and then we can meet up (I'm 4 hrs north of him) and we can take a closer look and narrow it down.


As for my experience I've been shooting for as long as I can remember. Various long guns and handguns. That being said I'm good enough to know I'm not good enough if that makes sense. I haven't had a lot of time at the range the last year so I'm sure I'm rusty. I do feel confident that I can instruct him on firearm safety, and shooting basics, and help him select a handgun and good ammo for his initial need. That should be enough to get him moving and I will pass on the "dot torture" drill and recommend he practice and get instruction to improve.

[hardcore4sure]

Fair enough. The reason I was asking, was addressed perfectly in your response.
I'm in S.F and would be willing to help out if needed, in both training/selection and in his sickness (anti/lib mind set).

[Thermapen]

I went to Reed's several times to test a variety of calibers and models. They have a broad selection.

Jackson Arms has a home defense course which I found beneficial. First 4 hours, lecture in HD topics. Second 4 hours, range time, training in several HD drills.

[smak28]

Keep in mind that this happens to a lot of folks where they complain that they cannot shoot accurately with a specific gun so take classes and he will learn how to shoot accurately with any gun & be able to handle a gun safely. Safety is #1!

[gtarifa74]

Reeds and Jackson Arms, been to both when I go to the Bay to visit friends and family. Good luck to your Cousin in His search

[b18rexracer]

Thank you everyone for your feedback and info.