New to firearms, looking for some direction

[FordGabe]

Hi everyone! I'm Gabe and I'm from San Jose. I've only shot guns once, and do not have any close friends or family who are involved with firearms, but I want to learn and do it right. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to go to learn the very basics about how to operate a gun, and the logistics associated? Hope I don't sound too dumb, just want to do it right!
Gabe

[mvpatriot]

Find a local NRA instructor & join a local club. Shoot as much as you can, and get ready to start a seriously addicting hobby!
And welcome to the board!

[B.D.Dubloon]

Get a 10/22. Everyone's first gun should be a 10/22.

[Omega13device]

Find a local NRA instructor & join a local club. Shoot as much as you can, and get ready to start a seriously addicting hobby!
And welcome to the board!

Start with a good, basic safety course that teaches you both safety and marksmanship basics. You'll have a chance to shoot some different handguns and learn how they work. Then go from there.

[One Shot, One Dropped]

FordGabe, do you work at WheelWorks?

[pullnshoot25]

Hi everyone! I'm Gabe and I'm from San Jose. I've only shot guns once, and do not have any close friends or family who are involved with firearms, but I want to learn and do it right. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to go to learn the very basics about how to operate a gun, and the logistics associated? Hope I don't sound too dumb, just want to do it right!
Gabe

You don't sound dumb at all, you are doing the right thing by seeking information.

I would recommend attending a class with an NRA instructor or maybe even a fellow Calgunner for some safety lessons and range time (I am sure some of us operate on the ammo and food principle, hehe ). You can find a plethora of information here on picking out the perfect first rifle/pistol/shotgun and any legal questions in between.

Welcome to shooting and welcome to Calguns!

-N8

[5150Marcelo]

10/22
AR
Shotgun
to start.

Welcome!

[mvpatriot]

10/22
AR
Shotgun
to start.

Welcome!

From 10/22 to AR.....
Now that's ambitious!

[Thefeeder]

Pay the money and buy high quality firearms....If you liked the Yugo...Disregard anything I say

[5150Marcelo]

From 10/22 to AR.....
Now that's ambitious!

LOL... I meant that every collection needs one of these.

[oaklander]

Hi Gabe and welcome!

There are three main types of "guns." You can start with any of them, but rifles (IMHO) are easiest to learn on.

They are:

pistols/revolvers
shotguns
rifles

If you start with a rifle, start with something that doesn't kick too much so that you won't develop a flinch.

.22 caliber rifles are good to learn on, and the ammo is cheap.

Basically, you need the following to get started:

1) a rifle
2) ammo
3) cleaning supplies
4) a rifle bag or case
5) hearing protection (earplugs or muffs)
6) eye protection

You can get all of this for under 300 or 400 dollars, if you get an inexpensive rifle.

You will want to learn TWO basic things:

1) gun safety
2) gun laws

What you might want to do is to contact your local shooting range and see if they offer any classes for new shooters. You can also get trained by working with any experienced (and safe) shooter.

The main thing is safety, and staying legal.

Feel free to PM me if I can help, or if you would like to go to the range with me some time up here in the Oakland area.

Hi everyone! I'm Gabe and I'm from San Jose. I've only shot guns once, and do not have any close friends or family who are involved with firearms, but I want to learn and do it right. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to go to learn the very basics about how to operate a gun, and the logistics associated? Hope I don't sound too dumb, just want to do it right!
Gabe

[oaklander]

Here's some more stuff to to learn:

1) gun safety
2) how to clean your gun and when
3) how to disassemble your gun
4) what to take when you go to the range
5) how to store your gun
6) how to use your gun (sight picture, etc.)
7) what is legal and not legal with respect to shooting your gun, transporting your gun, and storing your gun
8) use of iron sights vs optics
9) where to buy gun parts, guns and ammo

[nagorb]

Welcome to calguns

10/22s are great I just got my first one and I really wish I had gotten it first. But 10/22s can be money pits, first its a new bolt buffer then a new hammer and sear, then barrel and it just keeps going.

I would suggest takeing a class or if you want I'm sure one of us will gladly lend a hand, its an excuse to go shooting

[B.D.Dubloon]

Welcome to calguns

10/22s are great I just got my first one and I really wish I had gotten it first. But 10/22s can be money pits, first its a new bolt buffer then a new hammer and sear, then barrel and it just keeps going.

I would suggest takeing a class or if you want I'm sure one of us will gladly lend a hand, its an excuse to go shooting

If you haven't gotten a barrel yet, get one of these closeout 77/22 GM barrels:

http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/productdetail.aspx?id=323852

and make some shims for it. You can buy a shim kit but it is cheaper to make your own and pretty easy. One ragged hole at fifty yards isn't bad for under a hundred bucks.

[SanSacto]

Welcome Gabe. I joined Calguns about a year and a half ago not knowing jack about guns. Calguns has taught me everything I need to know. Just hang around and search whatever question you have at the moment.