Range Rental???'s

[tundraman]

I am in the market to buy my first handgun. I have been told by many helpful members of the forum to go rent different types of handguns to figure out what I like. I plan on making my first trip to the range tomorrow, but I have a few questions.

1) Can I just go in and rent a handgun?
2) Do I need to pass a test to rent?
3) Do I need a license (not DL) but a handgun license?

Any help appreciated. I just want to know if I am wasting my time by going to the range.

[SJshooter]

If you live in California, you cannot go in and rent a gun by yourself. Unless you own your own gun and bring it with you. You must go with a friend. This is supposed to prevent suicides.

It shouldn't be too hard to find someone to shoot with, yes?

You won't need to pass a test but the range will have you sign a waiver and a list of their rules (some places have no-double-tap rules, for example).

What handgun license do you mean? None needed to shoot at a range. You need a Handgun Safety Certificate to buy one (HSC), but this is just a multi-choice test you could pass right now.

[50BMGBOB]

Most ranges you need to bring a friend or be a mamber or have your own gun to rent. This is to reduce suicides. Othere wise go have fun. You might ask about classes to learn more safely and help with technique. Most indoor ranges have programs to help new shooters.

[tundraman]

Thanks for the quick reply! This is great news! I can't wait to go to the range tomorrow.

[Kruzr]

You or your friend will also have to have some handgun experience before you can rent a gun. You will have to shoot the range's ammo with their guns. Range officers will show you the "controls" for the gun you rent but other than that, you're on your own. If you don't have any experience, look for classes at your local range for basic handgun. They are usually offered weekly or more often.

[tundraman]

Does shooting revolvers while I was growing up pass as experience? It has been 10 years since i have shot a handgun. I shoot rifles and shotguns regularly though.

[tundraman]

Also, what are rental fees?

[Kruzr]

Also, what are rental fees?

Kinda depends on what range you're going to. If you have enough experience to shoot the gun by yourself or with your friend's help, then that's enough. You will most likely have to read the range rules and sign a waiver. Bring your Driver's License or ID.

[Dont Tread on Me]

Range fees are about $13 - $16. Rentals run around $10 to $20.

Second what everyone else has said about you having to go with a friend.

At most ranges the staff will judge you a lot on your attitude when you walk in. Read their forms, answer the questions, and be honest that you've never shot a pistol. The might go beyond the controls and come in with you and help you through your first mag if they are not busy.

If you are in the Silicon Valley area both Reed's and Targetmasters were good to me when I started out.

[tundraman]

You guy's are all great! Everyone has been VERY helpful on this forum. I plan on visiting the range tomorrow with my wife and being VERY honest about our lack of experience. I hope tomorrow is a great learning experience for both of us. I would really like my wife to be as involved in this life changing decision as I am. That is the only way this will work for me. Thanks again to all.

[SJshooter]

If you want your wife to be involved... sign her up for a class. I did so for my wife and she LOVED it. I know I could have got her to shoot with just me, but I don't think I could have gotten her comfortable enough to really look forward to shooting without the class first. Now she comes to the range with me about 1/3 of the time and she is a deadly shot!

[Shane916]

I would really like my wife to be as involved in this life changing decision as I am. That is the only way this will work for me.

That isn't a cry for help right?

[tundraman]

LOL NO! I just consider having a gun around the house and the knowledge and confidence to use it properly in the time of need very important. I want us to know how to handle the gun safely and what to do if we were ever attacked.

[bonjing]

when was the last time you have shoot? are you planning on teaching your wife? not sure how you do with teaching, but I have seen alot of couples leave the range angry because one got frustrated with the other.

also if you have handled revolvers before you may want to brush up on your semiauto skills before you try to handle one. different beast altogether.

best bet is to take some form of novice class before hand.

[tundraman]

So my wife and I went to the range today and talked to one of the younger guys working there. He was not much help. He handed us a piece of paper and said to come back after we had taken the class and walked away. We had already planned on taking the class anyway but I was hoping he might provide some more information or advice. Oh well. Here is what is offered in the class:

HANDGUN CLASS
If you are considering purchasing a handgun for personal protection or if you already have a handgun but have little or no experience - attend our eight hour Basic Handgun Class and you will learn:
Firearm safety, in depth
Firearm function and terminology - revolvers & autoloaders
Ammunition terminology
Shooting fundamentals
Live firing under close professional supervision
Laws concerning purchase, possession, and use of deadly force
Firearm cleaning, care, and maintenance
ALL materials are provided (10 different guns, ammo, targets, ear/eye protection)
(If you have a gun, bring it. You will shoot it during the final shooting phase)

Instructor(s): Hal Glaze and staff. Mr. Glaze was a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force Pistol Team and is a NRA certified instructor with over forty years of teaching experience.

Classes every month.

Thousands of satisfied customers.

When: Once a month on Saturdays
Time: 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Next Available Dates: November 18, 2006 or December 9, 2006.


Fee: $110
Pre-Registration in person is required.
Optional Handgun Safety Certificate for California handgun purchase: $25
Private lessons for one to five individuals are available by appointment.

Gun's include: S&W 15,14 &41, Sig 220, 226, 229, Ruger SP-101, Beretta 92F, Glock 19 & 23.