How do you learn about firearms?

[Jake71]

I grew up with guns for as long as I can remember.

The only thing I was taught was:

"treat every gun as if it's loaded, even if you've looked"
"don't point it at anything your not willing to destroy or kill"

If you rely on those two every time, the rest is just common sense.

I almost wish I was more into guns when I was a kid even though we had them all over the house in cabinets, closets etc.. but my bb gun was all I needed with the occasional borowing of a .22 LR from the farmer we knew (parents didn't let me take guns out without them, so we shot a .22LR on the farmers land, he just said to make sure we watch the background for stuff we don't want to hit like his tractors.)

Mechanically... I can take anything apart and put back together so that part comes naturally.

[ojisan]

Welcome to CalGuns!

At the range meets, everyone brings out all kinds of guns.
Most people are happy to explain how their gun works and let you try it.
Safety is Number 1, poor / unsafe gun handling will get you the cold shoulder really fast...so read up on the gun safety rules and move slowly when handling things in the beginning.

[Jake71]

oh yea.. I could show you some stuff about the internals or how to assemble/disassemble a pistol etc.... I live in Pomona though.

[pennys dad]

go to an Appleseed: http://www.appleseedinfo.org/as_schedule2.php

[Desert_Rat]

+1 for appleseed.

I joined the USMC and was in 2nd phase of recruit training at Edson Range while I was still 17.I actually had My 18th birthday while out on the Oscar One training area learning about M67 fragmentation grenades.

[iareConfusE]

You learn by going to a shooting range, renting, shooting, and asking questions on this forum. The search function is also useful, and most people prefer that beginners use the search function before asking a common question anyways. If the CGN search doesn't work, I'm sure Google will serve you very well.

Watch Youtube videos on the guns that you want to learn about, and read online reviews of them. Most of my learning was achieved through watching and reading. I didn't have anybody to instruct me on anything.

[Subotai]

And lots of ranges have classes. Great way to start if you don't have shootin' friends.

[Gem1950]

Read as much as you can and find a mentor.

^^^ Yes. Learning about guns is just as serious a subject as learning a trade in an apprenticeship. And like an apprentice, you should learn from as many journeymen and masters as possible. There is no substitute for hands-on experience under the guidance of someone who knows what they're doing.

That said, you might consider starting with a good .22 rifle (you will probably keep that one forever) before you move on to a pistol or shotgun. Get some experience with other people's firearms, that are willing to take you shooting, to get the feel of what different weapons are like.

# 1 - BE SAFE!

[johnny_22]

I started late

Knew NOTHING about firearms at age 45. After visiting with people who enjoyed the hobby, I took the NRA classes (First Steps, Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle).
Unless you are deathly afraid of the gun, you probably can skip the "First Steps" class.

After that, you can decide what you want to do: Bullseye, USPSA, IDPA, or just plinking. Also, check in your area for a "shooting league" at the ranges. The weekly casual matches are a lot of fun, and help to keep you practicing the skills you learn in the classes.

I agree with the others above. The Appleseed group will teach you how to shoot as well as if your equipment is set up properly.

[xxsleepyxx]

I knew you were new to this forum right when I read the title. Just stick around for a while and ask Qs. You'll learn a lot.

[RedFord150]

Find a local indoor range and take a basic handgun safety class. Once you have that done, you can decide on your nest step.
Good luck.

[stphnman20]

Before the USMC, I learned a lot on the streets. Thank god I joined!

[meaty-btz]

Starting before I can remember, I have had pellet rifles/pistols and BB-guns. My pop taught me safe handling and the rules of the "big guns" with the little guns. When I was 8, he took me to Greenfield to get trained by a skilled marksman named Dulley (former US competition shooter, 2nd place, there is more to it but I cant recall, his history is "murky'). Dulley taught me, stances, grips, and sight picture and we spent a few days at it. Also my first long-gun shoot, with a shotgun.. that always knocked my ear-muffs off after every shot. When I was 10 I took the NRA course and was trained in marksmanship with rifles till i was 12 by an retired-Green Barret. I made it through several levels of the NRA training system. Still have my badges and targets. Then off and on range times till I moved out.

So the TL;DR is: I grew up with guns, trained in them by men trained to use them to do things that don't involve hunting 4 legged critters. I honestly think getting into firearms later in life is like getting into religion later in life. You have a lot to catch up on, that other people have had a lifetime to learn.

So, find a range that offers a training course! Best thing ever to get the jump on things. Learn the rules of safety, make them instinctual, and in your heart. Then, range time range time range time.

[Omega13device]

Hmm, how about we start off with handguns? Specifically...1911's

Let me google that for you: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+a+pistol+works

[Ls1FALimpala]

im 20 a year ago i couldnt take my FAL and AK47 apart now i can do it with my eyes closed. just do reading i learned alot the year i been here.