How do you learn about firearms?

[CALI SHOT DOC]

youtube is a great place to learn. Go to a shooting range and ask a RO to teach you some things or meet up with one of the club's vets to show you the ropes....people love their guns and love to show them off lol so i'm sure you can find someone who will be happy to show you the ropes and stuff

[jptopz]

No, actually ive never heard of these range meets - i joined about 2 days ago haha. Im still getting around the forums, what happens at these meets?

I am not from SoCal, but I have seen Calgun member range meets at some local indoor ranges. Check out you local Calgun clubs for more info.
Another one for Appleseed! a 22 rifle is a great start, not a lot of money to invest to start with sometime down the road you can purchase your $1500 dollar 1911.

[Milsurps]

My father taught me at a young age (12) to shoot and handle guns responsibly.

^^^
This except my father started me about 8. Grew and leaned until ~12 and got to shoot his center fire rifles. At 19 I went to Navy boot camp and those USMC Jar Head instructors taught me even more. Been practicing and learning ever since. Early or late doesn't matter. Just be willing to learn.

[Khram]

I learned from listening to rappers

[jdmtype1]

AGI Technical Manual & Armorer's Course Video "Glock Pistols" DVD

This may be very boring for you, but you may learn some things...

[NapaCountyShooter]

It's never a terrible idea to start with a hunters safety class. That's how I started.

[Mikeb]

I've got an Uncle that will teach you, anywhere any time. Heck he'll even pay you to learn. But it takes some commitment. The class is at least 3 years and you can't quit once you start.
take care
Mike

[Flyin Brian]

Just do like most of the internet experts do... start posting a bunch of replies to every post you see on here and in a matter of minutes some friendly fellows will come along and correct your mistakes!!

Seriously though, I would highly recommend taking the NRA basic courses, they are worth it.

[IntoForever]

I got my first straw bail, bow and arrow set at 8 and no instructions. First BB gun at 10 with an instruction booklet and first rifle, a .22, at 11, again with only the booklet. I never had guidance or training and was definitely not someone I'd want to have those things. Luckily no one was hurt by my poor choice in actions and lack of training. Now all these years later I'm trying to get rid of bad habits and be safe. Sounds like you're on the right track. Learn the safety rules and handling of a gun. Enjoy your new addiction.

[Steyrlp10]

To the OP:

I think you're off to a great start just by conversing with the other Calgunners. Like the experts have stated, safety first. If you're a tactile learner, being hands on will probably be more helpful to you than merely reading -- not that research materials are bad -- but sometimes, skills are easier to retain when you go through the actual process.

And above all, have fun and don't stress out

[atto]

Click on my sig.

[greasemonkey]

Im still young, 19 years old. Ive never held nor fired a real gun before. Before I begin using the gun, I want to learn about them. Inside and out, the same way you'd learn about a car

Are there any links, books, PDF's, videos, anything that I can read or watch online that would teach me about firearms, how they work, their parts, etc?

Thanks

To find some events and people near you, check the Calguns in Your Community sub-forum, also the Calguns Facebook page.

I learned from finding some people to take me shooting, I'd buy ammo and show up with open ears and a closed mouth(unless I wasn't sure about something).

[Vtec44]

What do you want to learn about firearms, the history, mechanical operation, or operating one effectively?

[randy]

The Firing Line in Burbank holds a beginner firearms class every Saturday.

[raygunner]

http://www.raahauges.com/

http://www.ftatv.com/?Page=Home

Here's a couple of links; Raahauges is a full-service range that also hosts the Firearms Training Institute.
Raahauges also sometimes hosts a shooting show in June, co-sponsored by Turners Outdoor that's a good place to shoot weapons of all types and talk with enthusiasts.
Good luck!