Back in OC and looking for help

[Svetlana]

Hi, I was wondering if there are any groups in the OC area I can attend/join, especially:

1. I do not own a firearm, looking to buy soon.
2. Do not have CA residency yet (not for 2 more months).

I can't say too much publicly, but I really want to learn about gun safety and looking for help on choosing one once I get my residency in a few months.

I'm mainly looking to attend groups/outings, sorry no individuals/coming to someone's house. Also, all the ranges require me to either already have a firearm or be a CA resident (none of them accept out of state IDs).

Thanks in advance, anything personal you want to ask please PM me.

[grantar2]

Svetlana,
There are several groups you can join. Most ranges will allow you to shoot with the out of state ID if your with a local, and your shooting together. Honestly what most are trying to do is prevent you from renting a gun and committing suicide.

A Girl and A Gun Women's Shooting League meets twice a month (they met last night) and has excellent training and the equipment. They meet at FT3 in Stanton.
On-Target in Laguna Niguel has a women's group that meets every Wednesday morning, and I believe the Thursday night also meets weekly. Same thing, meeting, shooting related topic and range time.
Artemis Defense in Lake Forest isn't a live fire range, but they have a women's program that is free, meets every Wednesday or Thursday night (not sure) and has very realist simulator training.
I suspect most ranges have something.
The Crossroads of the West Gun Show is this weekend at the Orange County Fairgrounds, and there are a number of trainers and gun sellers there that you can shop and talk to. Just don't buy at the first vendor or trainer there. You can also take the mandatory firearms safety certificate test at the show. You will need that before you can buy a gun.

[Svetlana]

@grantar2: thanks, I did ask a few ranges about the bringing a friend thing, some said okay but my problem is that my family and friends are very "anti-gun" I have not even mentioned it to any of them yet, not even hints or the word "gun".

I have even considered looking on craigslist for a "gun buddy" but I'm weary of that.

Do I need to bring someone with me to any of those outings/meetings you mentioned? even On Target? Which do you recommend for starters? I'm near Brea btw.

[bigchinner]

OC Indoor Range in Brea is the closest range to you and I'd definitely say "NO" to craigslist. The range is off Berry I believe and Lambert. check if they have a class there. good luck.

[Svetlana]

I recall checking that range, and a few others, as I mentioned before they all say you need to bring a "gun buddy" or your own gun but only if you are CA resident.

[lgm118icbm]

Welcome to Calguns!
We host 2 monthly shoots in OC one in North OC and one in South OC. They are tons of fun! They are very social, we rent out the range, hang out, chat, eat, etc. And we have certified instructors that can get you into the swing of things.

We also offer Women on Target clinics which is a great place to start. We go over all the safety stuff and basics of marks(wo)manship. We provide everything including the gun, ammo, etc.

[Off the Roster]

I have even considered looking on craigslist for a "gun buddy" but I'm weary of that.

No!

[MB3]

Definitely a hell no to craigslist range dates. Thats my opinion at least. If you are ever in San Diego area my woman & I would have no problem letting you test out our personal selection of pistols.

[George W]

you may want to reach out to the California Bears target shooting group.
They have monthly after hours range trips to Angeles range on Wednesday nights.
GW

[Svetlana]

@lgm118icbm: Thanks, is anyone allowed to join the North OC meeting on the 23rd? where will it be held and are there registration fees? (remember I just got back to OC and do not have any guns, I'm just looking for advice and possibly lessons on what's best for me).

@MB3: Appreciate the offer A few times I come by Oceanside, if there is safe range there please let me know.

@George W: If there is a meetup closer to DTLA or OC please let me know, thanks.

[mrlonewolf]

Hi, I was wondering if there are any groups in the OC area I can attend/join, especially:

1. I do not own a firearm, looking to buy soon.
2. Do not have CA residency yet (not for 2 more months).

I can't say too much publicly, but I really want to learn about gun safety and looking for help on choosing one once I get my residency in a few months.

I'm mainly looking to attend groups/outings, sorry no individuals/coming to someone's house. Also, all the ranges require me to either already have a firearm or be a CA resident (none of them accept out of state IDs).

Thanks in advance, anything personal you want to ask please PM me.

Welcome to Calguns.

Enjoy.

[Solid Foundation]

If you're willing to give it some time I'd highly recommend just hanging out in these forums for a while. By doing so you'll be able to start absorbing some information and start to feel a little more competent in deciding what you want to do and who you want to do it with.

Remember, you're talking firearms here. This is not a car, watch, or camera. This is something that can lead to some very serious consequences if you yourself are ignorant or you choose to ally yourself with someone who is (not calling you dumb, but this is the Internet after all... self proclaimed experts are everywhere).

I was looking at ARs a few years ago and after spending a few weeks online, I got a pretty good idea of what I wanted to get and where would be the best place. My tastes have since changed but you get the idea.

I'm assuming you're female by your choice of name. If I'm correct then you should be especially careful. Just as a fly on the wall on some of the threads here, I've noticed we got some serious dogs just looking for a piece of meat.

[Svetlana]

Yes, and I am keeping a weary eye out. (which is sore from watching youtube videos on gun safety for the past 2 weeks).

I'm frustrated because I can't find unbiased information, everyone seems to have an "opinion", even studying the CA gun safety handbook/test online I find biased and some parts dangerous.

Anyways, I'm sticking to attending groups or safe public meetings only for now. Any ones happening near north OC please let me know.

[Solid Foundation]

As far as the safety test goes, err on the side of caution and you'll generally be good to go.
Opinions are usually not going to get you in trouble as the big opinion fights are the non consequential stuff like caliber disputes. Use your common sense to interpret the spirit of the law and you're (again) generally good to go. It's the people that are testing the limits of the letter of the law that get into arguments about opinions.

One of the above recommendations about checking out a class would be a good idea. Ranges I've been to are usually reaching out to female shooters and offering introductory classes. You can spend the next few weeks to do your research online as you wait for your proof of residency.

[jarhead714]

Go to the north OC shoot at Field Time in Stanton. It's a lot of fun and you will meet some jolly folks eager to meet you and teach you things. Well worth the trip!