First time shooting range

[kevinalvarado1619]

So my gf want to take me to the shooting range so it's mine and hers first time shooting range do I need any classes or anything before we goto shooting range or do they give a run down for free at range let me know guys and any good shooting range in la area

[Josh3239]

Any experience with a gun? If not, you wouldn't be the first. Class is probably the best thing you can do. However strictly obey the gun safety rules and bring a friend who knows guns. If not, see if anyone in the range is friendly. Let the guys at the range know its you first time and they'll give you the rundown on the loading, firing, and unloading procedures. See if they can send someone in to help you. Who knows, I'll bet someone here could help you out.

[kevinalvarado1619]

Ok thanks any good range in la area

[Jaybird]

Shooting range

Just tried the L.A. Gun Club last night in downtown L.A.!! Not bad except they don't let you take brass home(like to sell mine)!! Good size and real friendly staff!! Usually go to O.C. Indoor Range in Brea but they close kinda early!! Also been to Angeles Crest outdoor shooting range which was also very fun!! That one is off the I-5 heading towards Magic Mountain!! Open late on Wednesday evenings!! Have fun wherever you go!! Safe shootin'!!!!

[kevinalvarado1619]

Well cool thanks well people saying to take someone who goes anyone want to go

[BucDan]

If I were in LA, I would be happy to take you on a trip.

[bikr4jc]

Come out to Rancho tonight for the monthly shoot.

[bikr4jc]

Link to shoot tonight

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=9063064#post9063064

[kevinalvarado1619]

Anyone in la lol and rancho till what time

[kevinalvarado1619]

Anyone going to the range in la tonight

[Brandon04GT]

tempting....but I have a cold

[baih777]

Are you going to shoot pistols or rifles? Let the guys at the counter know its your first time. There usually will tell you the basic guidelines for safety at the range.

[AE102]

I applaud you (OP) for posting this question. Today I went to a range I've never been before, heard some negative things about how their safety practices are (TM in Norcal), and as I was renting a lane, 2 20 year old female newbies who've never held a gun before, were allowed to rent a gun and all they had to do was watch the HSC video. The guy behind the counter was showing them how to operate the gun (a Beretta 92FS) and they both had the blank look as if everything he was saying was going right over their head. I was like are you serious? You are letting 2 newbies go in there without any firearm experience? I may come back to this range to look at guns but I'm sorry, I doubt I'll ever come back here to shoot. One wrong turn, and a pull, and a catastrophe will happen. Most other ranges will have at least asked them to perform a gun safety demonstration or in most cases, told them to come back with a friend who's shot before. I was pretty disappointed.

[Merc1138]

I applaud you (OP) for posting this question. Today I went to a range I've never been before, heard some negative things about how their safety practices are (TM in Norcal), and as I was renting a lane, 2 20 year old female newbies who've never held a gun before, were allowed to rent a gun and all they had to do was watch the HSC video. The guy behind the counter was showing them how to operate the gun (a Beretta 92FS) and they both had the blank look as if everything he was saying was going right over their head. I was like are you serious? You are letting 2 newbies go in there without any firearm experience? I may come back to this range to look at guns but I'm sorry, I doubt I'll ever come back here to shoot. One wrong turn, and a pull, and a catastrophe will happen. Most other ranges will have at least asked them to perform a gun safety demonstration or in most cases, told them to come back with a friend who's shot before. I was pretty disappointed.

TM? Just say you went to targetmasters (for some reason now I have "highway to the danger zone" stuck in my head, lol)

kevinalvarado1619, most ranges that rent should have staff willing to show you how stuff works(as long as you're willing to learn) and of course they'll be willing to explain safety rules to you. However, as other people have pointed out it wouldn't be a bad idea to setup a bro-date(lol, maybe calguns should setup a personals section for that) with someone else who knows how to safely operate firearms(and has a few of their own you might be able to try). If you can't find someone to tag along(paying for ammo, their range fees, stuff like that), then you and the GF might want to seriously consider taking a class somewhere. A lot of ranges(not all) have intro classes for handguns/rifles/shotguns, and while you might end up paying a couple hundred dollars between the two of you, odds are you'll have a much better experience with an instructor being nearby instead of wondering if you're doing things right/safely/etc.

[AE102]

Lol newbie to Calguns so I didn't want to be too direct haha. I am a newb to firearms and even I know not to be stupid when it comes to safety. I took a 4hr HSC course through Livingsocial which included classroom time and range time. Just like any sports or hobbies, learn the right way from the beginning because bad habits are hard to change. The 2nd and 3rd times I went to the ranges with experienced shooters friends and it really helps since they keep reminding you the 4 safety rules and give you great tips.