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Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 7:11 pm
by vickark
I'm in the process of finding my "better-half" a 9mm small frame gun that will fit her hands better. Are there any ranges (nearHouston) that have guns to try out? I'm looking at Tarus,kel-tec , bersa-etc.
She wants to be able to shoot one before we buy it. She's going for her CHL in the near future.
She was able to shoot my p95 today, but just needs a smaller sized gun.
Thanks a million for any help.
Keep on shootin'
![fire :fire](./images/smilies/fire.gif)
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 7:53 pm
by seamusTX
Send her to the PSC range women-only shoots, first Saturday of every month.
Please don't get fixated on compact or micro pistols like Kel-Tec and Bersa. They have poor sights, pack a nasty kick, and are hard to control. I have one, and learned to use it, but it is not a piece to get started with.
Women can pack surprisingly large handguns well (and surprise is a valuable advantage).
- Jim
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 10:14 pm
by Kevinf2349
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2009 10:51 pm
by TLynnHughes
seamusTX wrote:
Please don't get fixated on compact or micro pistols like Kel-Tec and Bersa. They have poor sights, pack a nasty kick, and are hard to control. I have one, and learned to use it, but it is not a piece to get started with.
Women can pack surprisingly large handguns well (and surprise is a valuable advantage).
- Jim
I started off with a smaller gun as well for all the usual gender specific reasons. And....I almost stopped going to the range because of it. I got my H&K USP and now I have a great time shooting. The difference in accuracy is amazing. And being able to hit the center of my target when I aim for it translates to having fun which means I want to do it more often which translates into more range time....
On a side note...and CompVest can correct me if I'm wrong...there aren't a whole lot of opportunities to try out different guns at the Women's Program. We either bring our own guns or there are .22's to borrow for shooting. But she should come on out anyway. As I said before, we have wicked fun!!!
T.
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:07 am
by Skiprr
Listen to TLynnHughes.
There is nothing better you can do for your wife than have her join the women-only class at PSC.
She will receive sensitive, attentive, and professional instruction from one of the best: our own CompVest. A former California Highway Patrol Officer assigned to the infamous Rampart Division, CompVest was the first woman to be five-gun certified in the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). She remains the only woman certified five-gun Expert.
CompVest received the NRA's 2009 Marion P. Hammer award for meritorious work in leading, teaching, and promoting our right to keep and bear arms.
You can't get much better instruction than that.
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 8:41 am
by vickark
Thanks for all the ideas. Helps me "weed out" some of the compact guns. I think she wants to try to stay with the 9mm, she feels comfy with that.
I see a lot about PSC on here. Could you tell me what it is and where is it located.
All the folks on this forum have been a wealth of information and i can't tell you how much it is appreciated.
Keep on shootin'
![fire :fire](./images/smilies/fire.gif)
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:22 am
by seamusTX
PSC Range is a membership club in Friendswood. It is on FM 528 a few miles east of state route 35. It is a great facility run by great people. I would apply for membership if it weren't so far to drive.
It has a huge variety of activities, events and classes.
This kind of place is completely unlike a public range where you have goofballs wandering in and some crabby rangemaster telling you what not to do.
- Jim
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:31 am
by TLynnHughes
seamusTX wrote:PSC Range is a membership club in Friendswood. It is on FM 528 a few miles east of state route 35. It is a great facility run by great people. I would apply for membership if it weren't so far to drive.
It has a huge variety of activities, events and classes.
This kind of place is completely unlike a public range where you have goofballs wandering in and some crabby rangemaster telling you what not to do.
- Jim
You got that crabby rangemaster thing exactly right! It seems like every public range I've gone to there's at least one.
T.
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:38 am
by TraCoun
seamusTX wrote:PSC Range is a membership club in Friendswood. It is on FM 528 a few miles east of state route 35. It is a great facility run by great people. I would apply for membership if it weren't so far to drive.
- Jim
Something to put into your decision to join or not join PSC is that PSC members generally get a lower rate on matches and classes.
As an example, the IDPA match fee is $ 12 for members, $ 18 for non-members. The extra $ goes straight to the Club to cover maintenance, etc.
The Womens Program has a similar structure.
Thanx,
TraCoun
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:45 am
by seamusTX
TLynnHughes wrote:You got that crabby rangemaster thing exactly right! It seems like every public range I've gone to there's at least one.
I don't blame them for being crabby, given what they have to deal with.
Until they get to know you, they give everyone the "lowest common denominator" treatment.
- Jim
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:41 am
by LarryH
TLynnHughes wrote:
On a side note...and CompVest can correct me if I'm wrong...there aren't a whole lot of opportunities to try out different guns at the Women's Program. We either bring our own guns or there are .22's to borrow for shooting. But she should come on out anyway. As I said before, we have wicked fun!!!
T.
The opportunity may not always be formally mentioned, but if you see another shooter who has a gun that might interest you, you can ask to shoot a few rounds after the formal program is complete.
For example, my wife usually shoots her Sig 229 9mm at these events and wouldn't mind letting you fire off a magazine full. She may also have her Beretta Cheetah and Browning BDA (both .380) there. In fact, she would be willing to meet someone at the range and let him/her/them shoot any of them. PM me for her email address, if you're interested. (My CZ 75 9mm and Kimber Pro Carry, not to mention a Ruger Blackhawk and Security Six (both .357 magnum/.38 special) could also be available for a try-out with prior coordination).
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:09 pm
by TLynnHughes
LarryH wrote:TLynnHughes wrote:
On a side note...and CompVest can correct me if I'm wrong...there aren't a whole lot of opportunities to try out different guns at the Women's Program. We either bring our own guns or there are .22's to borrow for shooting. But she should come on out anyway. As I said before, we have wicked fun!!!
T.
The opportunity may not always be formally mentioned, but if you see another shooter who has a gun that might interest you, you can ask to shoot a few rounds after the formal program is complete.
For example, my wife usually shoots her Sig 229 9mm at these events and wouldn't mind letting you fire off a magazine full. She may also have her Beretta Cheetah and Browning BDA (both .380) there. In fact, she would be willing to meet someone at the range and let him/her/them shoot any of them. PM me for her email address, if you're interested. (My CZ 75 9mm and Kimber Pro Carry, not to mention a Ruger Blackhawk and Security Six (both .357 magnum/.38 special) could also be available for a try-out with prior coordination).
Oh absolutely! My H&K is available at each Women's Program if someone wants to try it. AND, I'll bring along the Taurus PT111 if someone wants to try it on for size.
T.
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:25 pm
by vickark
Everyone has been a fantastic help. I think we'll go out today and see how the different guns grip feels to her. Then we can start from there.
Thanks a million for your valued info and offers. Great group !
Keep on shootin'
![fire :fire](./images/smilies/fire.gif)
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:18 am
by vickark
Well- my "better-half" has found a gun that she is happy with. We found a taurus 709 "slim" in a 9mm. She liked the feel of it and the slide action.
My only concern was the long trigger pull and the hefty trigger spring.May take a little getting used to. It does have more recoil than my p95-9mm
because of the lighter weight. She didn't seem to mind that as much .
We tried it out at Marksman range last evening and she loved it. She kept her targets which she put one on the oven range hood (i think i've created a monster-LOL)
I think i can see my supply of 9mm ammo diminishing.
Thanks for everyones imput
Keep on shootin'
![fire :fire](./images/smilies/fire.gif)
Re: Gun range for trying out guns
Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:23 am
by TLynnHughes
Congratulate her on the new acquisition!
It's terrific that she found one that she's happy with all the way around. I'll be looking for her at the women's program some time.
T.