A step in the right direction

[budroux2w]

I don't have my chl as of yet but I have been working on the funds to go about it. I have been out of shooting for several years and even then it was long guns so I don't have much experience with pistols especially semis. Well I was out looking around and not planning on picking anything up but I saw something that caught my eye. A "used" Ruger SR9. This gun still had the factory qc sticker on it and zero wear on the inside. The price was right so I picked it up today. Now it's time to find a local range (Bass Pro maybe) and get to know her a little better. This is the first firearm I've actualy purchased myself and I'm really excited.

Any tips on public ranges? I've always shot on private land. Thanks!

[seamusTX]

Congratulations.

Re: public ranges. Read the rules. Understand them. Ask questions if you don't. Follow the rangemaster's directions.

Most public ranges want you to step back entirely from the bench during cease-fires, and to have a loaded weapon only at the firing line, only when the range is hot.

I don't know about Bass Pro specifically -- never been there to shoot.

- Jim

[C-dub]

I can't really say if Bass Pro's range is good or bad. The only other indoor range I've been to is The Bullet Trap for the CHL class and qualification. They seem about the same to me. I would say it was okay. There's is only 6-7 slots and sometimes one or more is down because some sharp shooter shot out the target mechanism. The lighting isn't great, but it's good enough. It is usually pretty relaxed and I usually get in quick enough. The price is for one hour, but I hardly ever take that long. Since you don't have to wait for the range to clear before checking your target it goes much quicker.

The range itself is not temperature controlled. If it is cold outside it will be cool in the range. If it is hot outside it will be warm in the range.

I think they allow silhouettes now, since they hold CHL classes.

[gigag04]

OP - You may want to spend some time with an instructor, one on one, to reacquaint yourself with safe handling of a weapon. Especially if you are more familiar with long guns, handguns function quite differently.

[budroux2w]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

gigag, that's a great idea. I'll start looking into some classes, more firearm education/training never hurts.

[Abraham]

A few very basic tips on safety since you now have the pistol, but perhaps little pistol handling training:

Don't point it at yourself.

Yeah, that sounds like a "duh" tip, but if you're new to pistols it's a pretty easy thing to do...most especially when holstering.

Don't "sweep" people - that is don't carelessly point your pistol at others, ever. Even if you're sure it's unloaded.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you're aiming. Index it - that is lay your trigger finger on the side of the pistol above the trigger guard. I'm sure you've soldiers do this with their rifles. People have a tendency to put their finger on the trigger when they first start handling a pistol. (Maybe it comes from playing with toy pistols when younger)

There is of course more to learn, but that's a start.

[budroux2w]

Thanks for the tips Abraham. I do most of that now, I've even noticed it with windex bottles, because I've always been that way with my long guns. The holstering part of it I will have to make a conscious effort since I've never holstered a long gun hah. I do have a .22 revolver that I have been working with safely (i.e. unloaded) and working on training myself and getting used to having something there.

[j1132s]

Any tips on public ranges? I've always shot on private land. Thanks!

Congrats on the new pistol. As for range tips: follow the posted rules and tell the range officer that it's your first time.

[budroux2w]

Here's a pic I finally got around to uploading.

[BADBUBBA]

I also have the SR9 I can tell you if this a new gun. Be sure you take it a part and clean & oil before you shoot it. Ruger uses heavy grease
from the factory. I had feed issues with mine the first time i shot it. I did not know to take it apart and clean it before I shot it the fisrt time.

[budroux2w]

I also have the SR9 I can tell you if this a new gun. Be sure you take it a part and clean & oil before you shoot it. Ruger uses heavy grease
from the factory. I had feed issues with mine the first time i shot it. I did not know to take it apart and clean it before I shot it the fisrt time.

Thanks for the tip, I've already cleaned up the old stuff and lightly oiled it. I need to get some better gun oil. How do you like it? I still haven't gone to the range yet, having a little trouble finding 9mm but I haven't used up all my resources yet.

[BADBUBBA]

I like my SR9. havent had any problems since i took it home and cleaned it. I used it this past weekend when i took my chl class.