I’d like to get into shooting. Probably mostly going to a range maybe once or twice a week.
I’d like to mostly shoot a rifle, but I’d like some recommendations on - getting a firm footing on the basics (safety, storage, loading, cleaning, etc.) - whether that is via online resources, books, augmented with in-person training, etc.
Also when it comes to a decent rifle for eventual purchase - I’m up for recommendations.
I started with a 22 rifle. They’re inexpensive and the ammo is inexpensive as well. My first was a Henry AR-7 survival rifle but a Ruger 10-22 would be a great option as well.
Always have a 22lr and always buy ammo when it’s cheap and easy to get. The run on ammo happens every frw years and dry spells emerge.
So OP 22lr first, the focus on other calibers.
I’d suggest a 10/22 as it’s cheap, reliable and easy to shoot. Or if you want to spend more. Get a CZ and hate every other manufacturer ever.
Search your area for a gun range, and talk to the employees. I imagine they’d appreciate the conversation with someone who wants to learn rather than everyone that just goes and pretends to be a cowboy for an hour.
Here are the absolute basics of gun safety
The firearm is always loaded and cocked even if you just unloaded it and think it’s not.
Never ever ever point your firearm at anything you don’t want to destroy/kill
A safety is a mechanical device that can and will fail when you need it the most. Never trust a safety.
Never hand someone a loaded firearm.
Also
- Beware of your target and what’s beyond it: Paper targets will never stop a bullet. You best have a backstop that will, especially if you live somewhere flat.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready and about to fire. Even when you’re reloading and have the muzzle pointed down range. Not until the moment you need to fire.
- Alcohol is for after your day at the range and when everything is put away, absolutely NOT before or during. Operating a firearm under the influence of drugs/alcohol is probably the only thing more dangerous than operating a motor vehicle on a highway under the influence
Google, memorize, and commit to muscle memory the 4 rules of gun safety!
I’d also recommend starting with a cheap .22. preferably bolt action so you learn to aim first.
I’m going to suggest the old standard ruger 10-22.
Simple enough for a beginner to maintain well, but solid enough to enjoy for a lifetime. It’s also customizable, with plenty of options out there.
As far as training, nothing beats in person, and it’s one of those things where it’s important enough to get the training from someone that may not be political ally if need be. You just can’t get the kind of correction needed as you’re learning without an experienced shooter helping. It isn’t something you can read your way through entirely. In person is the default, with books and videos augmenting, not the other way around.
If your goal is short range shooting only at a range, you might as well go ahead and get friendly with whatever range you’ll be going to, and you can’t really guarantee you’ll even like anyone there. That’s tangential to what you’re asking, but it is important to keep in mind that you’ll be running across a lot of people at most ranges that are much farther right than you might prefer. So go into it with that awareness, and it won’t be a problem. Don’t let the political divide prevent you from good shooting guidance.
I’d recommend tech sights to go with the 10/22. Gets you familiarized with AR/M16 iron sights with a longer sight radius over stock.
Agreed with in person training. If you feel like you need to look up supplemental training, look up bad shooting habits and do your best not to fall too deep into them. Lots of shooters bring friends or family to shoot for the first time without realizing they have them, then pass it along to the new shooter. Anticipating the shot was a problem for me for years. It took a lot of practice to overcome.
With the right attitude you can get guidance from almost anyone at the range. From my experience, the better shooters tend to check politics at the door.