Jumping into Pistols
 

As it turns out there is a very professional indoor shooting range about 4 miles from our place here in SC. I stopped in, signed a form for lessons and about three days later got a call from an active duty marine shooting coach at Parris island about lessons. He is a 'counter sniper' and has lived this stuff. Wow!

We show up a few days latter at our appointed time and go through his 83 slide MARINE introductory pistol training! Great but intense guy who takes this stuff with all the seriousness it demands. I found it fascinating but my wife was a little intimidated by the parts that emphasized effect kill zones. ;). The core of the training which breaks each element of the process of discharging a weapon down to micro moments was very cool AND useful. We both learned correct posture and hand grips as well as how to aim and of course, how to handle the pistol safely. For my wife, this was great. She is logical and assumed that a gun that someone gives you and tells you is unloads should be safe ;(. She NOW understands you never assume or accept that - you verify while pointing Ina safe direction. Priceless!!

I first shot a Sig P226 9mm and my wife was given a Sig P239 .380. We only shot for about 20 minutes but are both hooked.

I have been back three times, shooting a 1911 .45 cal, a .380 and a .22 cal and my wife once - but we are going again tomorrow. She is much more comfortable with the environment and the idea of discharging a weapon now after our second time there. I love the 1911 .45 cal and am quite comfortable with it.

Lots to learn and after shooting on our own a couple of times more, I intend to go back to our instructor for some more hands-on training.

Now we need to decide what our objective is. Sport, home personal defense, CCW etc. before deciding what our first pistols will be.

Very Cool, I'm heavily into guns (all types, calibers, and brands). I did reloading for over 15 years.

Another gun owner here. Have been for many years. I enjoy the sport, practice often and carry for personal defense.

My preferred handgun is a Springfield Armory 1911 Champion Operator in .45ACP. Great shooter out of the box with a lot of nice custom touches for a very very reasonable price.

Being a gun owner comes with some pretty serious responsibilities, both social and under the law. You should read up on those when you get the opportunity.

If you do go farther into this, I hope you enjoy the hobby!

Wow…… one round of sporting clays and see what I turned you into !

Sounds great and the two of you are going about it in the right way. Looking forward to getting back out with you in the spring, I'll have to let you squeeze the trigger on my Les Baer 'Boss' .45

Michael, I am not sure if it is exactly the same model but I know the .45 I shot was a Smithfield Armory 1911. Of all we have shot so far and as limited as it has been, both of us liked that pistol the best - the Sig P226 a close second. I realize however, the 1911 is not a realistic carry weapon. Craig

Oh and BTW - huge understanding on learning the laws!

Craig.......Congratulations on approaching handgun use by first employing a qualified instructor. That is exactly the correct way to go. You rarely ever get enough training, whether from an instructor or on your own. Also, a big thumbs-up for including your wife in the indoctrination, instructions, and activity. You will enjoy shooting together for sport, and you will gain confidence knowing you are able to rely on each other should it ever become necessary to defend yourself from a serious threat.

My initial weapons training for handguns came from an NRA certified instructor. I have employed several through the years. I got my concealed weapons permit in 1984 and have carried since then. In all those years I have never had to fire my weapon in self defense, but twice I had to display my pistol to halt a serious threat. No shots were fired. Both of those incidents would have turned out entirely different had I been unarmed. I am a firm believer in vigilance, situational awareness, and being prepared to protect myself and my loved ones should a need arise. I would rather carry a gun and never need it than need a gun and not have it. Simple as that.

I taught Marlene how to shoot about 25 years ago, Before that she had never handled a gun. Once she fully understood the basic safety rules and developed enough skill to own a gun, I purchased a Ruger .38 Special for her. We used to shoot together often at various indoor and outdoor ranges and she is fairly good at 25 to 50 feet, holding 4 to 6 inch groups. That's good enough for home and personal defense. These past few years she has not spent as much time as I do at the range but that's ok with me. I usually take rifles and pistols that are too much for her to handle, and I like staying focused without added distractions.

Glad to see you both gaining experience and confidence. You can never be too safe when handling loaded weapons. Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Always double check that weapons are unloaded before cleaning. Keep you finger off the trigger unless you are ready to shoot. Know your target and beyond. Never point a weapon at anything you don't intend to shoot if necessary. I'm fairly certain your instructor touched on all of that. Take the CCW class and both of you get your permits. Go to a range at least once a month, more if you can afford the ammo and indoor ranges fees. It is great fun. Improving your skills is a good thing, too.

My two prayers: I pray I never have to discharge my weapon at another human being and I pray I am never unprepared when I need to be.

Always remember Wyatt Earp's words, "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything." Happy shooting.

Dan... I get the whole not wanting to be distracted thing... :whistle:

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:D

Ivan.......I need to be shooting at your range. . :naughty:

It would probably save me some money, too. Staring is much cheaper than ammo. :yes:

I'm pretty sure the 1911 is a great carry weapon.:thumbsup:

Okay, so maybe I should have added 'concealed' to carry weapon???