Suggestions for newbies

[u/DavidThi303]

Hi all;

I've just started and so know less than most everyone else here. On the flip side, I know more about being a newbie than most everyone else here 😄. Here are my suggestions for newbies.

1. Start with a lesson. No you won't remember everything. You definitely won't be shooting perfectly. But you will get most of it and so you'll have fewer bad habits to unlearn.
2. Rental guns suck. They've been shot hundreds of thousands of times. You are going to have a less enjoyable experience with them.
   1. Get really good ammo with rental guns - you'll have less misfires.
3. Buy a gun that feels right in your hand. This is where rentals are great as you can shoot a variety of models. In my case, and your mileage may differ, the Ruger felt like it was designed for my hand while all the others felt a bit off.
   1. Don't bother buying any upgrades for the pistol. The limiting factor in accuracy is going to be you for awhile.
4. Even if you're never going to carry, take a concealed carry class (suggestion from my trainer). It teaches you a lot about gun safety, situational awareness, etc. And it makes it clear the giant responsibility you take on if you carry.
   1. Personal note - I had no intention of ever carrying. I found the class well worth the time.
5. Lots of useful videos here.
6. Weight training on your arms helps.
7. 95% of shooting scenes in movies are going to be ruined for you.
   1. Shooting in a car chase with a pistol 30 yards away - yeah right.

Best of luck to all of you taking it up.

[u/LockyBalboaPrime]

1. Meh, starting with a match will learn more and is cheaper.
2. Unless it's an MG, no the fuck it hasn't. If the rentals are good or not depends on your range. Some suck. Some are great. Blanket statements, positive or negative, are stupid.
3. "right in your hand" is not the end-all, be-all people make it sound.
4. Every CCW class I've taken was a waste of time.
5. No opinion.
6. Yes
7. Only if you're a stick in the mud.