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CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 03:02 PM
1st time at the range! I am no longer a virgin...lol. I shot both the 40 S&W and the Ruger SP101 .357 magnum (using 38 special rounds). I shot 50 of each and was all over the place with the Ruger. I did manage a single bullseye with the S&W. :bear_w00t: I guess I should qualify it more...besides being my first time ever, it was outdoors in 30 degree weather/wind chill of 17 and standing on uneven packed snow. So overall I cant complain and I can see how people get addicted to this. :tongue_ma:

Ag_man | 01-03-2009 03:41 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Congrats! I don't live too far from Madison and can testify that the weather today was far from ideal, cold and windy. How far were you shooting? Did you try any of the .357 ammo in your Ruger?

CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 03:48 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Ag_man (Post 1493295) Congrats! I don't live too far from Madison and can testify that the weather today was far from ideal, cold and windy. How far were you shooting? Did you try any of the .357 ammo in your Ruger?
I was shooting from 10 yards. For the Ruger, I only shot the 38 special ammo but next time I will try the 357 and see if that makes any difference. I could use some tips on aiming. Do you guys look with one eye closed or both eyes open? I was shooting with the right eye closed since I have better vision in the left eye, but I am not sure what is the proper way to be honest...lol.

Twisted Avatar | 01-03-2009 04:20 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! I remember the first time I pulled that trigger........... BOOM!!!! I didnt jump but was shaking ,like a dam leaf in the wind, at the power and recoil. By time I finished the first mag I was over the phobia then the adrenlaine started to kick in ......... Hasnt left since :ok: Congrats my good man!!! T

CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 04:22 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Twisted Avatar (Post 1493335) I remember the first time I pulled that trigger........... BOOM!!!! I didnt jump but I was shaking like dam leaf at the power and recoil. By time I finished the first mag I was over the phobia then the adrenlaine started to kick in ......... Hasnt left since :ok: Congrats my good man!!! T
Thanks bro....I was pretty relaxed surprisingly. I think it was just too damm cold to be any different. When I got back in the car, I realized just how frozen my hands were after 45 minutes out there. I need to get to an indoor range though and see how things go there. It was definitely a rush though....wow! :coolbeer:

Twisted Avatar | 01-03-2009 04:31 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by CoinHunter53562 (Post 1493337) Thanks bro....I was pretty relaxed surprisingly. I think it was just too damm cold to be any different. When I got back in the car, I realized just how frozen my hands were after 45 minutes out there. I need to get to an indoor range though and see how things go there. It was definitely a rush though....wow! :coolbeer:
The second are third times are much more enjoyable because you have already started to have muscle memory and also much of the prior aniexty is gone. Yeah, an indoor will be a blast..........LITTERALLY.:ok: T

Mill Man | 01-03-2009 04:37 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by CoinHunter53562 (Post 1493304) I was shooting from 10 yards. For the Ruger, I only shot the 38 special ammo but next time I will try the 357 and see if that makes any difference. I could use some tips on aiming. Do you guys look with one eye closed or both eyes open? I was shooting with the right eye closed since I have better vision in the left eye, but I am not sure what is the proper way to be honest...lol.
Glad you had fun out there. I love shooting. Even just punching paper is a blast for me. I'll take a stack of computer paper and shoot for hours. Personally I keep both eyes open. If there were a real life scenario I would want maximum field of vision but I've talked to some people (including serious competition shooters) who can't do it without seeing double. As for aiming they say focus on the front sight and let the rest fall into place. I just recently took the NRA basic pistol class down at the local gunshop. It was $90 for the 8 hour class. The instructor said he was supposed to talk about the NRA for a half hour and we were supposed to take a test which was open book and you can talk to the rest of the class. Fortunately he cut that stuff out and just increased our range time. I would highly recommend looking for one in your area.

CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 04:49 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Mill Man (Post 1493361) Glad you had fun out there. I love shooting. Even just punching paper is a blast for me. I'll take a stack of computer paper and shoot for hours. Personally I keep both eyes open. If there were a real life scenario I would want maximum field of vision but I've talked to some people (including serious competition shooters) who can't do it without seeing double. As for aiming they say focus on the front sight and let the rest fall into place. I just recently took the NRA basic pistol class down at the local gunshop. It was $90 for the 8 hour class. The instructor said he was supposed to talk about the NRA for a half hour and we were supposed to take a test which was open book and you can talk to the rest of the class. Fortunately he cut that stuff out and just increased our range time. I would highly recommend looking for one in your area.
I see double too when I have both eyes open. Part of the problem is my vision is not the same in both eyes. One eye is 20/20 while the other is 14/20 or 20/14 or something like that (been awhile since I had them checked) so it creates problems in certain situations...like aiming a gun accurately. :banghead: The NRA class or some handgun shooting/safety class is definitely something I am thinking about.

Mill Man | 01-03-2009 04:54 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Make sure any class you take has range time with adequate instruction. That was really the big benefit for me. You can read about it and be told about it till you're blue in the face but it comes down to doing it and having someone there who can correct your mistakes. My groups tightened right up and made shooting even more enjoyable for me.

Twisted Avatar | 01-03-2009 04:59 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by CoinHunter53562 (Post 1493383) I see double too when I have both eyes open. Part of the problem is my vision is not the same in both eyes. One eye is 20/20 while the other is 14/20 or 20/14 or something like that (been awhile since I had them checked) so it creates problems in certain situations...like aiming a gun accurately. :banghead: All you got to do is just aim CENTER MASS and tripple tap from the business end .........its all over after that. The NRA class or some handgun shooting/safety class is definitely something I am thinking about.
I give this the HIGHEST RECOMENDATION......... you need to go to that class ASAP before you start to get into any bad or worse DANGEROUS HABBITS...... you know enough if you were thrust into a emergency situation to handle it ...... now get the proper training from qualifed instructors......... that way if YOU HAVE TO TEACH THIS ONE DAY .......you will be teaching good habbits. My Momma would always tell me: Anything worth doing ...........is doing right. And I just absolutely know you are not trying to tell me MY MOMMA IS WRONG NOW ARE YOU ???? T

Mill Man | 01-03-2009 05:09 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! I think its said in book on pistol tactics that I have but the quote is basically, "If you think you'll rise to the occasion you are wrong. You will simply revert back to your level of training." I can't agree with that more.

Twisted Avatar | 01-03-2009 05:37 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Mill Man (Post 1493414) I think its said in book on pistol tactics that I have but the quote is basically, "If you think you'll rise to the occasion you are wrong. You will simply revert back to your level of training." I can't agree with that more.
Wow.......now that is some serious food for thought right there.....in all areas of our lives. Great share :ok: T

SAUM | 01-03-2009 05:52 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! CH, I too am a strong left eye right handed person. It will feel awkward at first but you must learn how to use your left hand as your trigger hand for aimed shots. Off handed (not aiming) I shoot better with my right hand, but when taking aimed shots I find that handguns will not line up properly unless I use the left index finger on the trigger. Here's a google search for you. http://www.google.com/search?q=stron...ient=firefox-a

Ag_man | 01-03-2009 06:19 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Something that always helped me was a little paint on the front sight. http://www.brightsights.com/index.shtml

TomD | 01-03-2009 06:57 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! There are too many things about safety, gun maintenance and the mechanics of proper shooting to learn by trial and error. You REALLY need to be instructed, either by a mentor or classes.

Dawg | 01-03-2009 07:53 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by CoinHunter53562 (Post 1493383) I see double too when I have both eyes open. Part of the problem is my vision is not the same in both eyes. One eye is 20/20 while the other is 14/20 or 20/14 or something like that (been awhile since I had them checked) so it creates problems in certain situations...like aiming a gun accurately. :banghead: The NRA class or some handgun shooting/safety class is definitely something I am thinking about.
Where did you go, Bristol? One thing that you can do, is focus on your target and not the sights and you will not see double with both eyes open.

ohioarmedneutrality | 01-03-2009 08:44 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Congrats on the popping of the gun cherry! And welcome to the wonderful world of plinkers! As for using one eye or both eyes, I usually lean toward right eye open since it seems most natural being right handed. I start with the rear site, then right before I pull the trigger I focus on the front site. I'm not sure if that's the technically correct way, but that is how I do it. But yeah if you can get some training from a qualified instructor, go for it.

mtnman | 01-03-2009 10:37 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Here's a test to tell which eye is dominant: Determining your Dominant Eye Be sure that you check your eye dominance before buying your first bow. This is an often overlooked but one of the most important discoveries for any person or athlete who is participating in any sport that requires physical movement to propel an object accurately to a target or position on a field. A shooter should always have the bow string directly in front of the predominant eye as the arrow is attached to the bowstring and the back and front of the arrow must be in alignment for an accurate shot. The following method is one of the easiest ways to checking eye dominance for both adults and even very young children: http://www.archeryweb.com/archery/images/eyedom.gif Extend both hands forward of your body and place the hands together making a small triangle (approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch per side) between your thumbs and the first knuckle. With both eyes open, look through the triangle and center something such as a doorknob or the bullseye of a target in the triangle. Close your left eye. If the object remains in view, you are right eye dominant. If your hands appear to move off the object and move to the left, then you are left eye dominant. To validate the first test, look through the triangle and center the object again with both eyes open. Close your right eye. If the object remains in view, you are left eye dominant. If your hands appear to move off the object and move to the right, then you are right eye dominant. One more alternative method is to assume the same position with your hands forming the triangle around the object and have both eyes open. Now, slowly bring your hands toward your face while continuing to look at the object with both eyes open. When your hands touch your face, the triangle opening should be in front of your dominant eye. Repeat the above tests a number of times to satisfy yourself that you are sure which eye is your dominant eye. Right eye dominant people should partake in all shooting sports as right-handed participants. Left eye dominant people should participate as lefties. Exceptions can be made to this general rule but most of the exceptions have to do with physical adversities.

Caligula | 01-03-2009 11:09 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by mtnman (Post 1493903) Here's a test to tell which eye is dominant: .
HOLY CRAP. I am left eye dominant. Should I be closing my right when I shoot? Man, do I feel stupid. Thanks for posting that.

CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 11:18 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg (Post 1493690) Where did you go, Bristol? One thing that you can do, is focus on your target and not the sights and you will not see double with both eyes open.
Yep it was Bristol. I am looking for one closer to home. I think there is one in Lodi, but I need to confirm that. If you know of any indoor ranges besides Deerfield, I would be interested in hearing about it.

CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 11:20 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by mtnman (Post 1493903) Here's a test to tell which eye is dominant: Determining your Dominant Eye Be sure that you check your eye dominance before buying your first bow. This is an often overlooked but one of the most important discoveries for any person or athlete who is participating in any sport that requires physical movement to propel an object accurately to a target or position on a field. A shooter should always have the bow string directly in front of the predominant eye as the arrow is attached to the bowstring and the back and front of the arrow must be in alignment for an accurate shot. The following method is one of the easiest ways to checking eye dominance for both adults and even very young children: http://www.archeryweb.com/archery/images/eyedom.gif Extend both hands forward of your body and place the hands together making a small triangle (approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch per side) between your thumbs and the first knuckle. With both eyes open, look through the triangle and center something such as a doorknob or the bullseye of a target in the triangle. Close your left eye. If the object remains in view, you are right eye dominant. If your hands appear to move off the object and move to the left, then you are left eye dominant. To validate the first test, look through the triangle and center the object again with both eyes open. Close your right eye. If the object remains in view, you are left eye dominant. If your hands appear to move off the object and move to the right, then you are right eye dominant. One more alternative method is to assume the same position with your hands forming the triangle around the object and have both eyes open. Now, slowly bring your hands toward your face while continuing to look at the object with both eyes open. When your hands touch your face, the triangle opening should be in front of your dominant eye. Repeat the above tests a number of times to satisfy yourself that you are sure which eye is your dominant eye. Right eye dominant people should partake in all shooting sports as right-handed participants. Left eye dominant people should participate as lefties. Exceptions can be made to this general rule but most of the exceptions have to do with physical adversities.
Wow this is one of the most helpful things I have seen in a long time. I am definitely left eye dominant. Thanks for posting this.

Ringhunter | 01-03-2009 11:22 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg (Post 1493690) Where did you go, Bristol? One thing that you can do, is focus on your target and not the sights and you will not see double with both eyes open.
What are the rates at Bristol now? Used to go there but too many people sticking their nose into my business, tends to happen when your shooting a broomhandle

CoinHunter53562 | 01-03-2009 11:41 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Ringhunter (Post 1493945) What are the rates at Bristol now? Used to go there but too many people sticking their nose into my business, tends to happen when your shooting a broomhandle
It's $5 with no time limit, but they are only open on Saturdays 10am-2pm and Wednesdays 4pm-6pm for the public. The guy said to join the club for a year is $75.

Ag_man | 01-03-2009 11:49 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by CoinHunter53562 (Post 1493938) Yep it was Bristol. I am looking for one closer to home. I think there is one in Lodi, but I need to confirm that. If you know of any indoor ranges besides Deerfield, I would be interested in hearing about it.
There is one in Lodi, but I think it is outdoor only. My friend used to shoot his 50 BMG there, until they closed the range to .50 BMG. It has the longest rifle range in WI, from what he says, 1000 yd. Where is the indoor range in Deerfield?

Ringhunter | 01-04-2009 12:07 AM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Ag_man (Post 1493969) There is one in Lodi, but I think it is outdoor only. My friend used to shoot his 50 BMG there, until they closed the range to .50 BMG. It has the longest rifle range in WI, from what he says, 1000 yd. Where is the indoor range in Deerfield?
There's the Outdoorsman Sport Shop in Winthrop Harbor IL that has a nice indoor range

CoinHunter53562 | 01-04-2009 12:24 AM
Re: 1st time at the range! Quote:
Originally Posted by Ag_man (Post 1493969) There is one in Lodi, but I think it is outdoor only. My friend used to shoot his 50 BMG there, until they closed the range to .50 BMG. It has the longest rifle range in WI, from what he says, 1000 yd. Where is the indoor range in Deerfield?
I've never been there but it was recommended to me by the guy at the gun shop. http://www.deerfieldpistol.com/pages/index.html

TTAZZMAN | 01-04-2009 05:05 PM
Re: 1st time at the range! you will see a huge difference shooting 357s thru the gun vs 38s .....38s are comfortable....357s will work your hand over(you wont be wanting to shoot many for sure) I see Mtman has shown you the eye dominance thing, I personally shoot any guns with open sights with both eyes open, i focus target...back to frount site...back thru rear site.....after a while you will only see the target and the frount site I would highly highly recommend a few lessons to get you started right on stances ..hand positions...trigger control...etc.

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