Our most popular local shooting range is also a gunshop. They have a variety of weapons that customers can check-out into the range, which allows a buyer to get a feel for different weapons. They offer NRA-sanctioned firearms safety and also schedule state-sanctioned hunter safety courses during hunting season. They have exclusive ladies' classes (taught by female instructors) and mixed classes. It's a full-service stop. I'm betting most cities have similar ranges.

Experienced shooters are very eager to help a newbie, but you're better-off seeking an NRA sanctioned firearms safety course, first. Learn safety first and everything else is gravy.

If you don't learn safety first then you're destined to put a big hole in in a place it shouldn't be ... like a foot when you decide to learn quick-draw. I'll bet feet and legs are the most frequently shot part of the body. Anybody know?

Unless you have a small neighborhood gun shop (a house of worship) I'd start by calling a big, fancy-schmancy outdoors store and see where that leads you.

B