guns....
 

first off, this does not have anything to do with the problems i am having in the neighborhood, so dont assume im trying to learn to shoot people. ok, i have wanted to learn to shoot for a long time, i have never shot a real gun, nothing. i would like to learn about guns, not only about them, but saftey also. so i guess my real question is,does anyone know a web site with info on all this stuff?

I have never been professionally trained but my first instructor was an oldtimer NRA reps at one of the BSA camps. Perhaps the NRA website is a good place to start. They do have literature there for safe firearm practices.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp

www.thefiringline.com

Lots of information, lots of opinions, some BS...

You might also check out a local firing range and tell them that you want to learn to shoot. For a few bucks, you can learn the basics real quick I would think.

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

find your local bass pro shop, im thinking of getting back into rifle shooting. used to shoot a .30 cal(which i belive was an M1) and an assortment of .22 match rifles, and my .128 cal air rifle in JROTC.

Start Small
 

.22LR is a good starter, and still a lot of fun once you get decent at shooting. You can get a decent .22 rifle for well under $200, and it will last for decades if you take care of it. Plus the ammunition is dirt-cheap, unless you get target ammo, which I wouldn't recommend starting out.

Shooting .22's at the range costs me about $10 for a session. If I get out something bigger, my ammunition costs shoot up to at least $50.

Talk to the NRA, and join while you are at it.

I second the above advice, a .22 rifle is a great way to start.

Nra
 

I'd agree with the idea of an NRA sanctioned course. Any gunshop should be able to provide you with info. As you are in Mesa you probably have a Big5 near you... I'd suggest inquiring there. They only do long guns but are usually rather helpful. They are one of my chief milsurp suppliers.

- Peter.

I would agree with a .22LR as a starter. A simple bolt gun would be excellent to train on like a open sight Ruger 77/22. Easy to disassemble and clean. The Marlins, Remingtons, and Winchesters are nice shooters.

Another option is to find an older 22LR rifle which is in good condition but broken in as the actions smooth out after some use. There are some good consignment deals out there. You might even find something unique or rare!

Ditto everything said regarding NRA, be sure to join as well. Don't know if there is a Bas Pro Shop in the greater Phoenix area but there is a brand spanking new Cabela's in Glendale, right off the 101 at Glendale Blvd. I was just there this afternoon.

a fine german air pistol or rifle is also alot of fun and can be used where and when your firearm can't be. Do some searches. I like the Beeman R7.

I echo the above sentiments - .22LR is a great starters round. It's abundant, cheap, fun, and you can shoot it pretty much anywhere.
As for safety, let us not forget the four ground rules laid down by the Late Jeff Cooper:

The Four Rules
1. All firearms are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.

That's a good start - happy hunting and good luck! Another one to the gun owners!

Hey Unleashed. Welcome to the forum. I'm also an ex Durban RSA man.

- Peter.

Founded in 1933, the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA)
 

Learn to aim and shoot a Muzzle Loading Rifle first.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Muzzle_Loading_Rifle_Association

Long Range Muzzle Loader
http://www.lrml.org/

SO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT BLACK POWDER SHOOTING
WHY COMPETE WITH MUZZLELOADERS?
http://www.obrpc.org/black_powder/blackpow_reg.htm

The Almost Complete List of
Muzzle Loading and Buckskinning Links
http://www.coon-n-crockett.org/linklist.htm

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=muzzle+load+gun+club&btnG=Google+Search





Have a great day.