advice for new pistol shooter? (rifle too?) - how to gain experience in advance

[zombee]

Hello everyone,

Ranges will generally require probationary shoots for membership applicants. (I believe) One of the requirements is to actually hit your target.

I believe I'm reasonably accurate for a complete newbie (did a $100 introductory package at Target Sports, but the distances were *very* short), but I'm wondering, if you need practice to gain accuracy, short of having a friend bring you as a guest to their range, how is someone supposed to gain experience shooting handgun to pass probationary shoots?

Also, regarding rifle, the club I'll be applying to requires probationary shoots with rifle as well. Unless you already have a sighted-in rifle, hitting paper might be difficult. I've already been recommended to buy a boresighted rifle+scope package to start out, but my guess is the sighting still needs to be refined. (I would prefer to pick my own rifle and scope combination for long-term use.)

I appreciate any and all advice/comments. Thank you!

 

[Wendell]

Regular practice with a (non-firearm) air rifle and/or a (non-firearm) air pistol can go a long way toward hard-wiring your marksmanship skills. Each day, make some time, shoot some groups.

 

[DeadlyNinja]

It's more likely that the purpose of the probationary shoot is for you to demonstrate that you can handle and operate the various firearms safely and according to the club rules. They're not worried so much about what kind of bullseye scores you'll be posting, they just want to be sure you won't be killing yourself or someone else, or damaging the facilities.