Beginner Handgun Shooting Instruction

Baitcaster

Baitcaster

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Hi,

Forgive me if this topic has been discussed elsewhere (I looked but didn't find anything). I've completed the Restricted Firearms Safety Course and am in the process of getting my RPAL. I've never shot a handgun before and I am having trouble finding anyone who offers beginner handgun shooting instruction. Can anyone point me to a good instructor?

Thanks in advance.

Chris
 
An excellent and free option is to attend a meeting of your gun club and during the "New Business" portion stand up and introduce yourself and explain your situation in brief terms. Likely as not someone will either volunteer to be your introductory guide or know someone that can help you out. I've yet to find a group or club that does not have a couple of folks that go out of their way to help new handgun shooters in this way.

Ammo is on you so pick the caliber you want to shoot and buy a few boxes to bring along.

Picking a gun that fits and suits you well is also a tough one. Showing up at one of the matches and helping with taping and such is a great way to earn you some magazines worth of shooting from the other competitors. And that will give you some exposure to some different handguns. It's also a great way to see if the competitions they are shooting look like something you would like to try.
 
Baitcaster said:
Hi,

Forgive me if this topic has been discussed elsewhere (I looked but didn't find anything). I've completed the Restricted Firearms Safety Course and am in the process of getting my RPAL. I've never shot a handgun before and I am having trouble finding anyone who offers beginner handgun shooting instruction. Can anyone point me to a good instructor?

Thanks in advance.

Chris
Click to expand...
joining a gun club is a good start:cheers:
 
gambit said:
joining a gun club is a good start:cheers:
Click to expand...

Yup, and just ask, people would willing to help.
When I bought my pistol I emptied a mag without getting one shot on the paper.
Asked a guy who worked there to spend a couple of minutes with me, and he was able to watch what I was doing and correct the issue immediately.
I was anticipating the recoil and over compensating instead of just letting the gun shoot.
 
Paatz said:
I was anticipating the recoil and over compensating instead of just letting the gun shoot.
Click to expand...

Yes. I made that mistake too.

New shooters need to try different handguns and calibers before they purchase their own.

My first handgun was SIG in 45ACP. After finally getting half decent at it, 2 years later I tried 9mm and was surprised how easy it is to shoot accurately.

Then I tried 1911 and was again pleasantly surprised how it didn't feel like 45 in a SIG. It just pushed back into my hand. No wonder people love 1911s.
 
Silverdale Gun Club has a new shooters package that might help you out. Give them a call an don't be afraid to drop by as many shooters will lend you a hand in helping you decide which firearm best suits you.
 
At my club you need to do a "probationary" shoot which is basically several hours of supervised handgun shooting (supervised by a club member); usually they will give you tips on how to shoot.
 
I am beginning to appreciate the gun club we have here. Wascana Pistol Club has a great beginners/new shooters night. Sit through a 45 minute orientation and go shoot. They start you on a .22, once you prove you can handle that you can shoot the bigger calibers. They have guns from different manufacturers and in different calibers so that you can get a feel for what you like. Once you've done the orientation you can go on a Tuesday or Thursday and shoot. The costs are pretty reasonable, $15 range fee for non members and reasonable ammo costs.
 
There is a place east of Toronto that does beginners handgun training. I think it is $50 and they supply a pistol, holster, mag pouches etc no RPAL required.
They are not a site sponsor so PMed you
 
Most clubs arround GTA have a mandatory safety course followed by a number of proby shoots that you have to complete . Some clubs like BGC have proby nights Monday and Tuesday where RO will bring their guns and provide instructions and oversight. Aurora gun club actually has club guns which you must use to complete your proby shoots. As everyone said , this is the best way to get into the game. I would stay away from Traget (just personal opinion , and yes have been there a number of times) as it is more like vegas - you get to be a Rambo for a few mins but no real instruction and safety is .... some will speak up if their experience was different.
 
I found that starting with a 22 was helpful. You can work on sight picture, stance, and so on.
Consider a target style. Ruger mk 2 or 3, S&W victory or similar.
 
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