Hola from Toronto!

I can't believe I've been reading up on guns for a while now and only just discovered this site a few days ago. It's like a hidden treasure trove!

Anyway, a bit about me. I live in Toronto, I'm a university student (UofT, engineering), and I've been interested in guns for a few years now. Somehow I've never gotten around to getting my PAL due to the time and money spent in my other hobbies, computer gaming and astronomy (yeah I pick all the expensive hobbies :eek: ). Between $9000+ tuition and work and school, I've been woefully short on both. However I've finally gotten the resolve to delve into firearms with the energy needed to truly enjoy it, and so I'm planning to do the CFSC/CRFSC courses and exams in the fall. In the meantime, I'm soaking up all available information and trying to find places in and around Toronto to purchase firearms and where I can use them.

I've never fired a gun in my life, and I figure it's about time I started. :D
 
Welcome aboard! :D
Shooting sports can be as expensive :evil: or affordable as you want it to be.
Most people will tell you to start off with a .22 (or two ;)). And this is sound advise... especially for a true beginner.
A decent little bolt action rifle (used) can be had for as little as $100. Begin by using open sights (no optics) and your on your way. All you need is some private property where it is legal to discharge firearms.
A good used .22 handgun can be as little as $250 for an auto, less if you find a revolver you like (this is a little trickier, but it can be done). Now you'll need to join a club, as this will allow you to shoot it, and to acquire an ATT to get it back and forth to said range. (Welcome to the wacky world of Canadian gun laws :runaway:).
This is just the tip of the iceberg, boy (I assumed you're male :eek:)!
Have fun and keep us in the loop as you go through the hoops!
 
I've already decided on a .22 rifle as my first gun...cheap to buy, and even cheaper to shoot. I'm leaning towards the Remington 597, but I'm still open to all options at this point. I've had a bit of experience shooting various low-power BB weapons (both pistols and rifles), but nothing that actually goes bang. I intend to join the UofT rifle club this fall (despite having our range shut down...grrr) and get some face-time with some beginner guns.

I've only been here a few days and I'm already loving the CGN community. Hopefuly one day I'll be passing along knowledge in addition to soaking it up. :)
 
Way to go tritium! You gun owners in TO are on the front lines, so get proactive about keeping the firearms you want!
 
Hello Tritium and welcome to the addiction.
Your choice of .22's as starter firearms is a good one, as is your intention to get with a club for instruction, training and practice.
You'll also be likely to try out big bore stuff to learn what you like when you can afford to shoot them.
 
Ditto on the expensive part. I've never been able to justify more than a few really expensive guns in the locker. Most of mine are there because I like to have a range from a particular design or function point of view. You will find that the mechanical engineering in guns is absolutely absorbing.
 
Hello Tritium and welcome to the addiction.
Your choice of .22's as starter firearms is a good one, as is your intention to get with a club for instruction, training and practice.
You'll also be likely to try out big bore stuff to learn what you like when you can afford to shoot them.
Welcome hun... I have to quote The Cold Lake Kid .. he said it all perfectly! :rockOn:
 
Now to look for a club to join. I know that in the long term I'll be wanting to shoot handguns as well, so I need one that can accept both pistols and centrefire rifles. I'd also prefer a place with both indoor and outdoor ranges...outdoors for the longer range rifle ranges (and maybe IPSC shooting), and indoors when it gets really cold. Finally it has to be within a reasonable drive from Toronto, ideally an hour or so at the max.

Tough requirements, I know. I have a gigantic list of bookmarks of various clubs and stores in and around SW Ontario and I'm having a hell of a time deciding. I think I'm going to have to visit some as a guest (if there are any takers :) ) once I get my PAL.
 
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