I have a feeling this is going to be an expensive hobby...

[TopDog]

So, background: I was never a huge fan of firearms. They scared me and I couldn't see myself ever using deadly force. Then I had two children, and my attitude changed quite a bit. These kiddos depend on me, and with increased crime in my area, I know I would do anything in the world to protect them.

A few weeks back, some coworkers arranged a trip to the range and I decided that I wanted to know more about firearms and how to use them, so I tagged along. I got to shoot a huge variety of calibers and styles of guns, and I was hooked. I should have known... since I always loved Duck Hunt as a kid.

I went to the Indy 1500 over the weekend and picked up a plinker. The plan is to get good at the mechanics before stepping up to a carry or home protection gun. I have a feeling this is going to be an incredibly expensive hobby!

I'd love to hear any advice you guys can offer and I hope I make a few new friends along the way!

Welcome and that is the smart approach. Training is the key, get as much range time as you can. Soon you will be buying ammo in bulk also. So yes after range time, ammo costs and if you are like most of us you start tweaking your guns it can get expensive. Good Luck.

 

[JenTheGeek]

Hi Fenway - nope, not me.

As far as assumptions - you guys are spot on!

Female - yup! And yes, my name is Jen.
My kiddos are a bit too young for the range I think (1 & 3 yrs).

And yes... I do play D&D.

The gun I got at the show is a Sig Sauer Mosquito. I loved the feel of the bigger sigs I shot, and this one has the same type of feel. Can't wait to try it out

I'm actively looking into some training classes too!

 

[Fenway]

Regardless glad you are here and found INGO. Let us know if you need anything!

Hi Fenway - nope, not me.

As far as assumptions - you guys are spot on!

Female - yup! And yes, my name is Jen.
My kiddos are a bit too young for the range I think (1 & 3 yrs).

And yes... I do play D&D.

The gun I got at the show is a Sig Sauer Mosquito. I loved the feel of the bigger sigs I shot, and this one has the same type of feel. Can't wait to try it out

I'm actively looking into some training classes too!

 

[Fullmag]

Welcome to the site. 22's are a great place to start, continue and finish with, that's what I started with and still love them little rimfires.

 

[2cool9031]

2

 

[actaeon277]

Like most hobbies, it can be expensive.
But it doesn't have to be. If you don't by a truckload of guns, and shoot a lot of 22s, it's not so bad.

 

[findingZzero]

I don't have any advicet to give as I'm a noob as well, and had similar feelings to yours about weapons. I promise to be nice though. Welcome to the group. I got a leg up on the learning curve today when I went to a friend's farm in Greensburg and shot not only my own pistol, but his .357 mag, 12g dbbl shotgun, a 30-30, and 25-06 with scope. It was like Call of Duty with recoil. Then he shot a groundhog that had been living under the barn. Ahhhh, the life of a gentleman farmer.

 

[handgun]

Not a hobby.. it is a lifestyle..

 

[actaeon277]

Not a hobby.. it is a lifestyle..

For most of us here, maybe. But not all.

 

[wxchick.h3]

Ⓦⓔⓛⓒⓞⓜⓔ ⓣⓞ ⓣⓗⓔ ⓖⓡⓞⓤⓟ

 

[jbhummer2]

Welcome to the group!

 

[Jackson]

I'm actively looking into some training classes too!

You'll probably recognize me from the screen name. (I am that creative.) It was my link on your facebook page that got you here.

If you want some thoughts on training, you should PM me. I try to keep up with good trainers in the area. Also, a friend and I are on the range every weekend. We have been to many hours of training with several instructors and would be happy to get you going in the right direction from a self-defense-with-a-firearm perspective. Just shoot me a message here or there and we can work something out.

 

[kjf40]

Welcome to INGO!

Sounds like you have a smart plan, get used to it first....learn all you can and be safe safe safe!

 

[RBrianHarless]

Hello from Kokomo!

 

[sartwell]

from New Haven.

 

[netsecurity]

Practice practice practice. It can take years to get the mechanical details and such minutia worked out, before you become truly proficient. Luckily, you started with a 22, and that allows for tons of cheap ($20 for 500 rounds) practice. You can shoot the 22lr at any indoor pistol range. You might also consider an air rifle, so that you can practice even more in your own back yard.

I recommend steel spinner targets, as sold at Walmart, so that you can hear your hits, instead of looking at holes on paper all the time. These work great for pellets and 22lr, if you have a place to shoot it outdoors.

 

[williamnewman1]

welcome welcome, tons of great advice and people here, use it

 

[HandK]

Welcome to INGO, glad your here.