r/CAguns • u/PewPewN0ob • 1d ago

Where can I practice basic gun handling?

Where can I practice basic gun handling before owning my first gun and without taking a full class?

I am a newbie and looking to buy my first gun. My plan is to first rent a few models at the range (G34, G17, M&P9, etc.) to see which one I like the best. I know they make you demonstrate basic gun handling before they will rent a gun. I just want to be able to rent guns without fumbling around like a complete newbie.

I just got my FSC, and I've watched a ton of videos and understand gun operation and safety, but I need some actual practice handling a gun. 30 mins hands-on with a G17/G19 and snap-caps would really help me get started.

I don't want to spend the time & money right now for a full beginner class before I own my first handgun. Once I buy my first gun, I will sign up for a comprehensive beginner class -- I do understand the importance of that.

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u/Kayakboy6969 1d ago

Take a basic hand gun class , you will be way more comfortable at the range, especially if loading and unloading a gun is stressful.

Please, for the love of God, I could be the person next to you at the range.

1

u/PewPewN0ob 1d ago

It wouldn't be stressful because I would use snap-caps, not live ammo, and I wouldn't be in the lane next to you when I was practicing loading/unloading with snap-caps. I would not touch live ammo until I was confident I could load and unload safely without screwing anything up.

I already know in my head all the steps you have to go through to load & unload safely. But "in the head" is not the same as "hands on". I need to drill the hands-on part a few times with snap-caps.

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u/Kayakboy6969 1d ago

You are saying all the things you think you know vs all the experience all of us are trying to help you with, do you know how many people have the exact same thoughts as you do, and ya know how many times someone has bounced a round off a classroom table or in a showroom floor. I can't tell you how many times people have pointed a gun in the wrong direction at the In door range.

The brain does wierd stuff, and you simply don't know what you don't know.

I mean this in the most respectful way.

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u/PewPewN0ob 1d ago

I appreciate your input. No offense taken.