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 10-22-2009, 08:24 PM | #1 | Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 65 |  First time at the Range
I purchased a Ruger P95 about a week ago and finally took it to the range today. I did a lot of research about stances, handgrips, background on the weapon I was using and basic handgun safety. Well prepared is well armed. (ha ha) Anyhow, I went to a little shooting range called The Family Shooter's Corral in Eaton Rapids, MI. I was surprised at the ease in which the trigger could be pulled, not that I was caught off guard. In fact, one of the guys there said, "It ain't gonna bite ya!" Well, this dog does bite, and I'll handle it accordingly, thanks.
I practiced firing a few shots at a few metal plates quite a distance away (at least 20 yards away) and hit a fair number of them, though in truth, shooting anyone from that distance wouldn't be considered self-defense, at least I don't think it would. Anyhow, after about 25 shots I decided to try it on a few paper targets at 10 yards. I waited for the next cease fire, grabbed a couple targets and applied them to the pallet board used as backing. The cool thing about this range is they provide ear plugs and paper targets for free, with what I considered a decent fee for range time ($7.00 a half hour). Plus the owner is a friendly fellow with a handgun holstered on his waist. 
In target 1, I fired off 9 rounds (heh... thought there were 10 in the mag) and hit the target, which for me, was surprising enough. In target 2, my groupings were a lot more focused. I held the target, bullet holes and all up to my chest, and chuckled, whispering "center mass".
Not bad for my first time out. Plus, I learned a few things. First, there were a few guys down the row from me that had really loud (my ears are still ringing) rifles. I had originally purchased these "military grade" earplugs from a PX near me, and they were crap. If this is what the military uses, then I fear for our soldiers hearing. I ended up using foam inserts that made me practically deaf. Second, I had considered purchasing a laser site that mounts to the end of the barrel, but after witnessing another handgunner and the unsteadiness of the human hand, plus the accuracy with my handgun sans site, I'll just stick to the basics.
Cool day, rain and all. | 
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| 10-22-2009, 09:08 PM | #2 | Sic Semper Tyrannis Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: , The Mother Lode Posts: 18,437 |
Congratulations. For the first time out, that's some pretty darn good shooting.
You will most likely now become addicted.  __________________
Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc’-ra-cy) - a system of government where those least capable of leadership are elected by those least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to succeed or provide for themselves are rewarded with goods and services paid for by wealth confiscated from a diminishing number of people who actually work and produce.
ΜΟΛ'ΩΝ ΛΑΒ'Ε | |
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| 10-22-2009, 09:21 PM | #3 | Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 65 |
I already want to go back.
..sigh.. It's a 25 minute drive out there, kind of out in the middle of nowhere (no better place for a range) but still, if it weren't raining, I'd be heading out right now. | |
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| 10-22-2009, 10:09 PM | #4 | mmmmm...... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Maiden, NC Posts: 9,540 |
Congradulations!! I'm sure you'll find yourself making that drive on a regular basis in the future. Glad to have you here on the forum! __________________
If the pain is lacking so is the discipline...
"the only 911 call I need is chambering a round" - Mr. Muller, MO car dealer | |
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| 10-23-2009, 02:48 AM | #5 | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas / Forth Worth Area Texas Posts: 308 |
Welcome to the forum from North Central Texas and congratulations on your shooting. | |
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| 10-23-2009, 06:33 AM | #6 | Supporting Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 6,267 |
Good shooting for a first time! Welcome to the firearms addiction!  | |
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| 10-24-2009, 01:53 PM | #7 | Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 65 | Addiction!
I agree, it is turning into an addiction. I'm already considering my next firearm. The place I bought my handgun seems pretty keen on a 12 gauge for home defense. I don't know... The range I attended seemed to have a majority of rifle users, but that was just the day I was there. | |
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| 10-24-2009, 03:00 PM | #8 | Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 2,421 |
Nice work, Crackshot, and welcome aboard! A set of hearing protectors along with foam plugs work great.
Last edited by gorknoids; 10-24-2009 at 03:05 PM. | |
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| 10-24-2009, 03:17 PM | #9 | I'm always 10-8 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: 150 miles NE of Sloppy Joe's Bar, in the "GunShine" State Posts: 17,399 |
Great first outing, and kudos for the research prior to heading out to shoot!
I'm glad to see your philosophy on handgun distance shooting. If you are practicing PD/HD IMHO you are just wasting ammo on anything > 7 yards. Anything greater is hunting or competition shooting.
I shoot PD the most at 4 meters (~12.5 ') usually referred to as CQB distance.
I know this may come as a surprise to our members but I'm old school. I agree with you on your decision to pass on the laser sight.
You are showing some natural talent and I see an enjoyable future in handgunning! __________________ .
 .. Colt 11101110111..MEMBER: FAAM, NRA, GOA, DAV, USSV, SAE
Colt, everything else is stamp collecting! - cane
When life gives you lemons, squeeze the juice into your enemies open wounds. | |
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| 10-24-2009, 04:03 PM | #10 | Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 65 |
Quote:
Originally Posted by canebrake
Great first outing, and kudos for the research prior to heading out to shoot!
I'm glad to see your philosophy on handgun distance shooting. If you are practicing PD/HD IMHO you are just wasting ammo on anything > 7 yards. Anything greater is hunting or competition shooting.
I shoot PD the most at 4 meters (~12.5 ') usually referred to as CQB distance.
I know this may come as a surprise to our members but I'm old school. I agree with you on your decision to pass on the laser sight.
You are showing some natural talent and I see an enjoyable future in handgunning!
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Thanks for the kudos, that's high praise.
Nothing wrong with Old School mentality. Older methods are proven methods.
The range has targets set at 10 yards. Then again, for practice shooting, if you can hit something at 10 yards, you have a pretty good chance of hitting something at less than that. However, the dynamics would seem to change, the closer the BG gets to you. Much like the personal circle/space taught in martial arts how one would react to aggression in an enclosed/confined space with a handgun would seem to face similar problems.
I'm probably talking myself in circles here, but it is something for introspection. | |
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