never even fired a gun, could use some guidance

[newpairofshoes]

So my parents were always against guns when I was growing up. However, I'm moving into my own place soon and one of the first things I want to do is learn how to use a firearm, and if resources permit, buy one. My first question is, is it possible to learn to use a gun if I don't own one and none of my friends do? Second, if I were to buy one, what kind of rifle is both easy to maintain and cheap, yet still fun to use?

[palehorse1301]

So my parents were always against guns when I was growing up. However, I'm moving into my own place soon and one of the first things I want to do is learn how to use a firearm, and if resources permit, buy one. My first question is, is it possible to learn to use a gun if I don't own one and none of my friends do? Second, if I were to buy one, what kind of rifle is both easy to maintain and cheap, yet still fun to use?

It is possible to learn without buying one, but it's more hassle. For someone without prior firearms experience, the .22 rimfire rifle is going to be what pretty much everyone will suggest, and with good cause. It is entirely possible to buy one for $100 or less. Ammunition in this caliber is the cheapest on the market. It won't kick so much as "twitch". The noise is also much less than with other firearms.

Check with local gunshops and shooting ranges. Most will be glad to sign you up for a "gun owners 101" course, or direct you to someone who will.

[newpairofshoes]

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely be looking around the area for a good place to get started. Unfortunately money is going to be extremely tight soon but I'm gonna make this a priority right after food, shelter, and transportation haha.

[KentsOkay]

Ditto on the .22

Have you ever handled/fired any gun like object? Getting a daisy airgun isn't a bad start, and can be safely fired in a small yard.

[newpairofshoes]

Ditto on the .22

Have you ever handled/fired any gun like object? Getting a daisy airgun isn't a bad start, and can be safely fired in a small yard.

Well i do own a bb gun and a paintball gun. Paintballing is a hobby of mine, so I guess that counts.

[palehorse1301]

Well i do own a bb gun and a paintball gun. Paintballing is a hobby of mine, so I guess that counts.

Good. Rather you learned about shooting yourself in the foot with those.

And by the way, Marlin really doesn't make many bad .22s.

[newpairofshoes]

Also, I've been looking around at other posts and i now how two more questions. Are these appleseed events a good choice given my situation? And what is the difference between rimfire and centerfire?

[palehorse1301]

Also, I've been looking around at other posts and i now how two more questions. Are these appleseed events a good choice given my situation? And what is the difference between rimfire and centerfire?

An appleseed would be an excellent place to start. I would also check with your state's Wildlife and Fisheries department, they may have hunter education classes that cover firearms handling.

Rimfire cartridges have the primer that ignites the powder in the protruding rim of the cartridge. Centerfires have the primer in the center of the cartridge base. .22 rimfire is mainly used for target shooting and small game hunting. Centerfire calibers are more suited to larger game and defensive use.

[newpairofshoes]

Also, I've been looking around at other posts and i now how two more questions. Are these appleseed events a good choice given my situation? And what is the difference between rimfire and centerfire?

An appleseed would be an excellent place to start. I would also check with your state's Wildlife and Fisheries department, they may have hunter education classes that cover firearms handling.

Rimfire cartridges have the primer that ignites the powder in the protruding rim of the cartridge. Centerfires have the primer in the center of the cartridge base. .22 rimfire is mainly used for target shooting and small game hunting. Centerfire calibers are more suited to larger game and defensive use.

Thanks a lot for the help. Now I just have to find a place with wildlife in Chicago...

[palehorse1301]

Oh man. I hate to be a buzzkill, but Chicago has a rep for having some of the harshest gun laws in the country.

[KentsOkay]

You don't have to hunt to learn to shoot. Appleseed is a great idea, pick up a Marlin or Ruger .22 rifle and you will be all set.

[palehorse1301]

You don't have to hunt to learn to shoot. Appleseed is a great idea, pick up a Marlin or Ruger .22 rifle and you will be all set.

Very true. I was suggesting it more for the firearms handling/safety parts.

[newpairofshoes]

Oh man. I hate to be a buzzkill, but Chicago has a rep for having some of the harshest gun laws in the country.

Well I don't live in the actual city, I don't even live in cook county but its still the Chicagoland area (only like half an hour from the loop). Also from what I understand most of those harsh laws are directed towards handguns.

[palehorse1301]

Oh man. I hate to be a buzzkill, but Chicago has a rep for having some of the harshest gun laws in the country.

Well I don't live in the actual city, I don't even live in cook county but its still the Chicagoland area (only like half an hour from the loop). Also from what I understand most of those harsh laws are directed towards handguns.

At any rate, living outside of Cook County should make things a lot easier. I'm not trying to be a dick; just warning you there will probably be a fair bit of paperwork. I get reminded from time to time that I'm lucky to live somewhere that buying guns at garage sales is legal.

[Sckitzo]

I'd get in contact with the Chicago Land chapter, I'd be surprised if someone in that area wouldn't mind you tagging along to the gun range with them, hell may be a good way to meet your neighbors.

[WY_Not]

May not even need to pick up a rifle yet. Many of us Appleseed instructors bring a couple of loaners with us to the events. Just bring .22 LR ammo, about 500 rounds.

If you have any questions regarding Appleseeds, feel free to PM me.

You don't have to hunt to learn to shoot. Appleseed is a great idea, pick up a Marlin or Ruger .22 rifle and you will be all set.

[Trebor]

The best way to learn is to take a class with an experienced instructor.

I would not recommend an Appleseed as your first exposure to firearms. I'd start with something a little more basic first.

Here's a link to the NRA "Find a course" utility.

http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

I recommend the NRA Basic Rifle or Basic Pistol class. The First Steps class would also work, but it's not as in depth.

Be aware that not all NRA instructors put their classes on the NRA webpage. (I usually don't, for instance). You can also ask around at local gun stores and you should be able to find a beginner's class without too much trouble. (Note that you do NOT want a "Defensive Pistol" class right now. You want a "Learn to Shoot" type class)

Take a class with an instructor and you'll know much more about what questions to ask, etc, in the future.

[Braxton]

You need to get your FOID card if you live in Illinois.

http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/foidapp.cfm

You will need it to so much as handle a gun in a gun shop, You also need it to buy ammo.

[WY_Not]

Perhaps in the early days I might have agreed with you. But the demographics of our students are shifting. No longer is the line dominated by good old boys with 30 cals with enough experience that we can run the line at a very rapid pace. We are seeing LOTS of women and children on the line as well as lots of guys who have never shot. Our teaching methods have shifted to reflect this and accomodate the shift. Can't speak for the rest of the country but here in Ohio, students get a great deal of personalized, one-on-one instruction. We are on the line with the students, down in the dirt and mud with them, showing them how to shoot, how to operate their firearm if need be, showing them how to be safe when on the line and when handling their firearm. I've been to shoots where there were nearly as many instructors as students, there have been a few where we outnumbered the students.

[PistolPete]

I'd get in contact with the Chicago Land chapter, I'd be surprised if someone in that area wouldn't mind you tagging along to the gun range with them, hell may be a good way to meet your neighbors.

I agree with this. I know several of the people in Chicago and they are super nice and I bet would be happy to invite you on a range trip. That's a great way to get some initial exposure.

Finding a class is always a good idea as well, whether it's Appleseed, Hunter Safety, an NRA course or a course offered at a local range.

[newpairofshoes]

I'd get in contact with the Chicago Land chapter, I'd be surprised if someone in that area wouldn't mind you tagging along to the gun range with them, hell may be a good way to meet your neighbors.

Ill keep that in mind when I'm ready to get started