mufc
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mufc on Dec 20, 2009 15:33:38 GMT -5
Dan was kind enough to point me in the direction of this board. I have just submitted a membership application for 2010 as I am keen to learn how to hunt and shoot. Fairly new to the area and have been living in the US since 2005 (previously England) I would be glad of any advice to a complete novice! I have inherited a 12 gu pump and a 7mm rifle from my father in law; I'm sure these aren't really good learner firearms but that's all I can stretch to right now.
Any advice on places to start to learn more, please share.
Thanks in advance.
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djw
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by djw on Dec 21, 2009 9:26:57 GMT -5
mufc,
Welcome to the board. Good luck with your membership application. The members of the Kalamazoo Rod & Gun Club are a great group, and there are many of us that would be glad to help you learn.
The two firearms that you already have are not the best starter guns, but they can work fine. The only concern would be that because they have a pretty stout recoil, as a first experience they might make you "gun shy". Most recommend starting out with a .22 LR (Long Rifle, most commonly just referred to as a "22"), the reason being recoil is almost non-existent, it's cheap, and you can learn the fundamentals of shooting without the extra baggage. If you can make a connection through your friends, neighbors, or here, almost everyone has a .22 that they'd be glad to let you shoot.
Another option is to start with airguns. Again, you can learn the fundamentals of handling, aiming and firing a rifle, without the expense and recoil of a large caliber powder-burning cartridge. The winter Airgun league starts the first Thursday of January (4:30 and 7 p.m.), and is open to non-members. Let me know you're coming, and I'll look for you and be sure that I've got an airgun you can shoot.
Hope that all helps.
Don
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Post by hipowr on Dec 22, 2009 17:01:03 GMT -5
This isn't a good time of year to start getting instruction, but once warm weather comes back, there are several of us that would be happy to meet you at the range to give you some instruction and shoot various types of rifles. When conditions permit, feel free to email me. Also, I believe Sporting Clays will be starting back up in January and is shot on the first Sunday of each month. They'd be happy to have you show up to shoot or just observe. Since you're from England, I see a .303 British Enfield in your future.
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celt
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by celt on Dec 24, 2009 13:29:58 GMT -5
We'll expect you at the season's first highpower match. That's where all the really cool people are. ;D
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mufc
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mufc on Dec 26, 2009 10:31:37 GMT -5
Thanks everyone; I appreciate the input. I may look at getting a .22 as a starter (something cheap - any recommendations gratefully received  . The airgun league sounds fun. Unfortunately I can't make the first one as my wife and I will be on vacation. Is this weekly or monthly? Thanks |
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djw
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by djw on Dec 27, 2009 10:19:37 GMT -5
Thanks everyone; I appreciate the input. I may look at getting a .22 as a starter (something cheap - any recommendations gratefully received . The airgun league sounds fun. Unfortunately I can't make the first one as my wife and I will be on vacation. Is this weekly or monthly? Thanks You're welcome. Regarding a cheap .22, it depends on what your definition of cheap is  . The Ruger 10/22 is everywhere, and can be found used for under $200, and new for not much more. It is a semi-automatic rifle with a 10-round magazine. Savage or Marlin bolt-action rifles can be had new for low to mid-$200's, and are a good value. Old single-shot bolt-action .22's can be had for low-$100's, but I wouldn't start there as an adult, unless you absolutely can't afford otherwise. I recommend again that you find a friend and borrow his for an outing or two to see what you like. Also feel free to e-mail me, and we can arrange a range trip. To your other question, Airgun is a weekly event on Thursdays, January through March. Don |
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mufc
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mufc on Dec 28, 2009 16:51:50 GMT -5
You're welcome. Regarding a cheap .22, it depends on what your definition of cheap is . The Ruger 10/22 is everywhere, and can be found used for under $200, and new for not much more. It is a semi-automatic rifle with a 10-round magazine. Savage or Marlin bolt-action rifles can be had new for low to mid-$200's, and are a good value. Old single-shot bolt-action .22's can be had for low-$100's, but I wouldn't start there as an adult, unless you absolutely can't afford otherwise. I recommend again that you find a friend and borrow his for an outing or two to see what you like. Also feel free to e-mail me, and we can arrange a range trip. To your other question, Airgun is a weekly event on Thursdays, January through March. Don That is in the price range that I was thinking off and, after scouring the web, the Ruger 10/22 was what I was decided on. I have shot a .22 before - but over 20 years ago. When is the range open? Thanks again |
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djw
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by djw on Dec 28, 2009 18:58:46 GMT -5
When is the range open? Thanks again The range is open to members every day, weather permitting. Access is by electronic keycard. Until you get your membership, you'll need to be a guest of a member. Check your messages Don |
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. The airgun league sounds fun. Unfortunately I can't make the first one as my wife and I will be on vacation. Is this weekly or monthly? 
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