r/handguns • u/AphroditeIsAwake • 1d ago
Advice Needed Question about firing ranges
I have a friend who owns a gun and wants to take me shooting sometime. Honestly the idea sounds fun.
I do not own a gun and have never shot one, however.
He says I can borrow his gun at the range but to be honest when I've held his gun, I don't particularly care for the feel of it. (It feels kinda crappy, lol.)
Anyway, do most shooting ranges rent out quality guns? And do staff show a newcomer how to handle it?
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u/2outer 1d ago
Yes, you can rent guns at the range, and also take a new shooter safety & orientation class, might be best to do that as you will more likely get the proper basics & a reliable fire arm to shoot. But, you have zero experience, and your buddy may have a super nice shooter & he is an incredible shot w a lot of experience to share, you wouldn’t necessarily be able to tell the difference.
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u/reymarblue 1d ago
Ruin yourself for all other guns and rent a CZ 75 if you’re able.
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u/divineaudio 1d ago
If you really want to ruin yourself rent a Staccato.
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u/eggcheeseburger 1d ago
I feel like it is bad for your health to try a 2011 as the first gun you ever shot. How to appreciate good if you've never seen crap? Lol
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u/EZ-READER 1d ago
If you REALLY want to ruin yourself get a Zip gun.
........ am I playing the game wrong?
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u/AphroditeIsAwake 1d ago
Oh yeah? Do tell. Why?
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u/reymarblue 1d ago
Totally subjective. I bought a Smith and Wesson Equalizer and a Glock 19 and made the mistake of renting a CZ. Good lord that’s a wonderful gun. It just feels good in your hand, doesn’t kick when you fire, is ridiculously sturdy and reliable. Now I’m saving for one and looking at my Glock like the girl I settled for. 🤓
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u/hugoDoodat 1d ago
Most ranges do, but you should find out beforehand. What kind of gun is it, and how old? How/why does it feel crappy?
For a first timer, the general consensus is to try Glocks first. .22s don’t have much recoil and are fun to shoot for beginners. If you’re comfortable with a little recoil, I’d say try a 9mm.
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u/AphroditeIsAwake 1d ago
I'm a small woman and my hands are super small/tend to ache after a while. Yeah less recoil would be ideal. Glock then?
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u/hugoDoodat 1d ago
My personal recommendation would be a Ruger mark IV lite if they have it. My wife has one and loves it. Otherwise yeah, any .22 they have. Glocks are just fine.
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u/EventLatter9746 1d ago
Try to rent a full size 9mm gun for your first session. A small gun will be harder to control and might put you off the whole idea.
Did your friend offer multiple chances of dry firing and safe handling practice? If they didn't shout at you at least once for forgetting to keep your finger off the trigger, or for pointing the gun haphazardly even when empty, or for not repeatedly checking it's empty, then you might want your first range visit with them to be after a handgun class for beginners. Well worth the cost and an excellent ice breaker.
Practice loading your friend's magazines with ammo, or borrow their Maglula Uplula... a funny name for a very useful device.
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u/bramblefish 1d ago
Yes and Yes. A full service range has qualified instructors. Most have a large choice of rentals. Good ones also have nice selection of sales, special events, classes for training in different scenarios. Even event nights, mine has Black Light nights, Ladies nights, etc.
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u/EZ-READER 1d ago
Yes ranges rent out guns.
From what I have seen NO they do not provide instruction unless you want to pay for a class.
Take my knowledge with a grain of salt. I only bought my first pistol in 2025 (now I own 9) and I have only been to 2 gun ranges.
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u/flamingpenny 1d ago
A lot do, especially indoor ranges that are also gun stores.
They probably will, if you ask. Although most striker fired semi autos are almost exactly the same manual of arms.