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bullets n stuff

Tauni

Tauni

I'm confused.
So Corey and I went over to Gander last night to take a peek at some options and see about the classes they have over there. They seem to have a pretty cool set up for a firearms training class there, which includes a couple hours of class time teaching you everything and anything about handguns, and then they take you out on a virtual firing range for some practice. You don't have to own your own firearm for this class, which I think is great because I really wanted to take a class like this before purchasing a gun.

Anyway, at Gander they have a Ruger SR22P that I really liked. It felt great, fit perfect in my hand. I realize that it's not necessarily a very powerful gun, but I don't really think I need anything super substantial. After talking to my uncle a little, I am also interested in the Walther PK380.

But I do have some questions....
Are you guys having as hard of a time finding ammo as everyone is saying? The guy at the store said that, especially for newer shooters, you need to fire 100-400 rounds a month to stay in practice. I would really hate to buy a gun and then never get to shoot it.

Has anyone had any experience with classes at Gander? Or their virtual range? They have a deal on Mondays-Wednesday you can pay $10 for a half hour of shooting there, and we were thinking about checking that out tonight.
 
AJ

AJ

110 HP of FURY!
Gun wise, please go with at least a .380 or 9mm vs a .22 if its your only gun. A 9mm is going to be fine ammo wise and you don't need to shoot that much a month to stay sharp. You should stop over and see my Ruger LC9 or see one in person.

But yes overall right now, new ammo is tuffer to find. Go to Arnzen Arms, like right when then open someday. You'll love the place. And their dog.
 
Picklz

Picklz

SUDO Make me a SAMCH
Bullets, and stuff!


Didn't feel like getting the real camera out so just took a cell pic, Pelican 1750 came in today, damn the case is serious business, can't wait to figure out how / what all I'm gonna put in it and get the foam cut. I also got my optics for the AR, Primary Arms multi-ret 30mm red dot sight, along with a 3x magnifier w/ swing away mount, REALLY like the setup so far, now if only my permit would show up so I could go get my lower and finish the gun!


As for some of your questions Tauni, if you have any intentions of the gun being carried do not buy a .22, get at least a .380/9mm, as AJ said. I have a .22 pistol that I absolutely love for just plinking away for a reasonable price - but I wouldn't want to carry one for self defense.

I don't know that you necessarily need to shot 300-400 rounds a month, but 50-100 I would highly recommend if you are planning on carrying. Each person is different but you want to be 100% confident in both your ability to perform, as well as your weapons if it comes to that. Most people are going to shoot FMJ (full metal jacket) ammo for target practice, and carry JHP (jacketed hollow points) for self defense, if you do this make sure you shoot at least 2-3 mags worth out of EACH mag you would possibly have in your gun to ensure whatever ammo it is your planning on carrying with does not cause any malfunctions in the gun (personal preference is to shoot around 50 rounds before I'm willing to carry a particular load). Once you do that you can go back to just shooting the cheaper stuff. I usually run at least 1 mag of my carry ammo through the gun every other time I'm out shooting.

As for ammo availability, .223 has been the worst offender, but all ammo is a bit harder to find, and more expensive. I was at gander mountain today and was able to buy .45, .22, and .223 but certainly at higher prices than before. If you stick with .380, 9mm, .40 or .45 I think you'll be pretty safe, but there's no question it's a spendy hobby when you figure in ammo, range time, etc.
 
Tauni

Tauni

I'm confused.
Picklz said:
Bullets, and stuff!
As for some of your questions Tauni, if you have any intentions of the gun being carried do not buy a .22, get at least a .380/9mm, as AJ said. I have a .22 pistol that I absolutely love for just plinking away for a reasonable price - but I wouldn't want to carry one for self defense.

I don't know that you necessarily need to shot 300-400 rounds a month, but 50-100 I would highly recommend if you are planning on carrying. Each person is different but you want to be 100% confident in both your ability to perform, as well as your weapons if it comes to that. Most people are going to shoot FMJ (full metal jacket) ammo for target practice, and carry JHP (jacketed hollow points) for self defense, if you do this make sure you shoot at least 2-3 mags worth out of EACH mag you would possibly have in your gun to ensure whatever ammo it is your planning on carrying with does not cause any malfunctions in the gun (personal preference is to shoot around 50 rounds before I'm willing to carry a particular load). Once you do that you can go back to just shooting the cheaper stuff. I usually run at least 1 mag of my carry ammo through the gun every other time I'm out shooting.

As for ammo availability, .223 has been the worst offender, but all ammo is a bit harder to find, and more expensive. I was at gander mountain today and was able to buy .45, .22, and .223 but certainly at higher prices than before. If you stick with .380, 9mm, .40 or .45 I think you'll be pretty safe, but there's no question it's a spendy hobby when you figure in ammo, range time, etc.
Click to expand...
I'll have to look at the .380 that my uncle suggested. I've shot a .380 Beretta and I did not like it at all, although my uncle said the Walther is much easier to shoot. I still like the Ruger SR9c, and even though the recoil isn't that bad on it, I think I'm still looking for something a bit more mild if possible. I'm hoping that taking this Firearms Training course will give me some better insight into what I might want. It's hard to pick a gun when it's difficult to try things out first.

This might be a silly question, but could you explain the difference between FMJ and JHP ammo?
 
M

mazdamn02

Guest
Tauni, FMJ = full metal jacket. This is what the cheaper practice ammo is. The lead core is fully encased in copper. This is not ideal for self defense because it does not expand and there are concerns about them over penetrating (ie: through an assailant and hit an innocent, fly through several walls, etc...) . Remember, you are responsible for all rounds fired out of your firearm.

JHP is jacketed hollow point, this is a type of hollow point and is good for self defense. It is much more expensive to shoot, however you should always figure on spending extra money to put several boxes of your self defense ammunition through your firearm if you plan on using it as a self defense tool. This is to ensure reliable feeding and familiarize yourself with the extra recoil that can be expected, as they're typically "hotter" aka more boom, than your typically practice ammo. Hollow point is intended to expand when it hits its target, therefore maximizing damage and stopping the fight faster.

This is a quick and dirty explanation, there's plenty of information to be gleaned from the internets and subject matter experts...
 
Picklz

Picklz

SUDO Make me a SAMCH
Progress, I haz it!



Would have been done tonight but I apparently forgot to order an end plate, so everything is on hold for one stupid $5 part lol. Was fun doing the full build / assembly this time around vs just getting a complete rifle.

Also have a couple more goodies on their way that should be here in a week or two - a Sig 1911-22 in FDE and a FNH FNX-9, really looking forward to range time sometime in the next month or two!
 
YSOSLO

YSOSLO

is the word, beotch
That thing looks sweet!! Is that a laser on the side of the scope? I like the modular hand guards. Is the stock adjustable?
 
Picklz

Picklz

SUDO Make me a SAMCH
Thanks you, it's getting there. I want to get it coated in burnt bronze but that's going to have to wait a little bit, want to make sure it's where I want it as far as functionality and accessories and stuff then I'll look at doing the coating.

No to the laser, optics are a 30mm red dot with 3 or 4 different reticles, the laser looking thing is the battery compartment. There is also a swing off 3x magnifier behind the red dot. Stock is adjustable its a Magpul ACS, so has battery/tool/whatever storage + sling mount and 5 position (IIRC) adjustable. I'll get better pictures as soon as its done.
 
Picklz

Picklz

SUDO Make me a SAMCH
What do ya'll use for a 'range bag' to carry all the extra stuff like ammo, eyes, ears, targets, tools, etc to the range and back? I Currently have a small standard style range bag that works 'okay', but it's too small. I've been thinking of trying to find a backpack that would work well as a range bag, so I could free up both hands to carry gun cases or other items if needed. Was looking at the Maxpedition Falcon II but haven't found much info related to people using a bag like that for range purposes.

So...what do ya use?
 
YSOSLO

YSOSLO

is the word, beotch
I just use a wide-mouth tool bag for ammo, glasses, ear protection, tape and a stapler to put up targets and choke wrench and chokes. It's a tight fit, but it's also compact vs. carrying around a glorified duffle bag.
 
AJ

AJ

110 HP of FURY!
i use a standard back pack but at a range it's less than ideal, bulky, and it's built to sort through mags and ammo well. I'm looking for a good range bag now and will invest in a decent soft rifle range bag as well.
 
M

mazdamn02

Guest
Picklz

Picklz

SUDO Make me a SAMCH
Yeah read all about the midway range bag, if I decide to get a standard 'duffle' style that's likely what I'll go with, found a couple forum posts where people were quite happy w/ the Falcon II for range bag duty so I'm still considering going that route but can't really decide.
 
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