best gun range on the eastside for a newb

1SLODAK

Forum Member
Me and my wife are looking to purchase a handgun soon. I was wondering the best range on the eastside to maybe rent a few types of pistols to see what me and my wife will feel comfortable with. We both have never shot a gun before but i know the basics of it. I don't want to buy a pistol then come to find out my wife can't handle it or doesn't like the feel of it and i end up with a gun id have to sell. They both will probably be home defense guns and possible conceal carry as well. also for my wife would it be better to start her with a 9mm or go bigger like a .40 or .380? She really wants a .40 but i just hope she can handle that big of a pistol.
 
Ok where do we begin.

You both have never fired a gun "but you know the basics" Do you know how & what to do if you get a jammed round, a squib, range safety & etiquette.?

I would suggest whatever store/range you choose to ask them to give you a beginners safety course. I'm sure they would be glad to do it. See if they offer a CPL class as well.

You're definitely on the money with renting before buying. Home defense & carry could be VERY personal. An accurate/controlled .380+P HP would be more than adequate compared to any larger size round you're not comfortable/accurate with. Shot placement is paramount.

There are at least 6-8 brands of RELIABLE (low cost, 4-$800.00) brands that go bang ALL the time in all the sizes you're considering. Single stack (thinner) pistols conceal easier, but you give up capacity. double stacks offer about 2 or more times the amount of ammo in the magazines.

Your wife's hands may be suited to the thinner single stack. Again the rental thing is where you will find out. If you narrow it down to 2 or 3 choices, research & read all you can on them & then make your final decision. Don't forget to look at used pistols as well to save money. (for more ammo)

used http://www.migunowners.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?142-Handguns-For-Sale

Once you choose what works best for both of you, I can't emphasize enough to practice, practice, practice until shooting is a natural reaction you don't even have to think about. Muscle memory will develop as you progress.

Where on the East side are you, so the people can hone in to your needs.

Stay safe & have fun,

George


2 pages on here http://www.yellowpages.com/detroit-mi/gun-shop

G
 
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clinton township 15 and little mack area. I was gonna tell them basically i need training. I was just looking for the place best suited for a beginner. Eventually after we both choice our pistols we both will take a cpl class. Im just looking for some basic safety training and the basics so we can find the right gun and caliber for both of us then purchase and take more advanced training ie cpl and home defense.
 
Double Action on Dequindre rents guns so you can try them out and get acquainted. Not sure on the training program there but I'm sure they offer it.
 
Look for our club sponsor L&L Arms.

I really think you should do the safety course prior to firing. Do you know what to do (exact steps) if your weapon jams or misfires? Do you know the basic range rules?
 
Look for our club sponsor L&L Arms.

I really think you should do the safety course prior to firing. Do you know what to do (exact steps) if your weapon jams or misfires? Do you know the basic range rules?

No i don't that's why i was looking for a place that would be really friendly and helpful with a beginner.
 
Got any friends that shoot?


Go out to dinner with them before hand and have them fo over the basics, rules of the range, what to do if the gun has a ftf.. thats where id start off, that way you are not totally green when you walk in the door.
 
Feel free to PM me, and i can try to give you some advise for firearms, and even have you and the wife stop over to handle a few firearms to see some different pistols. There are tons of training facilities in the area, and i can get you a good deal on the pistols(s) you choose after trying some out at a rental range.

I definitely recommend taking Georges advise and trying out a few different pistols and types. A jammed gun is no better than a hammer, so plenty of training is in your future, or go with a revolver for starters that won't jam like a semi-auto.

I'm at 16/Groesbeck, real close, so getting together isn't a problem to discuss your options and get you started on the path to happy firearm ownership, and home protection.

Thanks,
Jason
 
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Plenty of guns to rent.. They offer courses and the people there are pretty friendly.
I like MichiGun (st.clair shores) as far as purchases.. Those guys are very knowledgeable as well as the old man.

Jason.. You got a shop at 16/groesbeck?
I posted my reply before seeing your post
 
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I suggest you start with a subcompact/compact/fullsize 9mm. Hold them all to find your size preference. Then shoot a few different brands. IE: If you like a tiny 9mm, you rent a Glock 43, a Sig 938 , and a Khar PM9... if you want a midsize you rent a M&P Shield, a Glock 26, and an XDM 3.8..

I dont suggest even trying a .40 unless you like hanging onto fireworks. It's pretty violent in all platforms.

Goodluck and thanks for being responsible.
 
X2
Plenty of guns to rent.. They offer courses and the people there are pretty friendly.
I like MichiGun (st.clair shores) as far as purchases.. Those guys are very knowledgeable as well as the old man.

Jason.. You got a shop at 16/groesbeck?
I posted my reply before seeing your post

I am at 16/Groesbeck, but i am a residential FFL, i work fulltime for the US Army, and do the FFL part-time, and with doing it out of the house, i can keep my prices lower than the brick and mortar stores, and provide more personal service, one on one time, no waiting at a store and being rushed into buying what they have in stock or got for cheap this month. I'll get you what you want for the lowest price possible, either through myself, or find you an online website, and you do the transfer through me. Dealt with a few Motown guys already that have been happy, and look forward to helping out as many folks as i can with firearm and suppressor/SBR-SBS/MG needs, as i have both my FFL, and my Class 3 license for all those fun NFA toys we all enjoy.

As for a tiny 9, i like the Kahr CM9, it's also a bit cheaper than the PM, and is the same size with a few differences that are debatable if it truly a CC gun for pocket carry up close. Not the best choice for your nightstand gun, but great for summer carry.

My nightstand gun is either my Sig P228 or my HK P30.

Jason
 
My nightstand guy is a HK usp .45 after reading your nightstand gun, mine might be slight overkill lol

No such animal...you shoot whatever feels the best, and works the best for you, no matter if it's a 45 or a 9mm, or even a 38 special. Just short of silly small calibers like 22lr that aren't typically designed for SD/HD. 5 shots of 38 special on target are better than 10 shots of 45/454casul/500S&W that miss the target. All of my 45's are WW1 or WW2 pieces of history, but if i shot a 45 the best, then that is what would be my go-to.

Hell, i just finished a 9mm AR15 SBR with a Silencerco suppressor that should/could be my HD gun, except the tax stamps and overall cost would be terrible if the gun was ever used for HD, and went into a PD evidence locker.....
 
No such animal...you shoot whatever feels the best, and works the best for you, no matter if it's a 45 or a 9mm, or even a 38 special. Just short of silly small calibers like 22lr that aren't typically designed for SD/HD. 5 shots of 38 special on target are better than 10 shots of 45/454casul/500S&W that miss the target. All of my 45's are WW1 or WW2 pieces of history, but if i shot a 45 the best, then that is what would be my go-to.

Hell, i just finished a 9mm AR15 SBR with a Silencerco suppressor that should/could be my HD gun, except the tax stamps and overall cost would be terrible if the gun was ever used for HD, and went into a PD evidence locker.....

Its the only gun I can mag dump into a dinner plate, ive shot a bunch of stuff people rave about that Injust couldnt use. Either to much muzzle flip, or fingers hanging off the grip.

Im building an mp5 right now, I really wanna do a sbr but might just go with a pistol instead. I wanna do an sd, but then id have to get 2 tax stamps and the silencer, to much coin forbwhat it is.
 
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Feel free to PM me, and i can try to give you some advise for firearms, and even have you and the wife stop over to handle a few firearms to see some different pistols.

If Jason is offering to have you over to his house to go over handling and safety rules/procedures, that is your best option to start out. Learning the basics in a low key environment before you even enter a range will take a lot of the edge off when you get there. Plus you'll be able to handle a variety of guns so that you can narrow down what it is that you want for your first (of many).
 
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