hey guys, so I'm a novice/beginner shooter and although I've been into firearms for a while I lack alot of trigger time. When I do get the chance to go out to the range and practice I always think it'd be nice to have an experienced shooter to look to for advice and tips. My pops had firearms but I can only recall going shooting with him a handful of times so I didn't really have experience growing up either.

So my question for you folks is: how did you get introduced and taught how to shoot? For the guys who go to the range often, anyone care to play mentor? I think there's alot to be learned from the elder and more experienced and that's what this is all about. community building. 

hey guys, so I'm a novice/beginner shooter and although I've been into firearms for a while I lack alot of trigger time. When I do get the chance to go out to the range and practice I always think it'd be nice to have an experienced shooter to look to for advice and tips. My pops had firearms but I can only recall going shooting with him a handful of times so I didn't really have experience growing up either.

So my question for you folks is: how did you get introduced and taught how to shoot? For the guys who go to the range often, anyone care to play mentor? I think there's alot to be learned from the elder and more experienced and that's what this is all about. community building. 

2 suggestions:
come to the HDF range day tomorrow from 12-1:45 for the free shoot portion
$10 for members $20 for non-members
you can sign up for $25 annually on the spot
all the guys will be there and people are very willing to help for a few minutes

second suggestion is to plan a meet up
post when you are going and ask if anyone is going at the same time
or post via smartphone what bench you are on

come to the HDF range day tomorrow from 12-1:45 for the free shoot portion
$10 for members $20 for non-members
you can sign up for $25 annually on the spot
all the guys will be there and people are very willing to help for a few minutes

+1 

What type of firearms are you referring to?  HDF would be a good place to get some tigger time and they have a 101 type class where they go over the basics of both pistol and carbine, and also include a free shoot where they also offer further instruction.

http://www.hawaiidefensefoundation.org/

Tons of experience there and everyone is friendly.  Which to me is important.  The last thing you need is someone that is condescending toward you while you are still learning.

2 suggestions:
come to the HDF range day tomorrow from 12-1:45 for the free shoot portion
$10 for members $20 for non-members
you can sign up for $25 annually on the spot
all the guys will be there and people are very willing to help for a few minutes

second suggestion is to plan a meet up
post when you are going and ask if anyone is going at the same time
or post via smartphone what bench you are on

third suggestion
come to another gtg to meet more people to go to the range with
next one is in two weeks
see the events section for updates
same place as the first one you came to

I got started into firearms by fantasizing about a Red Dawn scenario and zombie apocalypse; with that in mind I bought mostly tacticool stuff. That got old relatively quick. There were no goals for me to pursue but wait for theTEOTWAWKI.
So I took up an offer from a former Marine and shot a match at Puuloa. Met a lot of very experienced shooters and learned a lot - still learning. While there is always a debate over traditional highpower, bullseye type shooting versus "tactical" type shooting i.e. Magpul vids, emphasis on reloads, weak side transitions etc. -- you can't discount the emphasis on fundamentals. Build a foundation on solid marksmanship then move on to tactical shooting if you want to be an effective zombie killer or space shuttle door gunner. I met two types of shooters: those that talk fundamentals and those that practice it religiously.  That means understanding shot calls, front sight focus, trigger control, natural point of aim, understanding the environment you are shooting in: wind and light etc... It's easier said than done.
The most important thing is that you are truthful to yourself. Don't make excuses for your shots. Find the problem fix it, drop a round in the chamber and take the next shot.

+1 

What type of firearms are you referring to?  HDF would be a good place to get some tigger time and they have a 101 type class where they go over the basics of both pistol and carbine, and also include a free shoot where they also offer further instruction.

http://www.hawaiidefensefoundation.org/

Tons of experience there and everyone is friendly.  Which to me is important.  The last thing you need is someone that is condescending toward you while you are still learning.

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I am referring to firearms in general (semi auto pistols and rifles)
Friendly yet safe environment is definitely important and condescending people can turn people off to the shooting sport.

Looks like I'm gtg tomorrow for the range day. If I wanted to observe the morning portion is it required to be there at the very beginning for the safety brief? I'm bringing the HK p2k to test out Macsak!   

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I am referring to firearms in general (semi auto pistols and rifles)
Friendly yet safe environment is definitely important and condescending people can turn people off to the shooting sport.

Looks like I'm gtg tomorrow for the range day. If I wanted to observe the morning portion is it required to be there at the very beginning for the safety brief? I'm bringing the HK p2k to test out Macsak!   

observing no need
but be aware that the class is starting promptly at 8 am, so if you want to watch the whole thing, you will need to be there early anyways
everyone is pretty open and helpful
look for henry and kanoa from SEC, dirtylickins, imku is like the tallest  guy there, lifer and bozo will be helping with safety and monitoring sometimes too
davey/jonesy/ambubadger is another good guy to talk to

looking forward to seeing you there, arte
good to hear you're bringing the new HK
are you wearing the famous used boots too?
 

looking forward to seeing you there, arte
good to hear you're bringing the new HK
are you wearing the famous used boots too?
 

I'll be putting those boots in the dirt!  Hopefully the soles don't come off lol

It's OK to just show up the HDF shoots now and then? I would love to come over from Kauai to shoot, learn and meet the 2A crew. How can I get that one approved by the wife?

It's OK to just show up the HDF shoots now and then? I would love to come over from Kauai to shoot, learn and meet the 2A crew. How can I get that one approved by the wife?

come on over!
we also have pau hana's every month or two

So my question for you folks is: how did you get introduced and taught how to shoot? For the guys who go to the range often, anyone care to play mentor? I think there's alot to be learned from the elder and more experienced and that's what this is all about. community building. 

I was taught the basics of safety and function early on (around 7) using BB guns and 22's. Then picked up fundamentals and techniques hanging out at the range around old timers like Uncles Bill, Eddie, Clarence, and Howard.  Different times though...a lot has changed since the 70's/80's and most of the guys who knew their stuff and really wanted to advance the sport are gone. Now there are too many "know-it-all" new shooters trying to teach.

If you really want to learn and need a mentor, Mac and the others are right...joining a group or taking classes would be the safest choice.

I got started into firearms by fantasizing about a Red Dawn scenario and zombie apocalypse; with that in mind I bought mostly tacticool stuff. That got old relatively quick. There were no goals for me to pursue but wait for theTEOTWAWKI.

That the same reason you picked up a Lord Humungus outfit or was that a different fantasy? 

Now there are too many "know-it-all" new shooters trying to teach.

That the same reason you picked up a Lord Humungus outfit or was that a different fantasy? 

Yep, give a gun to any guy and you have an expert.

All I wanted was the Thunderdome...

I'm frustrated I couldn't make it today, my dog injured himself at the park and we are at the vet. Think he might of sprained his front paw. Just waiting for the results now.

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