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Follow-Up Notes for NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course

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Thank you very much for participating in my class. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot (yes I did) and I hope you felt the same during that experience.

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I’ve closely followed everybody during the class and seen how all of you made a great deal of progress. If I spent less time with any of you, it is because you progressed at the expected rate and in the expected direction without any additional intervention – you are just a natural :). If I gave the certificate to you – I am absolutely sure that you achieved the goal of the class – which is to safely own, shoot and maintain the gun for recreational purposes. Congratulations – most people can't claim that :).

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If I suggested you to contact me after the class – please do, do not hesitate… drop me an e-mail at least...

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What is the next step? – For most of you it will be purchase of a gun. The list of the ranges that allow rentals is pretty short around here as far as I know:

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If you already settled on something or liked anything you shoot or handled during the class and are ready to order one, I highly recommend a couple of local dealers that I use myself. I DO NOT receive any specials, rollbacks or other incentives from them – I just think that their prices can’t be beat:

 

  • Ryan Angel (rangell@gmail.com) - my neighbor FFL holder (no storefront, by appointments only)

  • www.preciseshooter.com - business ran by our fellow Russian speaking ex. Microsoft employee.

  • www.gearfire.com - another nice place that periodically runs a pretty good deal (ex. lowriceguns.com).

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I highly recommend purchasing a .22LR pistol for cheap training and plinking. On today’s market I know couple reasonable alternatives that a manual of arms similar to “bigger” guns:

 

  • Bersa Thunder .22 (aka T22) – the most durable and a bit old fashioned (which is fine by me) gun. NOTE: Do not get anything silverfish from Bersa - there were reported problem with finish sensitivity to many gun cleaning chemicals. It also has bigger brothers in .380 caliber that have an identical feel and operation that might be considered for self defense.

    • Bersa Thunder 380 – basic model, cheap and looks and feel exactly like .22 version.

    • Bersa Thunder 380 Plus – same as the 380 but with a 15 round magazine, which makes it very useful for self defense.

  • Walther P22 – light, cheap but a bit “toyish” gun that is ideal to train kids. I have it and shot it a lot and I can see how it progressively wears down – but it is cheap.

  • Ruger SR22 – Ruger’s alternative to Walther P22, designed and released a bit later than Walther and supposed to solve some Walther issues which it mostly does, but also has its own small problems.

  • However If you want to own a perfect .22LR pistol (or .380 ACP) check Beretta 80 Series that are fortunately imported again after couple of years of absence.

 

Please try Glock guns… - if it feels comfortable to you and you can shoot it easily, it is very nice gun with a lot of options. Unfortunately I’m one of these people that Glock feels uncomfortable to use. Don’t forget about Smith & Wesson, FN and other brands... Armscor 1911’s are also of very good value…

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I highly recommend to apply for WA Concealed Pistol License which will help with a lot of legal gray zones (such as carrying a loaded pistol in a car), which brings us to legal issues topic.  Please check related NRA web page that has pretty good description of laws around US including Washington. Until you familiar with all laws and have WA CPL I suggest simple set of rules to adhere to:

 

  • ALWAYS follow the 3 rules of firearms.

    • ALWAYS keep muzzle pointed to SAFE direction.

    • ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

    • ALWAYS keep gun unloaded until ready to use.

  • Transport gun UNLOADED in hard case in the trunk of your car.

  • Only load gun at the firing line on the range.

  • Use only clearly authorized facilities/ranges (e.g. Unless you specifically know the place is legal to shoot at, don’t shoot there).

 

Now just shoot (safely and legally of course)… shoot a lot… you will probably need 1000+ rounds before next step. Choose one gun (I recommend at least mid-size) to eliminate most differences and always consciously concentrate on fundamentals (aiming, breathing, trigger control and follow-through). Good indication of progress is developed ability to “call the shot” which is to tell exactly where your bullet will hit (a bit left, a bit right etc.) at the moment shot is triggered.

 

If you have problems loading magazines I highly recommend the UpLULA.

 

I got many questions about cleaning stuff I was using during the demonstration:

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Another hot topic is ammunition… I periodically check sites like http://gunbot.net and http://ammoseek.com for good deals but usually end up buying from https://www.laxammo.com/lax-reman - their price is very competitive, quality is reasonable (you probably shot this ammo during the class), and free ammo box simplifies logistics for me. Avoid any ammo with steel casings, especially lacquered (e.g. imported from ex-USSR factories)  – cleaning will be nightmare and there are anecdotal evidence of increased wear around feeding ramp, extractor, and mouth of the chamber.

 

If you ever have any questions (any, not just guns), need help choosing the gun, or just to move the furniture using my truck :), please feel free to call me. Hope to see you in advanced classes...

 

Thank You very much…

 

Contact: Email/Skype: oleg_kagan@hotmail.com

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