Back to the range first time in years, what should I shoot?

[Skribs]

Been a while since I've been to the range. Mainly a time issue. I've decided to start making time to get to the range. I'm gonna try a new range out either tomorrow or next weekend.

I'm trying to decide which gun to bring. I only want to bring one or two. I have three different groups I can think of:

Range Guns - I have a couple of guns that are easier to shoot, but not necessarily my choices for self-defense. Might be nice for getting back in.

Defense Guns - My carry and HD guns, which are the ones I want to be most familiar with. Some are relatively pleasant to shoot. The others are Ruger pocket guns.

New Guns - I bought an AR-15 up in WA (the process of which convinced me to move to TX), and I bought a few new ones a few weeks ago. Would be nice to play with the new guns and make sure they run. Would be not-nice to have to troubleshoot them my first time out in a while.

Which would you bring? And I'm sorry I got myself in this training rut, it won't happen again. (Probably).

 

[Valkman]

How about one range gun and one defensive gun? I also have not shot anything in a long time but when I go I'll take my brand new Sig 9mm and a 1911 in .45acp at a minimum.

 

[Ironicaintit]

I voted defense gun, because you can't have too much range time with that.
But, new guns need to be vetted too

 

[Meeks36]

Why not all of them?

 

[Reloadron]

My range trips are about enjoying my day. While I enjoy shooting any gun I carry what I take to the range depends on which range. I won't drag a rifle to my indoor range and the NE Ohio winters define where I am going. Take whatever you think you will enjoy shooting.

Ron

 

[PapaG]

You should be shooting your s.d. gun every time you go to the range. Anything else is a plus.

 

[Buzznrose]

If you’ve not shot in a while, a .22LR is probably the right choice. Get the fundamentals back in their groove before wasting $$$ ammo

Regardless if I shot last week or 6 months ago, I begin and end every range session with a .22LR

 

[Riomouse911]

Since time is hard to find, I agree with @Meeks36 and say bring them all. Take your time with each and get the most out of your infrequent trips .

Stay safe.

 

[CapnMac]

My personal bias is, when possible, start with a long gun of some sort. Rifle skills tend to be 'retained' for longer, so that can give you positive reinforcement. It gets you into "the hang of it" (or ramps down the 'excitement') and gets you to an even keel.
After that, I'll often go with "longest since fired" and "most recently fired" in handguns (unless I have a definitive handgun "purpose" in mind, like one 45acp vs another, or the like).

Now, "bring them all" is really what I want to do--but that can be complicated.

Let's say a person has six guns and an hour at the range--that's only ten minutes apiece. And, if a person is of a habit of cleaning to "boot camp clean" that's a lot of hours afterwards, too. So, a balance is wanted. That rotten "moderation" every one, at every turn, is telling us we ought cleave to.

 

[lightman]

Congratulations on finding the time to get back in the game! I voted defense gun as its the one you need to be most familiar with. But I would also carry a fun gun.

 

[bannockburn]

If I have been away for awhile from regular range visits I will often take three guns with me. A .22 to get me warmed up (Beretta Model 70S), a 9mm. that is very familiar, super reliable, and soft shooting (Browning Hi-Power), and something that's part of my CCW rotation (a new SIG P365W).

 

[Skribs]

Why not all of them?

I drive a Miata.

 

[kidneyboy]

As you haven't been shooting in a while I voted range gun, but take a defensive one to finish the session.

 

[tws3b2]

How about, What You Enjoy Shooting?
You know, Back when I first started shooting..
Defence? It was not about killing Anything.
Range? What is that?
New? What ever I can afford.
How about plinking? Having fun?
How about just enjoying?
Nothing better.

 

[Riomouse911]

I drive a Miata.

I packed around 55 guns into a Scion Xb when I moved to the house I live in. Amazing how good one can get at firearms Tetris when faced with a challenge.

Best part is the wife drove that car loaded down, I had the truck and trailer with other housewares on that run.

Enjoy your range time and let us know how it goes when you are back!

Stay safe.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Take one from each category with limited space and time.

 

[Speedo66]

Defense Guns - My carry and HD guns, which are the ones I want to be most familiar with.

I think you answered your own question there.

Those are necessities, anything else is just icing on the cake.

Enjoy your range time!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I drive a Miata.

Doesn't that rule out everything but a NAA mini revolver?


In that case, I vote SD/carry piece and 1 silly/fun gun.

 

[2ndtimer]

I drive a Miata.

In Texas? You are brave enough to have stayed in Washington!

 

[Ignition Override]

Are Small plastic Bottles, or a few clay pigeons (etc) allowed as targets?

As long as a fun target is allowed, your choice of Which Gun is then moot.

 

[ms6852]

If you’ve not shot in a while, a .22LR is probably the right choice. Get the fundamentals back in their groove before wasting $$$ ammo

Regardless if I shot last week or 6 months ago, I begin and end every range session with a .22LR

Agree with this 1000% times plus infinity.

 

[Meeks36]

I drive a Miata.

Where there is a will, you will find a way.

 

[Skribs]

I ended up taking the Ruger GP100 (range gun) and the HK VP9 (new gun). The Ruger would be a fine defensive gun, except it's my biggest handgun and I have many that are smaller and have more than double the capacity.

Now that I've function tested it, the VP9 is my new favorite gun. It will be my primary for quite some time.

 

[jstert]

I ended up taking the Ruger GP100 (range gun) and the HK VP9 (new gun). The Ruger would be a fine defensive gun, except it's my biggest handgun and I have many that are smaller and have more than double the capacity.

Now that I've function tested it, the VP9 is my new favorite gun. It will be my primary for quite some time.

do you have a 22lr handgun? one is pretty much essential kit for a bunch of reasons, starting with cheap and easy fun for the experienced shooter, as well as useful for the newbie looking for an easy introduction to firearms. my vote is for the ruger sr22, only because it is a bit smaller to carry than a ruger mark4 lite.

 

[SterlingBullet]

Since it’s been years, a recently cleaned lubricated firearm would be the wisest choice.