Need to help a new shoother, Revolver info plz!

[Malice]

Ok, I am a rifle shooter. I dont own any handguns (3 more years to go.) My friend Gabby is 16, and I happened to find out by chance that her mom owns a .38 spcl for protection, and wants gabby to learn how to shoot it, just in case. They live in a semi-ghetto, and I agree that Gabby should know how to shoot it. At the same time, her mom has only shot it a few times in her life, and so they want me to help. The only handguns I've ever shot are autoloaders, and once, a pre-loaded-handed-to-me .44 revolver.

The gun is a Chater Arms, Undercover .38 Special. Could someone give me any pertinent info on this gun?

Note, we will need to clean it beforehand. Can I use my .30 rifle rods and whatnot? Info on this appreciated.

Of course, I am a very strict 3-rules person, and I will teach these ladies how to handle this. 18, but I have been shooting for years. I consder this a great oppertunity.

 

[mnrivrat]

Well, I for one will give you credit for admitting a lack of knowledge and asking for info. Good start !

I would first obtain a factory manual for the Charter Arms and read it carefully. If the gun was purchased new the manual should be with it. (read it over at least twice)

If not look for one on line . The Charter Arms is for the most part the same as most DA/SA revolvers so manuals from other manufacturers will do if you can't find the specific one for this gun.

From there, the first thing to learn is how to handle the revolver safely. That includes knowing the features of the revolver and how they function , as well as the standard safety rules for handling all firearms.

I'm sure someone can tell you where and what book to purchase to help the learning process when it comes to pistol shooting - there should be several available.

Edit: You can clean it with a wood dowel and an old T-shirt, but I would recommend spending a couple bucks for the proper size cleaning brush - no hurry, what you have will work fine for the moment.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Ditto what mnrivrat said, the only thing I would add is that you should only chamber .38 special rounds in the gun. Avoid any +p loadings as these are higher pressure/ performance loads and you wouldn't gain added usability. Also, you CAN NOT CHAMBER a .357 Magnum in a .38 special revolver. In the unlikely event they would fit the chamber without sticking out the other side (thus preventing you from closing the cylinder into the frame), they would certainly damage your firearm if fired. The best choice would be new in box .38 specials and I'd advise that you try a few different manufacturers and a few different loadings (bullet weights) to find out what your gun likes best. Once you find your guns favorite loads, practice with them often and become proficient with reloading drills. I really appreciate that you took the time to ask such a great question!

 

[Jim PHL]

Safety, Safety, Safety!
Let them know up front that that is the #1 priority. Once they understand and appreciate that it will be easier for them to achieve a level of comfort with the whole process. I find many beginners and anti-gunners are just convinced that the first time they handle a gun, someone's going to die. Once they realize it is a tool under their control and can actually be fun as well as useful for their protection, they will have a greater desire to do better with it. When they want to do better, they probably will.

 

[gunhog1950]

a little extra

How about hearing protection for them and some legal info. on when they can use their gun for defense.( by legal info i sure don't mean lawyers) If they think they can use it to scare away the threat .it could cause them more problems than not. With the ownership of a gun comes way more 'things ya gotts know" than many people think. i wouldn't want your friends to get hurt or locked up by the lack of the knowledge of when and how they are able to use deadly force. Search the state laws concerning use of deadly force,etc. try to put them into the mindset .its' THE LAST resort. Good Luck.--Jim--

 

[Dienekes]

Try, try, try to get into a NRA Personal Protection course. Cost is minimal but you will get your feet on the ground and learn a lot in a short time. There are a lot of ways to do this stuff wrong and only a proven few ways to do it RIGHT. Not the same as going to Gunsite (!) but a good start. You can waste a LOT of time (and worse) picking up wisdom off the street corner.

Check around the usual spots (incl the NRA) to see if they can steer you (and the young lady) to one.

Save the money you would use to buy gun rags and spend it on ammo.