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General gun discussions This is a place to lounge and discuss firearm related topics with other forum members. |
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#1
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Best noob-friendly shop/range in SoCal?
Not sure if this is the right forum for this.
I'm looking to purchase my first firearm. I've shot a gun once in my life at a range so I know next to nothing about them. Definitely plan on doing some research first but I was wondering if you guys could recommend a good shop/range in the LA area (preferably close to the SF Valley but I'm willing to venture out) with a decent selection and competitive prices that's very accommodating to neophytes. Also, any recommendations for a good firearm basics training course? |
#2
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The Firing Line in Burbank has an excellent class for beginners. It lasts a few hours and teaches you everything you need to know about pistols and revolvers. The manager will remember you from the class and will help you out in the future.
It costs $75 plus any ammo you shoot, and you just show up by 9am any Saturday. |
#3
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Ask tons of questions here and then visit Alamo Pawn in West Co or Ammo bros. I wouldn't trust walking into a shop and asking the proper questions there.
Fav caliber? Any firearms you have been considering as your main focus to obtain? Ask here, and you may just find what you are looking for here in the meantime. Welcome in! |
#4
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As for a shop, the best prices and selection I am aware of are at Guns Direct and Turner's. A lot of us travel to neighboring counties to do our gun purchases because there are more shops there.
Don't buy your gun until you've had range experience. It's better that you know what you want before you go to the store. |
#5
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Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. |
#6
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#7
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I think turners offers the best low-pressure, non politicized environment. There's two in san diego and though their staff is somewhat prone to FUD and a bit of mis-information, they have always been pleasant, respectful and patient with me and my wife, and any questions we have.
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#8
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Baby glocks and XD9 subcompacts might also fit the purpose and budget. |
#9
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A CZ or XD would be a better choice. Glock would be fine if you find you can shoot it. Many newbies can't. |
#10
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I was looking at a compact because my hands are on the smaller side, I think. What's a CZ and XD?
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#11
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CZ 75B is a Czech full-size pistol. If you want smaller, get the CZ P-01. It is compact. Not sub-compact like a Shield. XD refers to the Croatian pistols imported by Springfield. They are similar to a Glock but less expensive and more natural-feeling. I can't remember if they have a compact version available in California. |
#12
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#13
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It's not my first choice but not bad. A lot of people get that as their first pistol and they tend to be happy with them. Decent gun considering the price.
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#14
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Fort Courage in Simi or Addax in San Fernando. Both are great shops, with great employees that actually know WTF they are doing and talking about.
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“Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpation” - James Madison, 1788 "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin "Don't worry scro!" - Dr. Lexus |
#15
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Decent for the price, horrible trigger, save a few more bucks for something better or at least plan on doing a trigger job.
RifleGear has always been helpful, bit of a drive.
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Originally posted by Kestryll: It never fails to amuse me how people get outraged but fail to tell the whole story in their rants.... |
#17
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The hands-down favorite shop among Calguns in SoCal is 2A Zone in Rancho Cucamonga. I've never been there but everyone is in live with it.
If you want to buy your gun online and get the best possible price, go to slickguns or wikiarms and make arrangements with Aces Jewelry and Loan in West Covina to receive it. Make absolutely sure it is the CA version before you buy it. Add $25 to the price for Aces' transfer service. It's the cheapest one in LA County. Just go and take that class at the Burbank range before you make decisions. You will learn a lot. |
#19
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Another vote for Fort Courage Armory in Simi Valley. Great staff. I think all their guns are on consignment though. |
#20
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OC Indoor Range in Brea is in Orange County. They have a pro shop with decent prices. They also have good instructors and offer all types of classes.
Good luck.
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God Did Not Create All Men Equal, Colonel Colt Did. |
#22
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Yeah, except those are all plastic, so you've left out a major category.
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#24
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Guns Direct in Burbank is a fantastic gun shop. The Firing Line in Burbank is a great range. The Target Range in Van Nuys (near the airport) is a range that also sells guns, and they're also pretty awesome. I'd recommend there, because you can look at AND shoot guns, and buy one all at the same time.
We just had on last week, but there's a calguns shoot at the Firing Line in Burbank the 3rd Friday of every month, 7pm to 10. I'm a member at both the Target Range and the Firing Line, so if you want a chance to try something that hasn't been beat to hell and back as a range rental, let me know. |
#26
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I 2nd Guns Direct in Burbank. I have been a shooter for 40+ years but had never owned a semi auto rifle in my life. Decided to get an AR a couple of years ago. The guys at Guns Direct were patient beyond belief and really took their time with me and far exceeded my expectations after first visiting Gun World down the street.
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#28
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Oh yeah, the suggestion to take a class at Firing Line is great. It would be great if you do that first so you have more idea. But I can assure you that you will be treated well at Guns Direct, whether you are a seasoned gun owner or a newbie. Good luck!
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#29
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#30
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An incredibly nice and polite staff here, and a decent collection of rental guns.
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#31
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Yes this selection is a good group to research. Make sure you do exactly that RESEARCH. I did for 5 months before selecting my first firearm. Since its for HD the full size will be a great choice. The Glock19 is a great choice for use for both HD and concealment. Good luck and happy hunting. |
#32
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Gompact Glock, but you should rent some guns and try them out first. Ohh and you can't rent guns alone.
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#34
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Fits the definition of, "Is a gun". I owned one and was not impressed. Really bad trigger, and had to remove two useless springs to get the trigger down from 10.5lbs to 5.5lbs. Accuracy was not all that great either. But went bang every time I pulled the trigger. Best thing to do is rent a bunch of guns and see what works for you. Everyone is different, and the SD9VE might work better for you then for me. Just don't put too much stock in the interwebs some of these gun sites recieve guns from companies and are expected to give good reviews. Wish you the best and don't get discouraged if your first gun does not work out. There are plenty more to choose from. Your next post will be ,"I need advice on a large gun safe for all my new guns."
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#35
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If you're willing to venture out just a bit, I'd suggest Island View Enterprises in Ventura, you can rent guns there and at least get an idea of what you'd like. Every last Friday of each month calguns shooter shoot free, i and I'm sure others would be willing to bring any gun to the range for you to try, just bring some ammo or buy at the range.
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#36
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This thread is the first time.ive ever heard anything good about the firing line in Burbank...
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#37
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Keep in mind there are some challenges with smaller compact guns...
Small guns have a short sight radius (the distance between the front and rear sight). Most people find that they shoot guns with a longer sight radius better (better accuracy). Recoil is much more noticeable (and challenging to manage) with a smaller gun. Small guns...even 9mm's...can be very unpleasant to shoot...which wont exactly encourage you to practice. If you're thinking of going this route, definitely rent the exact small gun you intend to purchase, first, and try it. Also rent a normal size M&P in the same caliber as the Shield and compare the two. Most people recommend a full size gun to a first time gun buyer (I mean aside from the crazy salesman who just wants to sell you something). Capacity is much less with a smaller gun...which can matter in a gun fight. I understand the small hand issue. But definitely try a number of mid to full size guns...and try to rent several before you buy. Unless you've got super duper tiny hands, I'm betting you can find something in a full size gun that will work for you. Good luck...and welcome to the forum!
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"Kestryll I wanna lick your doughnut." Fighter Pilot Last edited by L84CABO; 08-23-2016 at 11:22 PM.. |
#38
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I started with an XD9 5" and have been working my way down ever since. Its still my go-to home defense gun with a tlr-1 tac light. Almost 10 years and thousands of rounds and nary a hiccup. |
#39
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Decent price for a yearly membership also. . |
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