Topic: I don't know squat about proper handgun technique or reloading...

[onemountain]

I don't know squat about proper handgun technique. Or reloading. How do I go about learning?

Simple questions, but I don't if that entails simple answers. Especially since I'm not exactly flush with cash. So far I've put both handgunning and reloading off for lack of resources, but that may change. I just realized that if someone said they'd pay for it all, I still wouldn't know how to go about getting into handguns or reloading. So I thought I'd ask those who have.

Thanks in advance for your insights.

[emathey]

The ABCs of Reloading is a pretty informative book, it goes into quite a bit of detail on most things, do you have any specific questions?  The basic process is to clean/deprime your old brass, put in a new primer, recharge with powder, and then seat and (optionally) crimp the bullet.

[Beamncoke]

The best way to learn, for me, is to hook up with somebody that knows more than I do about whatever I'm interested in learning.  I'm sure that you could find someone that would be willing to show you the basics.

[tgibson]

I don't know squat about proper handgun technique.

I'm confused...you don't know squat about shooting or reloading handguns?  If you want some handgun techniques, I'd be happy to go spend a couple of hours with you for free.  Should be able to get you headed in the right direction in short order.
Adios,
TG

[J Mack]

I'd be happy to go spend a couple of hours with you for free.  Should be able to get you headed in the right direction in short order.
Adios,
TG

It doesn't get any better than that!

[fj40mojo]

It doesn't get any better than that!

No doubt! Do not pass up this opportunity. One of the best shooters in the valley just offered to show you the ropes.

[onemountain]

I'm confused...you don't know squat about shooting or reloading handguns?  If you want some handgun techniques, I'd be happy to go spend a couple of hours with you for free.  Should be able to get you headed in the right direction in short order.
Adios,
TG

Reloading as in reloading cartridges. I figure if it would help me stretch my ammo money further (I'm under no illusion that I'll actually spend less lol)

That is a very, very generous offer, TG! Unfortunately I've got my arm in a sling for the next three weeks, so it'd have to be one-handed shooting
If the offer is still valid after I get my arm back, I'll take it up in a heartbeat! (Unless you think it would be a good idea to try it out one-handed at first  )

[Grumblecakes]

my big recommendation for learning to shoot handgun would be to just do it. Granted im no champion or expert, nor have a took any formal instruction. I tried reading and reading and watching others and on and on. I would then go to the range with 2 boxes of ammo and not really see any improvement. finally i just started to go 'pull the trigger' and i got better just by doing. I even bought a 22 so i could shot more (cheaper) and that went along way into helping. Defiantly take up tg on his offer. I bet i would have saved alot of time, money and energy if i had some formal instruction.

 It is rewarding though when you figure out what you have to do to shoot accurately and quickly.

biggest tips that i learned and applies to all forms of open sight shooting are:

1) focus on the front sight. It learned it with rifle in the marines and never thought to transfer it to pistol, until i kept reading and reading and reading that it was important without letting it soak in (when it does you will know) and when i shot clays a few months back (i dont own a shot gun) it transferred over perfectly.
2) paitence. just punching paper ive had times where ive got up to the ready took aim then stepped back, my mind was not in the game at that moment.
3) practice practice practice. shooting is one of  the most relaxing hobbies i can do. when i get on ear and eye protection i pretty much forget about everything else for a few hours. and practice has become relaxation. its not from shooting stuff up or wrecking destruction or venting anger for me. Its about shutting out all the shit in the est of my life and using all my current effort to have fun.

Get something like a rugger or p22 or buckmark and take it out as much as you can, ive been toying with the idea of getting a sight bridge for my p22 so my will will shoot with me more (she doesnt like pistol cause she cant hit with it.

Get a 22 and the pistol wou wanna shoot and take them both to the range. shoot 2-300 22 rounds then before you leave transitions to the full size. you will save lots of money  practicing fudamentals and will still be able to put a a box or so down the pipe with out breaking the banks.


side note ---> most people at the public ranges almost every where are friendly hit them up for help and advice if you need it. i had one guy tell me something i knew, i was all over the target. and something i didnt know, your rings are loose. in 10 shots i 5 min i had a zero i spent a hour trying to find.


Cliffs guns safes reloads offers class sporadically if i remember right. you might hit up his shop and ask questions. its pretty easty to get into and even easier if start out with bells and whistles than trying to just get by. decent calipers and a good scale ( i prefer digital) will save lots of time.


Also research loads for all calibers you intend to reload for. if you can make safe loads with attributes you want with one powder across multiple calibers you can save some time and money.

Also do  a  bit of research and see if you can get away with small rife primers in pistol loads if you also load for rifle. generally the loads need tweaked and most newer guns and ignight both, research as seem if that a direction you wanna take. it may not save money but it simplifies your shopping list. Also practice making loads. resize a bunch of brass, saving the spent primers, clean them with the brass and use the spent primers and a powder of your choise (sugar will work if you want it to) and make up dummy rounds. when they are put together manually cycle them to find any that may hang or bad crimp or what ever. you can practice your techingue without hurting your self as easily since these will be inert rounds.  the take the oal and make sure your results a within safew margins. do the same thing for powder analogue. and check your primer depth may be off some since they are used. when you feel you do these consistently load up 3 safe published factory load and head out to shoot. firing a few of them and having them work out for you is rewarding and a boost to you confidence. consistency may save your life some day or atleast some limbs

instruction from teh experienced will be a tremendous help imo i am self taught but i learned a bit a class may  have taught me too do it right from the start, but learning from mistakes is helpful too.

[Jaggy13]

Shooting like other things requires sound fundamentals to be proficient.
Learning technique then practicing correctly will save thousands of rounds and hours drilling to get rid of bad habits... (ask me how I know)
TG is a great instructor. After your lesson and some practice, come out and shoot some steel or a little USPSA and IDPA.
Once you know what you can do and where your limitations are, its a real eye opener to see skilled shooters make it look easy.
There are some great shooters here in the valley. Getting to see them in action is some of the best lessons I have ever had.

[onemountain]

Alright, with what should I get/borrow to practice with?

Pretty much everyone seems to recommend .22lr for a starter (low recoil/blast and cheap; fine with me).

Does anyone have any arguments, say, for revolvers over semi-autos or vice versa? My uncle has a Ruger Mk II target model with a big, heavy long barrel (Government Target or something that; it would make a good anchor for small watercraft). Would that be a good/bad choice?

[Nealio]

Yeah there are several guys on this forum that shoot several times a week.  Just going out with one of them and learning some basic skills would be a good start.
The problem I have with the Ruger Mark XX is that they don't feel much like a full sized handgun. The Browning Buckmark is closer to what a full sized centerfire pistol feels like. 
Your best bet is to get a centerfire pistol, then get a conversion kit. You can then work on good technique with a full sized frame.