Originally Posted by rpriore

So, i've never fired a handgun but am looking to buy. My question is if I go to my local gun shop/range where they do rent handguns does someone normally instruct you on the range as how to properly operate and fire which ever handgun you choose to rent.

No, generally that is what's called a class. You pay extra for that. If you don't know the ins and outs, get a good period of instruction before heading out to rent. Most shops with ranges that do rentals will have some sort of basic handgun class available.

Class first, shoot later. If they don't have a class, try and find a local NRA instructor and take a First Steps Pistol or Basic Pistol Class.

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Here's basic pistol courses in FL

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Florida

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* Amelia Island - Friday, March 06, 2009, DrOpZOne Administrative Center, $275
Bernard Martinage, 904 335 0525. , oic@DrOpZOne360.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Course taught by TWO NRA Training Counselors. Course is 23 hours and only 4 to 6 students to ensure maximum educational quality. Pre-course Assessment must be completed no less than 14 days prior to training. $100 required at completion of PCA.

* Apopka - Saturday, April 18, 2009, Wayne Densch Boy Scout Service Center, $350
Kevin McGarry, 3217952034. , kcmcgarry@gmail.com
Class types: Basic Rifle, Basic Pistol, Basic Shotgun, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
This course is sponsored by the BSA and is two successive weekends, 4/18-4/18 then 4/24-4/26. 2nd weekend is at Boy Scout Camp LaNoChe in Paisley Florida. Certification fees, use of firearms and Ammunition are included in the cost.

* Brandon - Sunday, February 22, 2009, Brandon Blvd., $125
Alexander Aguilar, 917-584-8695. , lex59@verizon.net
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
This Course meets/exceeds the Florida Concealed Carry license training requirement. Much information is covered in this excellent course; students of all levels are welcome. Call for reservation.

* Brooksville - Saturday, March 07, 2009, Hernando Sportsmans Club, $100
James Hayes, (352) 597-9931. , nrainstructor@embarqmail.com
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
See our Webpage for directions to the club and information on other NRA classes and club shooting events and competitions.

* Brooksville - Friday, March 27, 2009, Hernando Sportsmans Club, $150
James Hayes, (352) 597-9931. , nrainstructor@embarqmail.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Instructor Course. Other clubs welcome to attend to certify their own instructors. Must have completed Student Pistol prior. See for directions and details.

* Fernandina Beach - Saturday, February 21, 2009, 413 Georgia Avenue, $275
Bernard Martinage, 904 335 0525. , oic@dropzone360.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Course taught by TWO NRA Training Counselors. Course is 23 hours and only 4 to 6 students to ensure maximum educational quality. Pre-course Assessment must be completed no less than 14 days prior to training. $100 required at completion of PCA.

* Jacksonville - Friday, February 27, 2009, Accurate Edge, LLC, $235
Tom Eichling, 904-891-0227. , Info@accurate-edge.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Preassessment on Friday. Classroom and 4 hours of onsite live fire range time on Sat and Sun. BIT included. STC Eichling has 18 years experience as a NRA Trainer and Navy Shooting Team member. Min of 4 and Max of 8 students. Preregistration required.

* Jacksonville - Friday, April 24, 2009, Bullseye Indoor Gun Range, $275
William (Bill) Martin, (904) 260-6489. , WL1710@bellsouth.net
Class types: Basic Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
This will include Basic Instructor Training and Pistol Instructor Training.

* Jupiter - Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 2581 Jupiter Park Drive F11, $99
Jim Stephens, 561 282-0777. , mailbox@trustedarmament.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Basic Shotgun, First Steps Pistol, First Steps Shotgun, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Conformation requires pre registration/payment 7 days minimum in advance. Group classes are limited to 6 students for quality control and maximum safety. Private instruction available. Contact us at 561 282-0777 for more details and start times.

* Jupiter - Tuesday, March 03, 2009, 2581 Jupiter Park Drive F11, $99
Jim Stephens, 561 282-0777. , mailbox@trustedarmament.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Basic Shotgun, First Steps Pistol, First Steps Shotgun, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Conformation requires pre registration/payment 7 days minimum in advance. Group classes are limited to 6 students for quality control and maximum safety. Private instruction available. Contact us at 561 282-0777 for more details and start times.

* Jupiter - Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 2581 Jupiter Park Drive F11, $99
Jim Stephens, 561 282-0777. , mailbox@trustedarmament.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Basic Shotgun, First Steps Pistol, First Steps Shotgun, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Conformation requires pre registration/payment 7 days minimum in advance. Group classes are limited to 6 students for quality control and maximum safety. Private instruction available. Contact us at 561 282-0777 for more details and start times.

* Jupiter - Tuesday, March 17, 2009, 2581 Jupiter Park Drive F11, $99
Jim Stephens, 561 282-0777. , mailbox@trustedarmament.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Basic Shotgun, First Steps Pistol, First Steps Shotgun, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Conformation requires pre registration/payment 7 days minimum in advance. Group classes are limited to 6 students for quality control and maximum safety. Private instruction available. Contact us at 561 282-0777 for more details and start times.

* Jupiter - Thursday, March 26, 2009, 2581 Jupiter Park Drive F11, $99
Jim Stephens, 561 282-0777. , mailbox@trustedarmament.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Basic Shotgun, First Steps Pistol, First Steps Shotgun, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Conformation requires pre registration/payment 7 days minimum in advance. Group classes are limited to 6 students for quality control and maximum safety. Private instruction available. Contact us at 561 282-0777 for more details and start times.

* Lake Placid - Friday, February 27, 2009, Church of the Nazarene, $265
Donald Haverkamp, 863-465-4255. , don@concealedcarryfl.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Offering a two day Instructor Course consisting of NRA Basic Instructor, Pistol Instructor, Home Firearms Safety Instructor Training. Course requires pre registration, Pre Course Questionnaire and $150.00 deposit. Please contact for info.

* Lake Placid - Saturday, March 14, 2009, Sunshine RV Resort, $75
Don Haverkamp, 863-465-4255. , Don@ConcealedCarryFL.com
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
NRA Basic Pistol Course used to get your Concealed Carry Permit. There will be Live Range Fire Training. What is needed for the class? Your pistol, 100 rounds of ammo, eye and ear protection. If you do not have these items, I can provide them for you.

* Loxahatchee - Monday, February 23, 2009, 17563 68th St., N., $75
Alan Moffatt, 5613484387. , moffatt1089@bellsouth.net
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
Classes are conducted in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable setting. The course complies with the training requirement for the Florida concealed carry license. Group and private instruction is available. Call for registration and availability.

* Loxahatchee - Monday, March 02, 2009, 17563 68th St., N., $75
Alan Moffatt, 5613484387. , moffatt1089@bellsouth.net
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
Classes are conducted in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable setting. The course complies with the training requirement for the Florida concealed carry license. Group and private instruction is available. Call for registration and availability.

* Melbourne - Saturday, April 04, 2009, Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol, $50
Dan, 321-258-8289. , training@pmrpc.com
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
Guns and Ammo Provided

* Palm Bay - Saturday, April 04, 2009, Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol, $50
Dan, 321-2588289. , training@pmrpc.com
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
Guns and Ammo Provided

* Palm Beach Gardens - Saturday, February 21, 2009, The Abbey Road Grill, $75
Paul Parker, (561) 589-0889. , PaulParker314@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
This course is offered every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The course complies with the State of Florida concealed carry safety training requirement. Space is limitted; pre-registration is required. Call Paul Parker for registration information.

* Port St. Lucie - Saturday, February 21, 2009, Buccaneer Circle, $125
Alexander Aguilar, 917-584-8695. , lex59@verizon.net
Class types: Basic Pistol, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
This Course meets/exceeds the Florida Concealed Carry license training requirement. Much information is covered in this excellent course; students of all levels are welcome. Call for reservation.

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Saturday, February 28, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome!

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Sunday, March 01, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome!

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Saturday, March 07, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Sunday, March 08, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Sunday, March 15, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome!

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Saturday, March 21, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Sunday, March 22, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome

* Southwest Ranches and Davie - Saturday, March 28, 2009, Bergeron Plaza, $150
Franklyn Tan Te, 954-914-6377. , frankte@yahoo.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, First Steps Pistol, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection In the Home

Course Notes:
Courses have MORE range time, MORE instruction and MORE practical exercises to improve skills and expand capabilities. Will also assist in selection, purchase, cleaning and maintenance of firearms. Can also schedule by appointment. Family groups welcome!

* TAMPA - Saturday, March 21, 2009, Travel Lodge - Fletcher, $250
Dennis E. Doll, 813-963-7396. , dedoll@verizon.net
Class types: Basic Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Price includes NRA Instructor materials and certification fees.

* Thonotosassa - Saturday, April 04, 2009, Indoor Shooting Range, $150
Anthony Negri, 478-781-0961. , agnegri@bigboreguy.com
Class types: Basic Pistol

Course Notes:
Meets requirement for Flordia CCW license. Required for either Personal Protection classes.

* Thonotosassa (Tampa) - Saturday, March 07, 2009, Indoor Shooting Company, $250
Harry Nolan, (813) 986-5456. , harrynolan4@gmail.com
Class types: Basic Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
Course is scheduled from 8am-6pm on 3/7/09 and 3/8/09. Course fee includes instructor material, certification and processing fees, range time and targets.

* WEST PALM BEACH - Saturday, February 21, 2009, GATOR GUN AND ARCHERY, $250
Bob Harvey, 561-683-1411. , bob@SFLAGUNSCHOOL.COM
Class types: Basic Pistol, Instructor Training

Course Notes:
$250.00 & COST OF MATERIALS

Thank you for the info this reeally does help alot.

Rick

Every range I have ever been to that rented guns had a basic run-through of how to operate the weapons. This is part customer service, part liability insurance. I am sure the person working the counter will gladly show you how the gun works without making you take an entire class.

Originally Posted by Ptarmigan

Every range I have ever been to that rented guns had a basic run-through of how to operate the weapons. This is part customer service, part liability insurance. I am sure the person working the counter will gladly show you how the gun works without making you take an entire class.

That's exactly how it's been at every range/store I've been to.

Ask the personnel at your local gun range if they do that, my guess is they would for general safety reasons.

Originally Posted by rpriore

So, i've never fired a handgun but am looking to buy . My question is if I go to my local gun shop/range where they do rent handguns does someone normally instruct you on the range as how to properly operate and fire which ever handgun you choose to rent.

Paying particular attention to the text in blue...

Take a class. I know you've had and shot rifles before, but handguns are a little different. The range you go to may or may not give the basic run down, make sure you ask them to do so, hopefully the chucklhead behind the counter will know how to operate the gun. Even then, I still think you will be better off with any kind of class prior to going out to the gunshop solo to make your first purchase/first time shooting a pistol. Be an educated consumer, be proactive, make sound choices. A quality period of instruction is money well spent.

Originally Posted by VAMarine

Paying particular attention to the text in blue...

Take a class. I know you've had and shot rifles before, but handguns are a little different. The range you go to may or may not give the basic run down, make sure you ask them to do so, hopefully the chucklhead behind the counter will know how to operate the gun. Even then, I still think you will be better off with any kind of class prior to going out to the gunshop solo to make your first purchase/first time shooting a pistol. Be an educated consumer, be proactive, make sound choices. A quality period of instruction is money well spent.

Thanks again for the help. I just booked with an instructer for march 3rd for a basic handgun course. BTW is there is there a norm in time length for these courses because he is telling me it is about an hour long, I was just assuming that they would run a little longer than an hour, but then again i've never taken a course like this so I really wouldn't know.


Rick

Originally Posted by rpriore

Thanks again for the help. I just booked with an instructer for march 3rd for a basic handgun course. BTW is there is there a norm in time length for these courses because he is telling me it is about an hour long, I was just assuming that they would run a little longer than an hour, but then again i've never taken a course like this so I really wouldn't know.


Rick

If it's a one on one class, dealing with autos only an hour should be OK for a good basic class on the finer points of shooting for a beginner.

Originally Posted by rpriore

I just booked with an instructer for march 3rd for a basic handgun course.

That's a very wise decision.

Yes, this is a one on one class. $60 for the hour plus the cost of ammo.
I'm so excited I feel like i'm going on my first date all over again

Originally Posted by rpriore

So, i've never fired a handgun but am looking to buy. My question is if I go to my local gun shop/range where they do rent handguns does someone normally instruct you on the range as how to properly operate and fire which ever handgun you choose to rent.

The advice given regarding a class is first rate. After the class (I would recommend the NRA basic pistol, class room and hands on experience) then you might want to visit one or more of your local gun clubs (your class instructor will probably be a good source, or either try the NRA's website and look for places to shoot in your area or contact the NRA directly and ask for a list of clubs in your area, and go to the clubs, talk to them about what guns they might recommend. Listen to the guys who will offer to take you to the range and try some of their's, the guys with all the advice but no offer to try a few out are usually the armchair shooters.