My Sig...or rental .22?

Millie

Get on with your life!!!
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Yes, I'm extra confused.
I've been advised that I should be training with a .22, and not my carry gun.
So for my next shooting day, what am I supposed to do? I was planning on getting even more familiar with my gun, using what I learned Friday from my coach, and just shooting a lot.
My reasoning is, I need to know the gun I'm carrying and may have to use one day, though I fervently hope I never have to even let anyone see it!
Now, do I need to start over with training on a new gun? My coach never said I should. (I do want to add a .22 to my "collection" eventually.)
Thanks in advance for your help, and just know that in about 20-30 years I may be out of questions...maybe! Lol.
 
The idea behind a .22 is...

- lower cost per round means more practice
- lower recoil/noise means more concentration on technique

So, often times folks will run a bunch of .22 while at the range and finish up with a magazine or 2 with your carry gun.
 
I really enjoy plinking with .22’s but spend a lot more range time with my 9mm carry piece. YMMV ;)
 
I’ll share with you one idea I had a couple years ago...

I wanted to entice my wife and daughter into shooting. The eventual goal was 9mm. I eventually purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm along with a “matching” .22. The logic was that they’d enjoy the easy shooting .22 and eventually “graduate” to the 9mm which is exactly the same size/shape (although heavier) and has exactly the same controls. We’re still at the .22 stage with my daughter (wife isn’t interested at all) but I remain hopeful.
 
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I’ll share with you one idea I had a couple years ago...

I wanted to entice my wife and daughter into shooting. The eventual goal was 9mm. I eventually purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm along with a “matching” .22. The logic was that they’d enjoy the easy shooting .22 and eventually “graduate” to the 9mm which is exactly the same size/shape (although heavier) and has exactly the same controls. We’re still at the .22 stage with my daughter (wife isn’t interested at all) but I remain hopeful.
That's funny because my idea with the .380 is to get used to that, and then (try) to go to a 9mm with more round capacity!! Haven't found a 9mm yet that I can really feel comfortable with.
So are you saying yes on the .22? Or a Sig .22? (Is there one?)
BTW sorry the wife isn't interested in your gun, umm I mean in shooting guns with you and your daughter. Lol.
 
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Millie which sig are you shooting if it is a da/sa get a gsg firefly mine is great. it is a 22 duplicate of the sig P series da/sa guns
 
Also, many full size/carry guns have a "near enough" .22 companion so you have same/similar mechanics.
So now I need a Sig .22? The first was $$ enough! Lol.
 
Millie which sig are you shooting if it is a da/sa get a gsg firefly mine is great. it is a 22 duplicate of the sig P series da/sa guns
It's the p238. By all accounts, not ideal for a newbie shooter, but I like it.
 
My guess is that your shooting is limited by the time you have to drive over to the range. If so, I’d spend all that time practicing with my carry gun. When you’re at the point that you can shoot all you want, whenever you want, it might be time to add the .22. Just one old fart’s opinion.
 
Miilie, if you are not carrying a 1911 I do not see why to practice with a 1911-22. Once you get really comfortable shooting your carry gun then I would start playing around with other guns.
The 22 is fun to shoot and you are only spending around .06 a shot.

When I take a few handguns to the range, I will start with the smallest caliber and work my way up the ladder. If you do get the 1911-22, start your practice with that one and end with your carry gun IMHO.
 
Ignore the “train with a .22lr” for now.

Your goal (as I’ve read) is to become comfortable and confident with your chosen self defense firearm. Use it, practice with it, learn it, get comfortable with it.

If you find yourself enjoying it so much you start going to the range for fun and enjoyment in addition to getting comfortable with your chosen self defense tool. then financially you may do well to look into a “plinker” in .22lr.

But by then I believe you will have passed beyond “I believe in knowing how to properly use the tools I depend on” and have graduated into the enthusiast level. As most members here tend to be.

You’ve stuck around long enough that I believe you will buy yet another pistol just because you enjoy the range that much.

Then you can justify picking up yet another as a copy in .22lr just for cheaper practice.

It’s a rabbit hole. Don’t worry an air filled wallet makes the fall have some cushion:cool:
 
@Millie

The advice @Wahoo95 gave about a .22 is excellent ... in an ideal world. And in an ideal world someone would have taught you to shoot with a .22 when you were a teenager and by the time you were an adult, you would have been proficient in the fundamentals and would have graduated to whatever else you wanted to shoot.

Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. You are a grown woman who wants a gun to be able to defend yourself. You face a difficult choice. You could focus on becoming reasonably proficient with your defense gun (which is smaller than ideal for a newbie) and any bad habits you might develop would be addressed later. Or you could focus of perfecting your fundamentals first with a .22 (probably rented) while you remain barely familiar with your defense gun until later.

My advice would be to discuss the question with your coach/trainer, who is in a far better position than any of us on the internet to evaluate, on an ongoing basis, whether you show signs of developing bad habits.
 
My guess is that your shooting is limited by the time you have to drive over to the range. If so, I’d spend all that time practicing with my carry gun. When you’re at the point that you can shoot all you want, whenever you want, it might be time to add the .22. Just one old fart’s opinion.
(You're one of my favorite old farts!)
Yes, it takes over an hour to get thru the traffic to the range, and it's an annoying drive! Then there's the paying for it issue...the budget dictates what I can do and when/if/how much.

(If I could find a used .22 for not a lot of $ should I go ahead and get it, provided it's enough like the Sig that I'd be familiar with it?)
 
the firefly will not help you with the controls now if you were shooting my p229 it has the same controls and it was Cheap $169.00
I'll look it up! Nice price....
Hope it's all metal, though.
 
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@Millie

The advice @Wahoo95 gave about a .22 is excellent ... in an ideal world. And in an ideal world someone would have taught you to shoot with a .22 when you were a teenager and by the time you were an adult, you would have been proficient in the fundamentals and would have graduated to whatever else you wanted to shoot.

Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. You are a grown woman who wants a gun to be able to defend yourself. You face a difficult choice. You could focus on becoming reasonably proficient with your defense gun (which is smaller than ideal for a newbie) and any bad habits you might develop would be addressed later. Or you could focus of perfecting your fundamentals first with a .22 (probably rented) while you remain barely familiar with your defense gun until later.

My advice would be to discuss the question with your coach/trainer, who is in a far better position than any of us on the internet to evaluate, on an ongoing basis, whether you show signs of developing bad habits.
What is your idea of an ideal newbie carry gun? I wasn't planning on a gun quite this small when I went renting and trying out guns. Lol. I was lusting after a Glock 9mm...It just happened to work out this way.

As for my coach, I do plan more lessons, but can't afford him every time I go over there. He's sort of a luxury right now. I know I need the training, but he hasn't said I've screwed up really badly so I must be doing ok. I might be able to afford him once a month if I have a few extra $. And I know I probably need to shoot more than once a month, right?

Tuesday I'm going to shoot, but not with my coach, though I'll have an experienced shooter in there with me. But he's there to shoot, not babysit me. Lol. I'm sure he'll tell me if he sees me flagrantly abusing the principles of decent shooting! But he's there to have fun, and watching over me isn't it.

I really want to know your idea of a good newbie carry gun....
(Please don't say: Taurus, ultralight, .38 spl.)

PS I did start shooting in my 20s, with a .25, but didn't shoot much for the next 30 years.
 
I'd train with your carry gun and add a 22 when you have the funds. No sense shooting a different platform just to shoot a 22. Get as good as you can with the 238 then branch out.
 
Ignore the “train with a .22lr” for now.

Your goal (as I’ve read) is to become comfortable and confident with your chosen self defense firearm. Use it, practice with it, learn it, get comfortable with it.

If you find yourself enjoying it so much you start going to the range for fun and enjoyment in addition to getting comfortable with your chosen self defense tool. then financially you may do well to look into a “plinker” in .22lr.

But by then I believe you will have passed beyond “I believe in knowing how to properly use the tools I depend on” and have graduated into the enthusiast level. As most members here tend to be.

You’ve stuck around long enough that I believe you will buy yet another pistol just because you enjoy the range that much.

Then you can justify picking up yet another as a copy in .22lr just for cheaper practice.

It’s a rabbit hole. Don’t worry an air filled wallet makes the fall have some cushion:cool:
I've heard it was more like a potato chip addiction, and I can see the signs in myself already. LOL.
After shooting a .22 in Raleigh, I was impressed with how nice it felt, and decided I'd need to get one someday.
But you're correct, the goal right now is to get to where I can work all the parts on my gun without having to think about it too much, not to mention remembering all the stuff I went over with my coach, which I've come to realize is pretty complicated. I need to go to the range a lot! I have to remember how to stand, how to hold my arms, how to grip the gun, to put my right thumb on top of the safety, put my other one pointing forward, get the sights just so, remember what part of my finger on the trigger got me the best results and be able to put it there without having to think about it, and on, and on, and on......(head exploding!)
I do like guns and I'm sure to get at least one more!
 
I agree with gc70, a conversation with your coach is the place to start!
I also agree with Jeppo, if range time is limited, train with your carry gun, cause you aren't burning that much ammo anyway.
 
Millie I do not know where in NC you live but there has to be many members around you that could help with the different guns without renting them. They might even be a member of a range where they can bring a guest free of charge. Paying to shoot everytime you go sucks. If the range you are going to have an annual membership you might want to join it. Also, members at most indoor ranges let you use the rental pistol free of charge. You just have to use their ammo.
 
@Millie

A carry gun is normally a smaller gun, which is easier to conceal, but a smaller gun is not usually as easy to hold, or aim, or control while shooting as a larger gun. In short, we often make compromises in shootability to be able to conceal a carry gun. My idea of a "good newbie carry gun" would be the same as the description of a good carry gun often seen on the internet - the biggest gun you can shoot well and conceal reasonably. However, a "good newbie carry gun" might be radically different from a "good newbie gun" generally.

You don't need your coach every time you go shooting. But you should continue to get more training over time. And I bet you could call and talk to your coach about the .22 question without being billed. :D
 
I've heard it was more like a potato chip addiction, and I can see the signs in myself already. LOL.
After shooting a .22 in Raleigh, I was impressed with how nice it felt, and decided I'd need to get one someday.
But you're correct, the goal right now is to get to where I can work all the parts on my gun without having to think about it too much, not to mention remembering all the stuff I went over with my coach, which I've come to realize is pretty complicated. I need to go to the range a lot! I have to remember how to stand, how to hold my arms, how to grip the gun, to put my right thumb on top of the safety, put my other one pointing forward, get the sights just so, remember what part of my finger on the trigger got me the best results and be able to put it there without having to think about it, and on, and on, and on......(head exploding!)
I do like guns and I'm sure to get at least one more!
Yep, well on the way;)

The other members saying listen to your coach are exactly correct. Your doing great ( not to mention better than most) on the decision to get an education with your chosen weapon. He is there first hand to see and show how to improve. Getting a coach is more than many would do in the first place:oops:

Keep it up! You don’t “need” another platform to practice with just yet, but soon enough. You will repeat to yourself “variety is the spice of life”. Then we will see you in the c&r threads asking about your first lee-enfield, then in the accessories forum debating about whether you can get by with a 24 gun or need the 48 gun Drake safe:D
 
Yep, well on the way;)

The other members saying listen to your coach are exactly correct. Your doing great ( not to mention better than most) on the decision to get an education with your chosen weapon. He is there first hand to see and show how to improve. Getting a coach is more than many would do in the first place:oops:

Keep it up! You don’t “need” another platform to practice with just yet, but soon enough. You will repeat to yourself “variety is the spice of life”. Then we will see you in the c&r threads asking about your first lee-enfield, then in the accessories forum debating about whether you can get by with a 24 gun or need the 48 gun Drake safe:D
Lol. No gun safe for me!! No rifles for me!! I already seem to be getting one expensive "hobby".....

Excited to go shooting on Tuesday!!!
 
Millie I do not know where in NC you live but there has to be many members around you that could help with the different guns without renting them. They might even be a member of a range where they can bring a guest free of charge. Paying to shoot everytime you go sucks. If the range you are going to have an annual membership you might want to join it. Also, members at most indoor ranges let you use the rental pistol free of charge. You just have to use their ammo.
I have actually gone to shoot with a couple of guys at their range in Raleigh, and they were nice enough to bring a whole lotta guns for me to try. One had two range bags full! I also rented a couple of Glocks, as that was what I thought I'd end up with, and what I wanted to buy. Most of them either hurt my hand or scared the hell out of me, but I learned a lot. Next time I went shooting was to try out .380s, as the first time had helped me decide 9mm wasn't going to work for me, and this was with my "coach" and that's how I discovered the Sig and ended up buying one!
So, I've tried out many guns in different calibres. The p238 is where I ended up.

As for membership, I'm thinking about Jim's. I used to think I wanted to be indoors, but discovered it's hot in the indoor range too (not to mention extra loud), so maybe I'll look at some outdoor ones too. Either way, I doubt I'll be shooting in the summer, can't stand the heat. (I'm waiting a bit to see if my hometown range has accepted me, they might be running a bit behind.)
 
I use a 22 to practice shooting a 22.

There are lots of reasons that your coach might suggest a .22, but if he isn’t pushing it then I wouldn’t go off on your own. For example, it can physically hurt to shoot some tiny guns so you stop after 20min and by using a .22 you can shoot for an hour and so learn a lot more about how a trigger feels or how a proper grip feels at each range session. You don’t learn your carry gun, or how to manage recoil, but many of the skills are transferable.

The financial component is pretty easy. Say that you want to shoot 200 rounds for practice, that’s about $15 in .22 and about $35 in 9mm.
 
I also agree that a .22 is a great training/practice option that you should consider when you are able to afford one. There are several .22s for sale in the classifieds here now.
But I also suggest you practice dry-firing your Sig as much and as often as you can. It will allow you to become more comfortable and familiar with the trigger, and you can practice “firing” the gun without the sights moving.
It may not seem like it at the time, but you will notice a difference at the range with live fire.


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@Millie

A carry gun is normally a smaller gun, which is easier to conceal, but a smaller gun is not usually as easy to hold, or aim, or control while shooting as a larger gun. In short, we often make compromises in shootability to be able to conceal a carry gun. My idea of a "good newbie carry gun" would be the same as the description of a good carry gun often seen on the internet - the biggest gun you can shoot well and conceal reasonably. However, a "good newbie carry gun" might be radically different from a "good newbie gun" generally.

You don't need your coach every time you go shooting. But you should continue to get more training over time. And I bet you could call and talk to your coach about the .22 question without being billed. :D
Well, he did say text him if I had questions, so... And I do plan to get more training by him and other people, as I think you can learn something from everybody, then adapt it to your situation.
As for the carry/shoot combo, I have to say I think carrying the Sig is fine now that I'm used to the extra size and weight compared to my first carry gun, the KelTec .380.
Shooting the Sig is the nicest of any I've tried, except the .22.
So, I'll just work on shooting it as well as I can.
 
Millie, my opinion (which with 99¢ will get you a cup of coffee at McD’s) is for now stick with one firearm (or platform at least). Swapping back and forth means changing the mechanics of operating the firearms and being relatively new get the basics down on one platform.

Now when you’re really ready think about a little .22 pistol about the closest thing I could think of to the P238 would be maybe a Ruger 22/45 Lite??? ... and that isn’t much more than cousin close. It is a nice lighter rimfire single action semi-auto a lot of people work with (also it’s a good suppressor host for when you get one ... and you will if this board has its way :D). My 22/45 is my favorite fun gun and at under 4¢ a round (for now) it puts a smile on about anyone’s face when plinking. I’m sure there’re others I am not thinking of so others can chime in on your next purchase ... we like enabling
 
I use a 22 to practice shooting a 22.

There are lots of reasons that your coach might suggest a .22, but if he isn’t pushing it then I wouldn’t go off on your own. For example, it can physically hurt to shoot some tiny guns so you stop after 20min and by using a .22 you can shoot for an hour and so learn a lot more about how a trigger feels or how a proper grip feels at each range session. You don’t learn your carry gun, or how to manage recoil, but many of the skills are transferable.

The financial component is pretty easy. Say that you want to shoot 200 rounds for practice, that’s about $15 in .22 and about $35 in 9mm.
Nope, the coach hasn't said anything about any other gun. He's never even mentioned a .22...he's ok with me using my p238.

As for a tiny gun hurting, my gun was shot for an hour on Friday and never hurt at all. It's extremely comfortable for me. I didn't notice it getting heavy either, though I was pretty tired and thirsty after shooting. LoL. (And I do realize my gun is pretty small, I got to hold and shoot some big ones and heavy ones, and I'm happy with tiny! And I do realize .380 rounds are pricier. But that's what I can shoot, and there ya go. Lol.)
 
Millie, my opinion (which with 99¢ will get you a cup of coffee at McD’s) is for now stick with one firearm (or platform at least). Swapping back and forth means changing the mechanics of operating the firearms and being relatively new get the basics down on one platform.

Now when you’re really ready think about a little .22 pistol about the closest thing I could think of to the P238 would be maybe a Ruger 22/45 Lite??? ... and that isn’t much more than cousin close. It is a nice lighter rimfire single action semi-auto a lot of people work with (also it’s a good suppressor host for when you get one ... and you will if this board has its way :D). My 22/45 is my favorite fun gun and at under 4¢ a round (for now) it puts a smile on about anyone’s face when plinking. I’m sure there’re others I am not thinking of so others can chime in on your next purchase ... we like enabling
You really are enablers, shame on you!!

As for the suppressor, I've actually shot with one...loved it!
Lite...after the taurus revolver ultralight fiasco, I'm leery of anything "lite" or "airweight"....I want a nice "heavy, metal" gun that won't bite me.
We'll be having this discussion in a few months about my getting a .22, I'm sure. LOL. (Or a 9mm, which I still want to try to find one I can shoot.)
 
I also agree that a .22 is a great training/practice option that you should consider when you are able to afford one. There are several .22s for sale in the classifieds here now.
But I also suggest you practice dry-firing your Sig as much and as often as you can. It will allow you to become more comfortable and familiar with the trigger, and you can practice “firing” the gun without the sights moving.
It may not seem like it at the time, but you will notice a difference at the range with live fire.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've been doing the snap caps. And also putting a coin on the slide....this isn't going well for me, as the slide is curved and just getting it to stay while not pulling the trigger is not happening! (Maybe too much caffeine ar dinner last night?)
I'm also getting familiar with the hammer. Not really enjoying pulling that sucker back....
 
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