Hello from Chattanooga. First day shooting aka adventures at Prentice Cooper

[Guest TheDrip]

Recently moved to Chattanooga.

 

I bought my first gun. A Marlin XT22. 22LR, bolt action, tube fed, synthetic stock.

 

I want to learn gun handling and target shooting skills, and was told a 22 bolt action would be ideal for this.

 

I bought the gun (used) last week. Today I went and shot for the first time. After a few hours of asking my (out of state) gun nut friends about range etiquette, proper stance, how to clear a misfire, etc etc, I felt I was ready to go at least put a few down range.

 

I get out there about 11am. Every lane is full, but no one waiting. I decided it was a good idea to just observe the range for some time first anyway. Wanted to see how the cold range-hot range worked with no Range Officer and such. After about 15 minutes, the far left 50 yard lane opened up. Out of everyones way, it seemed ideal.

 

I laid out all my bits, waited for the next cold range, put up some targets, and once it went hot, loaded and started firing. about an hour of shooting and maybe 100 rounds later, I was happy. Packed up, headed home.

 

I only saw a couple safety transgressions while i was there. Mostly handling weapons at the firing line while the range was cold. Nothing that made me pack up and leave immediately. Everyone was friendly, cold range happened about every 15 minutes, lasting maybe 5 minutes.

 

Overall a good experience, and I will be out there again!

 

Now for the results. I put about 20 rounds down range into leftover targets before even trying to hit mine. The first 20 rounds I had ever fired. I was happy to hit the 4x8 target board =)

 

Then I started shooting for my targets.

 

1. 7 rounds, sitting, supported by my hands

2. 5 rounds, sitting, supported by my hands

3. 7 rounds, sitting, stock resting on a box for support

4. lots of rounds, stock resting on a box

5. first few rounds standing, then back to using a box as a rest. I'm terrible standing

6. Target fell off before I got there

7. Started laying sounds into a leftover silhouette. Head was mostly untouched (couple random shots) so I went for head shots. Full tube, plus a few more (20 shots or so).

 

First 6 targets are 9", all shooting at 50 rounds. This was iron sights. I havent shot before, and the sights were zero'd by the previous owner. I'll get better hopefully! I did learn that I need to take my scope with me (havent mounted it yet, I want to learn iron sights first) so I can spot my shots. I can't see a .22 hole at 50 yards. When I moved over to 100 hards, I'll barely be able to see the targets =)

 

[Jonnin]

welcome!  Looks like a good day for it, good season for rifle.  Iron sights take pretty good skill as well as good eyesight, not bad if you have not used iron much.  

[Guest TheDrip]

I haven't used iron ever. The only other thing I've ever shot is a break action .177 pellet pistol. Today was literally my first 150 rounds. EVER.

[z0mbies fear me]

Welcome to TGO

[rugerla1]

Welcome and keep at it, good job for first time out!

[Guest Nunya]

Awesome.  And, great approach to staying safe.  Slow and steady.

[Monkeyman2500]

Good job. Also good you thought of safety first. I've heard a few horror stories at the ranges of late. A .22 is maybe the most fun round ever made. Now go get a 1911 and don't look back :)

[RED333]

As everyone has said, good going.

Ya did good learning on your own, watching what goes on with range cold and hot

is a good thing.

Your groups are good for a first time shooting your self, with a new rifle.

You are for sure making a hairy tailed rat jump.

Edited March 17, 2013 by RED333

[DWARREN123]

First Howdy and Welcome to TGO   :wave:

Good for the first time. 22lr is always good to have no matter if long time shooter or new to the sport.

Have fun and be safe.

[bvarnell]

Welcome to the forum.

Not bad shooting for 50 yds. iron sights.

Sounds like PC was a little safer than in times past.

[Guest TheDrip]

Thank you guys for the warm welcome. I woke up with the desire to go shooting again, but PC is closed on sundays.

 

I guess I'll be joning a rifle club, either CRC or CHRPC.

 

After some web digging, but seem to have advantages of their own. They're only a few miles apart, so location doesn't really matter.

 

Is there one thats new guy friendlier than the other? I understand that I have to be sponsored, I'll get to meeting people after I decide which club would be better for me.

 

Right now I only have my little 22 rifle, in the future i will likely step up to a bigger caliber. I really have no interest in hand guns as of yet.

 

Any recommendations from members of one or the other (or both) ?

 

Thank you

[Randall53]

What is CHRPC?  Glad you are enjoying the shooting sports.

[Guest TheDrip]

Cleveland Hunting, Rifle and Pistol Club