Shield 9mm for CCW class?

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Nikogto

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I just purchased a new shield 9 last week, I haven't had a chance to shoot it at the range yet. I'm going to a CCW class this Saturday, they do have guns (.22 pistols) for you to rent when doing your shooting test portion, or should I take my new shield and use that? I have shot guns before, not many pistols, I know the 9 will have more kick than a .22, not that I can't handle it. Just wondering thoughts on this. The class instructor said I could bring my own weapon and box of ammo, or spend another $20 to use their gun and ammo. I picked up a box of 100 rounds at wally world for $19.
 
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Use what you're gonna carry. It's a better idea to get familiar with your gun before you shoot for "points".
 
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Either way, get to the range with your Shield before you go to the class. Do you know what the shooting test is like? If so, do a dry run of the same test before you go. When I took my CCW class, I did dry runs of the test on 3 range trips first. The tests are usually not too hard, so trying it out in advance will give you more confidence. I agree with others that it's better to test with what you intend to carry.
 
There is just no way I can get range time before Saturday with my schedule this week. When I signed up for the class I planned on using whatever they had, then kind of a last minute thing I bought the shield last week. I have to go tonight to the damn Trans-Siberian Orchestra the wife got tickets for to keep her happy. UGHHH.
 
I am going to disagree. If you haven't shot a pistol much, you will learn good habits easier with a 22. I think that would be a place to start.
 
As a CHL instructor, PLEASE don't show up at the range with a gun you never shot before, certainly not a small defense centerfire. The rental .22 costs no more than a box of 9mm ammo.

I too have M&P .22 loaners. I learned the hard way how inept and DANGEROUS some people with no training or experience can be, bought a M&P .22 and put some additional training into the course for people who needed to use it.

Don't know about NC, but OK state course is not designed for people who never shot a handgun. The shooting part is simply to demonstrate proficiency and safety in putting rounds downrange.
Instructors have had to add in more basic training due to some students expecting to be "trained" in handgun shooting.
 
OKFC05 said:
As a CHL instructor, PLEASE don't show up at the range with a gun you never shot before, certainly not a small defense centerfire. The rental .22 costs no more than a box of 9mm ammo.

I too have M&P .22 loaners. I learned the hard way how inept and DANGEROUS some people with no training or experience can be, bought a M&P .22 and put some additional training into the course for people who needed to use it.

Don't know about NC, but OK state course is not designed for people who never shot a handgun. The shooting part is simply to demonstrate proficiency and safety in putting rounds downrange.
Instructors have had to add in more basic training due to some students expecting to be "trained" in handgun shooting.
Click to expand...

I see what you're saying. I am all about gun safety, and know how to handle a pistol, I have heard from a couple friends that went to this course, they've seen people in there that have NEVER even touched a firearm before and even one that was asked to leave when she could not even hit marks on a 3 yard target. Those people scare me. I may have some time Friday night since the range in my town is open till 8pm to get over there and put some rounds through it.
 
My opinion - shoot the range's .22.
Why?
The Shield is new in the box, never broken in, no idea of the sight alignment, no idea that it will run like a top out of the box, short sight radius for a new shooter, to name a few.
 
i'm on the "use the .22" bandwagon as well. As a newer shooter I found the jump to the 9c (from my .22) took a good bit of practice, work on form/grip, and patience to get comfortable (and fairly accurate) with it. I would not have taken any testing with it if I had no experience using it as it's more then just the recoil that is different....
The .22 will be more forgiving, I'd say if that is accepted then use it for now and then work on the Shield to get proficient enough to carry. Good luck!

Side note, i've seen TSO maybe 6 times over the years, the show doesnt disappoint.
;)
 
OKFC05 said:
As a CHL instructor, PLEASE don't show up at the range with a gun you never shot before, certainly not a small defense centerfire. The rental .22 costs no more than a box of 9mm ammo.
Click to expand...

Good advice! If no chance to shoot it before the class, by all means do the rental .22 deal. After the class you'll have plenty of opportunity to get proficient with your Shield.

Be safe and enjoy!
 
Thanks for the replies. I will just rent their .22, buy more ammo for mine and start hitting the range with it. On another ?, with the M&P bodyguard, laser or no laser? The shield will be #1 home defense gun for now (till I buy more), but when I get my CCW permit, I'm wanting the .380 for more pocket carry, jacket/vest carry when on my motorcycle. The bodyguard will fit nicely in the vest pocket.
 
I can't believe they allow .22s - I am so used to our requirements here with a minimum of .32 caliber, and I have never seen anyone show up with less than a .380 or a .38.

And I agree, do not take that test with a gun you have not practiced with. No matter how easy the test might be one can still fail.

I have already advised other instructors to not put up with people who cannot shoot, the CHL test and class is not for learning how to shoot.

***GRJ***
 
I would definitely agree with renting the .22 for the test, and shooting some rounds. Down here in Tampa, I took the CCW Class while attending the gun show. After the instructional part of the course, we went to the range to shoot and the "test" was to pickup his .22, fire ONE round at the target which was 3 yards away and put the gun back down.

The woman in front of me at the range picked up the .22, fired and missed the target completely. He hands her a certificate of completion and tells her to put her name on it. I'm thinking This is unbelievable, this woman is gonna be somewhere in the streets in this town, legally carrying a gun, and can't shoot a lick.:eek:

I got my certificate, and took another class before submitting my package. I wanted to ensure that I had some idea of what I was doing when carrying my EDC. I guess some "instructors" are only in it for the money.:(
 
Nikogto said:
Thanks for the replies. I will just rent their .22, buy more ammo for mine and start hitting the range with it. On another ?, with the M&P bodyguard, laser or no laser? The shield will be #1 home defense gun for now (till I buy more), but when I get my CCW permit, I'm wanting the .380 for more pocket carry, jacket/vest carry when on my motorcycle. The bodyguard will fit nicely in the vest pocket.
Click to expand...


My MIL bought a BG with laser (because it had a laser). I find it extremely distracting trying to keep that dot in the target so, for defensive scenarios, I'd say no laser. That being said, it can be a fantastic training tool. You will never learn as much about trigger control as you will when learning to steady the dot. It is nice for dry fire too. Buy one with it. You don't have to turn it on. JMO
 
I don't think it's a good idea to take an new, untried gun to a class.

You have other people milling around, the instructor watching you, time pressure, etc.

It could, worst case, create a safety hazard.

The time to try a new gun is when you are by yourself and can take all the time you want with no pressure.
 
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