Step 1 of buying a concealed carry pistol: Rent one and see how it shoots.
Today I went to the Hot Shot Shooting Range in Holly Hill. Built alongside a gun store-slash-pawn shop, it is a nicely air-conditioned indoor range for pistol-caliber weapons.
I decided to ignore my own advice and wear my best Derpy shirt for shooting. After all, what could possibly go wrong? ;)
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| I just don't know what went bang! |
In this instance, not a thing. I rented a Glock 26 and after a quick safety briefing I started shooting. The range required me to buy my ammo there, so I shot a box of 50 rounds. The first target was at 25 feet (not yards!):
The first 10 rounds went lower than I expected, but other than the one flier which hit his hip/thigh/leg thing, everything was in the vital zone: lots of nasty gut shots, a shattered pelvis, and a couple of spinal hits. Once I figured I was aiming low, I loaded up another magazine and hit all sorts of fun internal organs like the heart, lungs, and more guts, along with more spine hits.
I do believe I have killed this target.
So I got another one and sent it out to 50 feet:
You're right, this isn't as good. Still, have I mentioned this was my very first time shooting any sort of a semi-auto pistol, let alone this particular model? Still, 22 bullets out of 30 managed to hit Mr. Blue here, and 14 of them were in the "vitals zone". I'm particularly pleased with my lowest shot there... it was a complete accident, but my bad guy had a very bad day for however long he was still conscious.
You will note no headshots. This is deliberate as I was aiming for center of mass the entire time. I'll go headhunting later.
All in all, this little excursion cost me about $50. Here is the price breakdown:
- Lane rental: $15
- Pistol rental: $10
- Ammunition: $15 (all rented guns must buy ammo from the shop)
- Targets: $2
- Various taxes and fees: $5-ish
Why didn't I shoot other guns? For one, it was expensive, and I am still in "stingy poor person mode." Also, I honestly didn't see the need -- the Glock 26 felt good in my hand, the recoil was manageable, and you can plainly see that I could control it well enough to hit my target.
Why a 26 and not a 19 as I had previously stated? Looking at and holding the two of them, the 19 is just too damn big to carry concealed. If I could carry openly, then yes, I would get a 19. Sadly, Florida isn't an open carry state (yet). So I went with the Baby Glock, and was quite happy with the recoil and the grip. (It helps that I have tiny chipmunk hands, which made getting a solid grip on a small handle easier.)
Some handy size comparisons:
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| Top to bottom: Glock 17, 19, and 26. |
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| Top to bottom: Glock 26, 19, 17. |
So in conclusion:
- I'm going to get a Glock 26.
- I would recommend the Hot Shot Shooting Range to anyone. A+ experience, would go again.
- I can shoot like a mofo.
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