Renting a Gun at the Shooting Range

My Shooting Journey documents my honest experiences as I navigate becoming a female gun owner and learning how to use a firearm.

I've been really trying to live by the 'Make It Happen' mantra. I recently just got a bracelet engraved with that saying to keep it in the forefront of my life and I've been wearing it daily. It's about prioritizing things in my life. If I want something, then I need to make it a priority and make it happen. So I'm pretty proud of myself for taking the time to get to the range and each visit is another step in the direction of this #2A lifestyle.

This particular range visit had two main purposes.  First, to see if my comfort level would be any different going back with the husband versus an instructor and second, to rent the Heckler & Koch VP9 and Walther PPQ.  They were the two that felt the most comfortable in my hand when I had held them in my hand at a local gun show.  Luckily, both guns were available to rent.  If you’re new to firearms don’t be afraid to ask the person helping you for a quick review of the gun you’re interested in shooting. Maybe even ask how much it’s been shot so far that day or if anyone has experienced any issues with it lately like a misfire or failure to feed. It has also been my experience that you’re expected to buy that range’s ammunition to shoot in the gun you’re going to rent. So be ready for that.

First up, the VP9. Before loading the gun, I ran through a few dry fire drills my instructor & I talked about.  I basically prepared myself to shoot without actually shooting. I got into position, raised the gun, aligned my sights, trigger press, and then reset back to the starting low/ready position. Now it was time to shoot the VP9. I really wasn't sure what to expect.  I loaded the mag with five rounds, got into position, and pulled the trigger.  My groupings were consistent but my aim was still slightly off – The recoil was stronger than what I remember from the Glock 19 I shot on previous range trips and I may have been anticipating the recoil a little too much. Overall, I liked the way the HK VP9 felt in my hands.  I had a strong hold on it and I can change out the back and side straps on the grip to fit my hand even better. 

Next up, the PPQ. The PPQ felt a lot lighter as I was firing and, in general, my shots just seemed way off. I definitely preferred the VP9. I'm still experiencing some issues with the beaver tail on these guns that is rubbing the 2nd knuckle on my thumb during the recoil.  I first experienced this broken skin when I shot the Glock 19 and I didn't want to reopen the wound since it's finally starting to heal back up.  I've done some extensive reading and watched a few grip videos to ensure that I'm not holding the gun awkwardly and I'm not. I'm hoping that this rubbing will diminish by using a smaller backstrap or so that's what I read.  Have any of you ever experienced this? Overall, it was a good a session.

Finally, I also shot the husbands Beretta PX4. I wanted to make sure I got in a few rounds so that I could compare it and so that if we do go back to a range where renting guns is not an option, I sort of know what to expect with his. The recoil on the PX4 felt stronger to me than the VP9 & it was a little larger in my hand than I liked but it was manageable.  Can you tell that I’m leaning towards the VP9?

All in all, I think it was a great range experience. I think what I need to do for myself is to set up a warm-up routine that I follow before I actually start shooting. Something similar to what I did during this visit but really nail down a plan.  On top of that, I think I also need to set goals for each range sessions. What's going to be my focus and what drills can I do to help obtain that goal?

I always have a plan when I go to the shooting range and you should too! Check out my Shooting Range Warm-Up Drills.

What I've learned is that the only way to get confident, comfortable using a gun, and being in the range atmosphere is by going and shooting. Additionally, the only way to improve on my skill is to practice. Practicing on rented guns or the husbands is fine but if I'm taking this seriously and want to build up my skill & confidence, then I need my own gun.  It's kind of awesome and kind of scary. The pistol that I'm choosing, which you might have been able to guess is going to be the HK VP9. What really is selling that gun for me is the interchangeable back and side straps so I can really get a good fit for my hands. I liked the way it shot and would love to become really good at shooting with it. 

So what's next? I’ll be looking to find a local gun shop that has the HK VP9 and begin the long process of registering a firearm in Washington, DC.  Wish me luck!