[TonyF]

Originally Posted by TotalNewbie

As my name suggests, I am new to firearms. My goal is to be proficient with all firearms. I want to be pretty good, though not an expert.

I took an introductory 3 hr lesson at SPAG Club last week. Though I did not receive any certificate , I think that it is suppose to be similar to the NRA’s FIRST Steps program.

My question is: Now what?

Continue to attend formal training courses. The greatest benefit is having a competent, qualified and experienced instructor observing you and constantly correcting errors in technique. All too often a new shooter will be committing more than one error and it takes a trained and experienced eye to analyze several that may be occuring at once.

Do I go the range every week for an hour, and put 200 rds down range?

Every shot fired in a training environment or informal parctice should have meaning and purpose. Otherwise you're wasting time, money and ammo. I would suggest practicing the techniques you learned in that class until you can perform them to a satisfactory level.

What stances do I go through?

Limit stance to that which you learned in the class. To experiment on your own at such an early stage in your development would be counterproductive.

Do I practice with a 22 and then move up to 9 mm, and then to .45, or do I do them all at once?

It depends on whether you are recoil sensitive or not. If you are then stay with the .22 for a while. If not then either the 9mm or .45 ACP would be suitable IF they are at least medium frame handguns, especially in the case of the .45 ACP else you will likely develop flinch.

The other issue in favor of medium frame handguns as opposed to pocket or belly guns is longer sight radius. Don't *penalize* yourself when you're just learning by using the most difficult firearms to shoot, namely the J Frame S&W, the smallest Kahr's, and Keltec's, etc.

When should I start with a shotgun? When should I take the Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, and Basic Pistol courses?

I'd wait until you get a bit more experienced with a handgun but if a decent training course is available on another weapon platform I'd suggest enrolling. There is generally allot of crossover that can result in positive transfer of info and techniques.

Any other training besides NRA in the Philly area?

Follow this link.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=30&t=204021

It is a state by state training directory of schools and instructors I assembled at AR15.com that has several opportunities in eastern PA. To name a few, Manny Kapelsohn, Steve Silverman and then there is Greg Hamilton of Insights (in Washington state) who offers classes at West Shore Sportsmen's in Harrisburg which is by the way where the NTI is held every year.

For weight training, or for musical instrument, or other activities where practitioners get better with practice, there are plenty of training books that set up a schedule for a person to follow (so many reps per bench press every other day at 60% max,...). In view of my goal, what book (or a website) do you recommend?

Without a doubt, the best books on the subject are Jim Crews' ".. some of the answer" series. Dunno if he is still printing them but check his website for details.

http://www.marksmans.com/

Thank you!

Good luck with your training.

ETA: Most all of the trainers listed in the directory at AR15.com will come to you if you can find a suitable range willing to host the class and if you can get 10 to 12 other students to commit to enrolling.