Help from members in my area - South Hills, Pittsburgh

[SteelCityRich]

Hello everyone. This is my first post and I am hoping to get some questions answered because I am running out of resources. Here is the story:

I am very interested in purchasing my first gun (handgun). I used to hunt when I was a kid, but havent really touched a gun in 10+ years. None of my family/friends are gun owners, and no one I work with really is either. So I am out of resources...

I want to do it right, and safe. I would ideally like to take a class (or classes) about owning a gun covering topics from safety to cleaning to shooting and carrying, etc... The best one I have found online is at A&S Indoor Range in Youngwood, PA which is like an hour away! (any feedback on this range?)
Is there anywhere closer that offers classes for beginners where you do not need your own equipment, that is indoor in February?
I also have no idea where any gun shops are in the area, preferably in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, or anywhere in Beaver County would work as well as I grew up there.

I am just looking for a "coach" almost as I said, I have no one in my life really that owns a gun.

Any help is appreciated!

Please leave some comments!

[Orive 8]

I'll start by saying hello neighbor.

I think that you would be well off to take the class at A&S. It will give you a basic foundation to start with.

Call down to A&S and ask to talk with the instructor about what you will need for the class. (They might have loaner guns and gear.) I know that they have rental guns at the range.

Another indoor range is Anthony Arms in West Mifflin, they also have rental guns.

Good luck on your new journey.

[Dragonslayer]

X2 on Anthony Arm's in West Mifflin. Indoor range, gun rentals, etc. You're in the South Hills so this would be the best for you. They do have "fundamental" training up there, I forget how much it is tho. Give them a call----> 412-469-9992.

[kylewagner]

I am in the Monroeville area, and belong to a private club/range. You can send me a PM if you would ever want to discuss anything. Once you pick out and get comfortable with a gun, I recommend practicing outdoors, in the elements, at dusk, and with cold hands. If we ever get mugged, we can only hope that it is in a well-lit, temperature controlled environment.

[Johannes_Paulsen]

Welcome.

I encourage you get training since you're serious about purchasing a handgun.

When I started out with my first handgun purchase six years ago, I took the One Day Handgun Clinic offered by the Fire Institute (a local non-profit that encourages firearms training and safety) at the Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmens Club. It was well worth it, and I believe that the course started me on the right track in terms of firearm safety, and basic use. It also got me interested in pursuing regular training on the subject.

It appears that they are offering the course again on February 16:

http://fireinstitute.org/

[spagluvx]

I would be open to a local get together for a coffee at Starbucks on banksville If you we're interested. A few others seem close by.

[tvtog]

I also recommend Anthony Arms. They occasionally host an "NRA Basic Pistol" class. When I took mine there a few years ago, $75 got you basic safety and operation instruction with a semi-automatic handgun and/or revolver. I "trained" with a Glock 17, a .22 semi and a S&W in .38 special.

They provided instruction, gun, ammo (limited), eye and ear protection and range time for the $75 fee. Good basic intro to handgun ownership.

[ARay]

We offer NRA Basic Pistol as well as other training activities at Beaver Valley Rifle and Pistol Club near Brady's Run Park in Beaver County. www.bvrpc.org

[Lazylaser]

I took a class offered by these guys, http://www.team-life.org/schedule.htm when applying for my Utah Carry permit, I took the class in Beaver county. I also stuck around after the class and they conducted an NRA Basic Pistol Class at a local range.

[Koli01]

go here:

http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx

The NRA first steps pistol class is a good introduction.
The one in North Versailles is run at Pitcairn Monroeville Sportsmens Club.
They have pistols that can be used in the class.
It is open to the public.

Good Luck