Introduce myself

[mikentrigger]

I have been lurking in the forum for several days and decided to join. My name is Mike and my dog's name is Trigger, hence the screen name. I did read the rules in their entirety, I know how to use a search function, and I generally post in existing threads instead of starting a new one. I thought about posting this in the Pittsburgh section but, I am posting in this section because it seems to have the heaviest traffic and I wasn't sure which would be more appropriate.

I recently visited my dad down in Snowshoe WV, where I shot 5-stand. This was the first clay sporting game I have ever shot, I absolutely loved it and would like to believe I did fairly well for a first time shooter. (I do have firearm experience but mainly with rifles and sidearms, mostly shooting at stationary targets.) I used my dad's Benelli Sport II, probably not the best gun to shoot first because now I really want one, the gun felt very comfortable, but they are not cheap!

Here are my questions; I see a lot of members recommending new members to enroll in a course/class. Are they speaking of an actual shooting class or just a basic safety course? If there are classes to help me improve my shooting near Washington/Pittsburgh Pa, where are they and how do I go about enrolling?

Secondly, from what I've read trap seems to be a more difficult sport, would I be better of practicing on skeet? What's the best sport for a beginner to become introduced to shooting?

Lastly, are there any public ranges anywhere? All the ones I have read about are member ranges and only open to the public on certain days at certain times, these times generally do not correspond well with my schedule. If no public ranges, any club's with an open night come highly recommended?

I know this was a lengthy post, thank you to anyone who actually took the time to read it.

[Lastdefender]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry I can't help you as I'm at the opposite end of the State. I'm sure someone will be along soon with answers to your questions.

Regards,
Gary

[••SpraynPray••]

Welcome to the forum!

[renegadephoenix]

hey mike, welcome to the forum, check out PMSC for trap and skeet. there are days and events open to the public just about every week.

here's the website:
http://www.pmsconline.com/about_us/about_us.htm

[FNG19]

I have been lurking in the forum for several days and decided to join.

Welcome aboard, Mike, from the East End of the State!

Here are my questions; I see a lot of members recommending new members to enroll in a course/class. Are they speaking of an actual shooting class or just a basic safety course?

It's always a good idea to take a basic safety class. The NRA has a Basic Safety Class that I'm sure you'll be able to find in your area. As far as shooting skills classes, those are always a good thing. Safety and Proficiency are sister skill sets.

Once again, welcome aboard!

[mikentrigger]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I am fairly familiar with gun safety, I did carry a firearm on a day to day basis for some time, I do not anymore though, but I have never taken a "safety course" per say. I was not aware of shooting proficincy classes, that is pretty cool. Thank you,
renegadephoenix for that link.

[Philbert]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I am fairly familiar with gun safety, I did carry a firearm on a day to day basis for some time, I do not anymore though, but I have never taken a "safety course" per say. I was not aware of shooting proficincy classes, that is pretty cool. Thank you,
renegadephoenix for that link.

http://www.fireinstitute.org/

They have some classes that are beyond beginner level.

[renegadephoenix]

Mike, almost forgot, you get the Random Rep a Newbie award. +91

[sleeper78]

Welcome, come on in and make yourself comfy.