First day at the range

As a female with my firearms paperwork all in order I would suggest that anyone wanting to practice make sure that they check the local regulations with respect to firearms. Some jurisdictions in the province (Strathcona County for one - Sherwood Park) do not allow any firearms discharge in their county. I would highly recommend going to the local range and having some instruction and practice under supervised conditions where it is legal to shoot. The CFO (Chief Firearms Officer) has some very strict rules in place with respect to indoor and outdoor ranges. lgsbrooks, you have a great local range and could probably arrange to take the black badge course through IPSC or a hunter education course through your local groups, and Mountaineer's wife..Shooting Edge in Calgary has an active IPSC group. The black badge course they offer is done by instructors in the proper handling of handguns, generally 9 mm, 38 Super, 40 and 45. You do not have to participate in the IPSC group's matches. I took the training but have never participated in their matches because I didn't like the attitude of some of their shooters. It just spoiled the whole process for me. BUT their training is available and gives you skills to acquire targets and safely gain proficiency. One of the things that must always be remembered in safe firearms handling, particularly away from a designated range, is that your ammo may travel far further than you anticipate and can go in many different directions from ricochets and you always need to know what is behind your target for as far as your bullet may travel. Most of the indoor ranges in the Province allow you to go in on a day pass and use their firearms under the guidance of a range officer who will give you some pointers on loading, standard firearms safety with respect to muzzle direction, etc. And as a bonus you get to try out a variety of different options and calibers to find the right "fit". Good luck and have fun!

just an update, i signed up for my PAL training today, so hopefully i will be fully licensed come august.

another question for our gun quality conisuers... I have been researching firearms online, and have come across what seems to be a popular cheaper brand. it is Norinco, based out of china. their MO is essentially to purchase gun designs from successful companies and successful models, remake them exactley to spec, then sell them at a much reduced price when compared to their American or European competitors. The reviews i have read online state that the price is deceiving, and they produce excellent fire arms, and are definatley more bang for your buck, especially in the two models i am looking at. the only complaint seems to be that the finish is not of the same quality, so they tend to scratch and scuff quicker. I dont care if its shiny... i just want them to work.

I was wondering if anyone on these boards has had any experience with this brand. These are the two models I am looking at:

- 1911 A1 Gov (.45 ACP. 7 round magazine pistol. Based on the Colt M1911A) $325.00
- CQB-M4 (.223 REM. Based on the Colt M4 carbine) $699.00

the above prices include @ magazines, cleaning rod and equipment, as well as a locking case

http://www.badgerarmssupply.com/index.php?page=norinco

any thoughts?

also another question. what does it mean when a dealer says something like "comes with 1 - 5/15 and 1 - 5/30 magazines"?

I have a Norinco M14 clone and have had absolutely no trouble with it. Fires every time and very accurate. As for your question... what the dealer is saying is that it is a 15 round magazine pinned to 5 rounds and a 30 round magazine pinned to 5 rounds. Bt law you are only allowed to have a 5 round capacity magazine in any semi auto center fire rifle. If you look up Norinco they are a HUGE Chinese Government arms manufacturer. They make all manner of Military equipment up to and including armoured vehicles and air defence weapons. The finish isn't necessarily the best but they are bulletproof and will do what you need them to.

Buggie,

You may find Marstar Canada worth checking out. I hear they sometimes have troubles keeping inventory but when they got it, their prices are usually quite reasonable from what I have heard.

Mountainman.

@ morning coffee...thanks for the information regarding local courses that may be available...I have my PAL and where we are shooting is perfectly legal and safe I assure you or we would not be doing it...there is a rifle range here that also has archery targets...the pistol range on gun club road has closed down....though I am not licensed for restricted guns.

@ Buggie...congratulations!!!

yes Marstar is where I first came across them... but they seem to be out of stock on the items Im interested in. Obviously I will check again after I get my license to buy, but the prices seem like they are pretty consistant across the board for mail order dealers.

@JAB: so then basically it would look like a 30 round mag... but would only take 5? so Im assuming that it would be illegal to "de-pin" them so to speak? What good is a semi-auto carbine or assault rifle with less rounds then your side arm?

@igs: ty!

Canada ammo has Norinco M305 and a 500rd case of 7.62x51 for $600. Sweet deal.

To expand on your comment. Yes.. it will look like a 15 or 30 round magazine but you will only be able to load 5 rounds in it. IF you should somehow modify the magazine to take more than 5 rounds then you have a prohibited weapon with all the legal ramifications. I would strongly advise you NOT to do that...LOL. !!! Each firearm has a purpose.. same as any tool. In the end it isn't about amount of ammo but what you can do with it. A rifle will reach a lot further with more power than any handgun. You have to assess your needs then decide what will best meet them FOR YOU. Feel free to ask away.

Hey JustABear, may I ask which caliber you suggest - rifle/pistol?

ok thanks for the info. I assumed that it was illigal to remove the pin, I just wanted to double check. So basically then... with the restriction to magazine volume, and semi-auto selection only on all carbine and assault rifles for public sale in canada... there really isnt a difference between a carbine and a rifle other then range? both shoot semi auto, and only 5 rounds per.

LAB, where did you pick up your Norinco M14? I would love to check one out, but it seems like every vendor I try is sold out. Everything ive read is that they sell like hotcakes at the stampede.

Hey JustABear, may I ask which caliber you suggest - rifle/pistol?

I will begin by saying I have no handguns. It isn't something I ever wanted to get into and find the "rules" too restrictive. Long guns are another story entirely. I have a number of those for specific purposes. With prepping in mind I have a Norinco M 14 clone. It is in .308 Winchester caliber..( 7.62x51) if you are of a military bent. I am not going to get into the differences between them. That is a WHOLE 'nother argument. Suffice it to say it will do what I want which is reach out accurately to 500 meters or better in my hands. I will also penetrate much heavier cover than a .223 which is the standard military round these days. My second choice is an SKS in 7.62x39 Russian. It is a good medium caliber for distances between 50 and 200 meters. You can hit out to 300 meters with decent accuracy but within 200 is consistant. Anything within 50 meters will generally be a 12 guage shotgun. Depending on ammo choice of course. Anything from bird shot to slugs. I also like a .22 for hunting and "pest" control.... good out to 100 meters. Hope that helps.

Cheers

LAB, where did you pick up your Norinco M14? I would love to check one out, but it seems like every vendor I try is sold out. Everything ive read is that they sell like hotcakes at the stampede.

Here is a quote from wookie...."Re: First day at the range

by wookie » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:25 pm

Canada ammo has Norinco M305 and a 500rd case of 7.62x51 for $600. Sweet deal.

I got mine at Ellwood Epps in Orillia a number of years ago. Love it to bits.

Yes, I've just wondered about the 7.62x51 round. It seems to be the surplus round that packs some punch. Do you use a scope or open on your M14?