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?
I have a 3 - 9 power scope on the M14. These old eyes can't do the iron sights justice any more...LOL. I have enhanced sights on my SKS... basically a ghost ring to replace the stock rear sight and a Hi Viz front sight. Good enough for me out to 200 meters.
Good to hear, Buggie.
To answer your questions about training.
After taking the PAL classroom training and getting your Restricted license, you can then sign up for Black Badge training through your nearest IPSC club in Alberta.
The purpose of the Black Badge is to train to use holsters and magazine changes to shoot paper & steel targets while on the move and from behind cover.
Standing still at the range and shooting static targets is night and day when either you, the shooter is on the move or if the targets are moving as well.
The other group to look at is IDPA and '3-gun'. You do not need your Black Badge to enter these shoots, but you should have someone with this training take you through the proper draw, grip & reloading techniques.
Dropping your gun or handling it in an unsafe manner will get you DQ'd.
I shoot all three types. Some use assault rifle, shotgun and pistol on the same stage. Sounds intimidating but the guys are very helpful and will answer any question.
Selecting your first pistol is important as well.
Many of us here can help you with any questions about that.
Happy sport shooting!
What would be a good first pistol/caliber?
What would be a good first pistol/caliber?
9mm
Those who are unwilling to defend freedom, will become unfree.
I started with 9mm because I was getting into sport shooting, which tends to use a lot of rounds.
Most important is the pistol/revolver you are going to use. They are like buying a pair of shoes. The sport shooter has several platforms they prefer.
Try not to have the main three pistol calibers (9mm, .40, .45 ACP). I choose 9mm and .45.
A Glock is a reliable workhorse but has a few quirks. A 1911 style pistol is more complicated to operate at first but most love the grip and shot accuracy.
Get familiar with Single, Single/Double & Double action only pistols before you buy.
My first pistol was the 9mm Browning Hi-power, w/ Pachmayr grips and glow sights. First revolver, S&W 6” 38 SP, (my target gun 
) also w/ Pachmayr’s. I also reload my own.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
What would be a good first pistol/caliber?
That's a 64 dollar question as the old timers used to say...This just my opinion so if I rub someone the wrong way sry..
If you have limited experience with hand guns or firearms, I would by a double action 6 shot revolver...They never fail , they are rugged, easy to operate easy to learn to shot and very accurate even in the hands of a beginner..Automatics are fine but take some time to use properly and to become familiar with..
remember a six shooter will never jam and if one chamber goes click just keep pulling the trigger , one is sure to go bang...if an auto goes click you have to tap, rack and try again.. In a self defence situation that takes a lot of valuable time....I would by a 357 it then gives you the option of 2 types of ammo...357 & 38 special.....My advise for the average prepper is going this route....
Just my opinion.....
Better to have it and not need it; then to need it and not have it...
Just some info on non restricted long guns you might like...
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2010/09/bryan-hyde/gun-review-robinson-arms-xcr-l-rifle/
http://www.firearmscanada.com/
Better to have it and not need it; then to need it and not have it...
Wookie,
The .357 / .38 Special is an addequate combo to start with. Might look at the Ruger GP-100 with a 4" or better 6" barrel or a S&W Model 686 with a 6" barrel. I have heard these both do a good job.
One point to consider, if you have a .357 Magnum, you can get a Winchester Trapper model lever action carbine with a +/- 16" barrel that will hold 9x .357 cartridges. Thus your rifle and your pistol use the same ammo. This is a very old school combo but it worked back then and it should still work today. No 5 round limit with a lever action, or so I am told. The carbine should take a deer sized target to 150 yards. Some of them "old guys" could drop a fly at 200 yards but that is another story......
Mountainman.
Wookie,
Some of them "old guys" could drop a fly at 200 yards but that is another story......
Mountainman.
It makes you wonder, how long did it take to skin one? 😆
Those who are unwilling to defend freedom, will become unfree.
I just bought a Glock .40. Had it to the range just once briefly. It was sure a hard decision between it and a S+W 686 in .357. I'll try it again a few more times and see if I get used to it. My buddy has a .44 revolver and I can shoot way more accurately with that. And it's sooo much fun. But expensive to shoot. I went with .40 because it was good bang for my buck!
I just bought a Glock .40. Had it to the range just once briefly. It was sure a hard decision between it and a S+W 686 in .357. I'll try it again a few more times and see if I get used to it. My buddy has a .44 revolver and I can shoot way more accurately with that. And it's sooo much fun. But expensive to shoot. I went with .40 because it was good bang for my buck!
For cheaper rounds take a look at this company in Black diamond AB..they do reloads and have excellent prices about 30$ for a hundred rounds.....B.D.X.Ammo black diamond AB, give them a call and see who is dealing for them in BC....Don't give up on the Glock, remember grip on an Automatic is everything, there are some good educational videos on line for proper grip and shooting auto loader's...Just google proper grip and you will find some good instruction..Remember this with a Glock it is a light gun so get a good deep grip and make sure you a have a proper grip.....
Better to have it and not need it; then to need it and not have it...
Cool thanks for the tip! Fam is taking off back east for a bit so I will have time to dial it in at the range. I installed the biggest grip it came with, felt pretty good in the hand but just shooting a bit left. Must practice up a bit.
Shooting a bit to the left. If you're right handed, put a little more finger on the trigger. If you're left handed, take a little more of your finger off the trigger. Finger position on the trigger is the most common cause of shooting to one side.
Those who are unwilling to defend freedom, will become unfree.
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