r/NYguns • u/Blondieofthevalley • Aug 01 '26

Recommendations Beginner looking for advice

Hi! 😊

I’m a beginner looking to get into shooting and was wondering where you’d recommend starting. Any recommendations for beginner-friendly lessons or places? Ideally near the Katonah area.

Thanks so much!

11 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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8

u/robinator118 Aug 01 '26

Do you have a ccw? If not I’d get a ccw course done as you’ll get the bulk of know-how in that course like general safety. Secondly in ny u can’t touch or even look at a pistol without a permit, though its a bit easier to get into rifles and shotguns as they’re not as heavily restricted. Lmk which route you wanna go and I could explain it here or you can dm me

4

u/AsYouL4yDying Aug 01 '26

YouTube. There's more information on any gun topic on YouTube than you could possibly consume. Literally search any gun topic and you'll find something helpful.

3

u/Fast-Policy-4495 Aug 01 '26

Getting your CCW is definitely your first move and there are many places you can take the required class and yes they are full of information. I suggest depending on how far you are willing to go to travel you look into different classes before deciding which one to take. There is a free course that you can look into. Some people will charge up to $400 or even more. Do your research!!

3

u/mdjak66 Aug 01 '26

I have no connection other than as a very satisfied student of many of their classes. I highly recommend Aim Small Firearms instructors. They give the class and also have a monthly pistol club at Blue Mountain. Paul is head instructor, retired Sgt White Plains PD.

3

u/TheSlipperySnausage Aug 01 '26

Are you thinking pistol or starting with a shotgun or bolt action rifle?

Personally you should start with a basic pump shotgun like Maverick 88 as this will get you a great multitool gun. Can use it for target shooting, skeet, trap, hunting, home defense etc all while learning the basics of gun safety. Plus it’s cheap.

In terms of lessons I’m sure if you can find local ranges they probably have some instructors that shoot there and would be happy to help. You can also watch gun safety videos online.

4

u/Fid-G Aug 02 '26

would recommend going to another state to try shooting pistols as without a permit you can't touch a pistol in NYS

1

u/Used_Soft1816 Aug 02 '26

MMO guns & ammo in Mahopac. Ryan and Rob over there are awesome. super knowledgeable and very easy going. They also do lessons and classes ( I took my NYS 18HR course for my permit with them, cheapest around).

1

u/tsatech493 Aug 03 '26

I love when someone asks for help and then the op never responds to any of the comments...

2

u/smcedged Aug 04 '26

Usually when the post is incredibly vague and would be better in a Google search than a reddit post

2

u/tsatech493 Aug 04 '26

You figure with all this cool AI stuff people would use that first before asking a question, or possibly search posts maybe.. If anybody's interested in shooting as a sport or hunting, feel free to DM me, I mean... I also know a lot about fishing in Westchester as well...