IDPA SEAL

Robert E. Jahn, RSO , CSO
NRA, Minnesota and Utah Certified Pistol Instructor

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Getting Started in Pistol Shooting

Costs, Issues and Options

 

As an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and president of the Twin Cities International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) sport shooting club I’m often asked what it takes to get started in Target Shooting, Home  Protection, Carry and Sport Shooting.  It is a lot like golf, you should start with lessons from a professionally trained instructor. People can be dangerous and negligent and ignorant people do hurt themselves and others with firearms. Be safe, learn from a professional and always follow the 4 Rules of Gun Safety! 

 

That said, trained and safety conscious folks can have a great time shooting, whether its targets at the cabin, indoor or outdoor ranges, leagues, carry, home protection and/or sport shooting.  Given all the above here are the general needs and costs to get started in safe shooting.

 

Basic Estimates–Your Mileage WILL vary based on your skills and desires

 

A reliable pistol or revolver that will serve you well                                                     $600

( Range from $350 to $5,000)

 

Lessons from a professional instructor, average course cost only                             150                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

    5 hour Basic Pistol Class    $100

    8 hour carry class                 150

   Advanced Carry, Tactics        350

 

Range Visits assume three at $16 each                                                                            50       

 

Basic Eye and Hearing Protection                                                                                      40

Add $60 for electronic ears, highly recommended

 

Basic Range Bag, Cleaning and misc Supplies                                                               60

 

Ammunition – 500 rounds of factory ammo                                                                    100

 

                        Total Cost                                                                                                $1,000

 

( All MN Sheriffs currently charge the state maximum  fee of $100 for the good for 5 years MN  Permit to Carry a Pistol)

 

 

This is obviously highly variable and it is much easier to raise costs than to lower costs. As a hobby, it is no more expensive than say golf as the range is often free at your cabin or gravel pit.  It’s as low as $10 to $20 at the indoor ranges.  A good practice session would be 75 to a max of 150 rounds so somewhere between $18 and $30 for the ammo brings several hours of fun for $28 to $50 total.

 

Shooting IS A HIGHLY PERISHABLE SKILL.  Good shooters practice every week, permit holders should practice at least quarterly, monthly is even better.  Even casual shooters will benefit from a handgun league or shooting at least several times a year.