New to the site.

[picodroid]

Hey guys,
I'm in the East valley and new to the site, and to the world of firearms basically! I've had a glancing interest forever but never seriously looked into it.
Clearly the state of the US in general is a big push to utilize my rights to ensure myself and my family are safe. I'm also very interested in the sport of it all.

My experience is about as low as it can get, but I'm studying up on things every day. I'm very mechanically inclined, I don't expect any trouble but as with anything there's lots of nuances that I hope to pick up from you guys here! Already have learned a bunch of things after lurking through posts for a while.

I currently own a full size Sig Sauer P320, and just picked up a Ruger AR-556! They're brand new, meaning I've yet to even fire them. I can't wait to actually get to a range. I'll be meeting with a new(er) family friend next Monday to help solidify all the basics and some specifics with my particularly pistol and rifle.

I hope to follow that up soon with some time at a range! Of course, ammo prices are restrictive but I managed to pick up a couple thousands rounds of 9mm and a few hundred 5.56, so I can at least get a bit in and keep some in reserves as I keep my eye out for more deals.
Is shooting still restricted on public lands due to fire risks? Is there a source you guys go to for this info?

Anyway, I'll likely stick around quietly as I soak up info and maybe chime in when I have something relevant or good to say. Stay safe out there guys!

[Kingjoey]

Welcome aboard, if ya have any gun questions feel free to ask

[AZ Husker]

Welcome! I'd skip the family friend and go directly to an experienced firearms instructor. It's kinda like teaching your wife to drive or shoot. Good luck!

[AZ_Five56]

Welcome to the group! I agree with the sentiment of others. Professional training is invaluable. Be safe, and have fun!

[xerts1191]

Welcome

[Tim McBride]

Public land shooting is still restricted, and likely will be until we get some real rain.
I highly recommend Glen and his crew at Independence Training ( https://www.independencetraining.com/ ) for your firearms training.

[picodroid]

Hey again, thanks for the welcome and the suggestions!
The family friend has served in the military and currently works at a gun store. I cannot recall positively, but I'm quite sure he has done (or currently does) training classes as well.

In any case, I understand the value from a laid out course from an experience instructor, not to mention getting to know more locals! Can't ever know too much, or have too many friends. I do want to learn more advanced tactics to be as prepared for anything so I will surely seek out as much training as I can get.

Tim, thanks for the confirmation the restriction and the recommendation with Independence Training, I'll definitely check out what they offer!

[jlfornoff]

Public land shooting is still restricted, and likely will be until we get some real rain.
I highly recommend Glen and his crew at Independence Training ( https://www.independencetraining.com/ ) for your firearms training.

i agree they have a great reputation for their training courses (i do not have any personal experience as of yet but i plan to). as for being able to shoot your newly acquired firearms you are able to go to the ranges that are around town. not sure how far East you are but Caswell's indoor shooting range offers courses and have a lot of available information. there is also the Rio Salado Sportsmans club out near Usery Mountain Park. they offer a ton of training and can be very helpful. they have a lot of different ranges that you can shoot on (some require you to participate in competitions). they have pistol courses, long range (600yds) you'll have to sign up for a competition in order to practice on that range, they have a very nice shotgun range as well. then there's the general shooting range that has stands to use and cheap targets to buy. the range masters don't put up with any BS because they deal with morons on the daily so they tend to treat everyone as a moron, so try not to take offence. all of them will be glad to help you and give you pointers. as for info on the forest open to being open for desert shooting i would go to www.usda.gov or to AZGFD.com. hope this helps a little. welcome to AZS!