What about using a high end CO2 pellet gun for some of the beginning pistol training?

[tcanthony]

I am having difficulty finding open range time in my area to rent training bays. Some trainers are using Simunition and doing their "live fire" drills in their larger classrooms. I don't have the funding or ability to purchase simunition.

I have found some very accurate CO2 pellet guns that can be fired in our city without zoning restrictions. I would be able to do some of the drills for basic pistol with them and feel comfortable that they are as accurate as most handguns. I also wouldn't be limited by the days available at my range.

What are your thoughts?

[Phillip Gain]

The first shooting I did was when I was about 8-10 years old, with BB and pellet guns. The principles of shooting them are the same as with any other firearm. After a couple years, I was slaughtering copperheads, chipmunks, and the occasional bat with them! The principles of marksmanship are the same regardless of the kind of gun or caliber you're using. Any practice will benefit you.

With that said, it's also important to practice with the gun you carry, on a regular basis. Perhaps you should look closer into whether the ranges near you are first-come-first-serve, or whether the more busy ones take reservations of some sort. Or perhaps joining a gun club might be a better solution.

[tcanthony]

Thanks for the reply. I am a member of two local clubs. One club has two practical bays that can be rented when they aren't being used for "practical shooting events". Unfortunately, every weekend has an event and it is difficult with their hours to get in the training times before they close during the week.
The other has bays you can reserve but again, our area is so saturated with trainers that you have to reserve it several months in advance to get a spot. We are just short on spots to use. Thus my problem.

[Firefighterchen]

I posted this before on other threads. Airsoft and air guns in general make great training tools for in home training.

[Phillip Gain]

Thanks for the reply. I am a member of two local clubs. One club has two practical bays that can be rented when they aren't being used for "practical shooting events". Unfortunately, every weekend has an event and it is difficult with their hours to get in the training times before they close during the week.
The other has bays you can reserve but again, our area is so saturated with trainers that you have to reserve it several months in advance to get a spot. We are just short on spots to use. Thus my problem.

In business terms, that would be considered "insufficient supply to meet demand."

Solution - might be time to open up a range of your own. Start simple. Maybe porta-potties, a big pile of dirt, and forklift pallets to which targets may be affixed. Charge less than the competition, and build up cash for improvements later.

Another benefit - you can write off your purchases of guns, ammunition, instructor training courses, etc from your taxes. :)

If you make it big...send me a little bonus for giving you the idea! :)