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New to guns and this site and need help please

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DAM1120
Hello all I am new to guns and took a concealed permit class and shot a gun for the 1st time in November as a birthday gift to myself. Then I went next day and applied for my concealed permit and while researching guns fell in love with the look of the Taurus PT111 PRO G2 9MM BL/FDE 12+1 3.2in and told my daughter about it and how I wanted it. My new range doesn't have one for me to practice with so I tried a few guns and settled on renting their Canik 9S I think it's called hoping they would get in a TP for me to try.

In the mean time I have been renting the Canik 9S when I go practice. I have not shot a PT yet but I don't think I should have any trouble with it at least I pray I don't lol. The guys at the range kept saying I should stick to the Canik even though its a full size gun and hurts my hands at times because I have Tunnel Carpel or that I should get a S&W but I have trouble sliding the thing on top back and forth for many of the guns they had me try and putting the bullets into their magazines is also hard. The Canik I will say is much easier then the smaller guns to slide the top thing but again I love the look of the PT and really want it.

Well for Christmas my daughter gave me a present I opened it and in the box was a receipt from my new range saying I am the proud owner of a Taurus PT111 PRO G2. Also in the box was my permit which I was waiting for and running to the mailbox everyday for. My little stinker (30 years old) got to it before I did and she put it away for my gift. Anyway the gun still isn't in yet and I call everyday but they figure due to holidays it should be here any day

Well I am thinking I might have shot off more then I can fire because now that I have the gun coming I need a holster. So being a woman I set out to research for a holster driving myself insane. Picture my shock to be told I need different pants then what I have or the holster/gun will pull my pants down. Not a pretty mental picture for sure. All my pants here in hell hot Fla are elastic waists. So I ran out and bought some pants with loops. Then I'm told I need a belt for the pants and cant use just any old belt it has to be military grade or the belt will break. Still looking for one.

Then I am told I could shoot myself if I position the holster wrong. Or better yet shoot someone else. Then I am told I need targets and cleaning stuff. Then I am told I could clean it and ruin it. Well you get the picture. My sweet Christmas gift and dream is scaring the crap out of me now. I need help. I need to know I didn't make a mistake in the choice of gun. I need to know what cleaning stuff is best and what holster is best to wear in the pants touching my skin. I don't do shirt on shirt too damn hot.

I think I covered it all. Oh my daughter's friend just sent me a box of these targets for Christmas they just got here today. They are very colorful if you ask me but he said it has patches to put on the holes so I can use the same sheet a few times. Splatterburst Targets - 12 x18 inch - Silhouette Reactive Shooting Target - Shots Burst Bright Fluorescent Yellow Upon Impact - Gun - Rifle - Pistol - AirSoft - BB Gun - Air Rifle (50 pack). I hope the new gun will be okay with this target. I have been using black/white paper 12x18 targets at the range so far and I seem to hit the middle circle so much I rip the paper also it rips removing it from the board and staple we have to use to put it up.

Well that's all about me thank you for any advise and help.:angel:
Debra

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Smokewagon
Welcome from West Texas, Debra!:hand26:

Relax! All that isn't as complicated as it sounds. One step at a time. Just remember, safety is number one. You'll be fine! :thumb:
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one42A
Welcome to the TA Forum from South Florida. May I suggest you take firearms training from your local range. All your concerns will be alleviated with good instruction. I concur with Smokewagon - Safety First is the first and most important lesson.
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M
Welcome!

A very refreshing post and I know there are a LOT more people out there like you (including myself), who haven’t shot all that many rounds if any, in their lives.

Guns can definitely get expensive.
But for a basic firearm for concealment, you don’t have to add too much fancy stuff like sights or lasers.

You do need cleaning supplies ($10 Hobbe’s kits available at Walmart include everything you need to start).

Even experts will tell you that holsters and how and which part of your body you carry is a personal preference and develops with time. I’ll just say this: if you plan to carry concealed, you should carry all the time even around the house for Practice. Many Holsters can also be had for cheap. Subscribe to the vendors message threads on the forum. I’ve seen some for less than $10.

I’ll also say this: the PT111 is a really good gun. But the carpel tunnel may hinder your ability to takedown (take apart) the slide for cleaning.

Keep the PT and keep practicing. But perhaps consider a small revolver which is much easier to maintain and carry.

I’m inspired by your practice!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Lmstncwby
Welcome to the Forum from North Texas! :wave: We're mighty glad you decided to join "Ye Merrye Crewwe"! :thumb: Be sure to have someone show you how to strip, clean and lubricate your new pistol. I have the PT140 G2 and it is an amazing little pistol. I do believe you will really like it. I also STRONGLY suggest you take a beginners course in pistol shooting that emphasizes safety, proper handling and marksmanship. You will enjoy the new pistol even more and want to shoot it. Then seek a course in Defensive Pistol when you will learn how to handle and shoot the pistol while under time stress. Shop around and you will find a course near you that will help you with your new journey into firearms. Never be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. A good instructor will never turn away a question.
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88keys
Welcome to TA! I too was once where you are, a little overwhelmed and wondering what I'd gotten myself into when deciding to carry a firearm. My first carry firearm was a first generation PT111, and I'd owned it for many years before deciding to get my permit and carry (so I'd already had a lot of shooting practice so that part was already comfortable). So I'd start with getting acquainted with your firearm and it's maintenance before worrying about carrying. There is a lot to learn so take it slow, I watched every youtube safety video I could find. I agree that a firearms training course would be a great help.

Many years later, I have yet to ruin any firearm I've cleaned, so take your time and if you get frustrated just step back for a bit. Safety first, and if in doubt check it again. Once you get your firearm, you'll want to shoot quite a bit not only to get comfortable with it, but to also make sure your shooting technique is good, and the firearm is dependable before carrying anyway. There's always plenty of people here that can help with any questions you might have along the way.

I found carrying IWB with a belt was the way to go for most things I wear, and I gave in to changing my wardrobe to make it happen. You may find you eventually need different holsters to accommodate your different types of wardrobes. But I wouldn't invest in a bunch of holsters at first. I bought them as I "needed" them.
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CJS3
Welcome from the Texas gulf coast. Go to your local range or gun store, and ask about female specific carry options. Belt holsters are nice, but not always the best way to go. There's a good chance that if they don't know, they can recommend a female instructor that will have some good carry options.
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Taurus10
Welcome from Texas!
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vaskeet
see I told you these guys are great and we will all help and answer any questions you will have. Jest don't ask if you should buy another gun as we all have the same answer for that question
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GizzardGary
Welcome from Kansas, enjoy! There are a lot of PT111 owners on this forum (myself included). Folks here are glad to give advice. You'll love it!
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MOONDAWG
Welcome aboard from the "Gunshine State" for Florida.


State of over 1 MILLION 150 THOUSAND Concealed Carry Licenses and counting!
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DAM1120
Smokewagon said:
Welcome from West Texas, Debra!:hand26:

Relax! All that isn't as complicated as it sounds. One step at a time. Just remember, safety is number one. You'll be fine! :thumb:
Click to expand...
Thank you kind sir. How's the weather in Tx? We have snow in some parts of Florida.
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DAM1120
one42A said:
Welcome to the TA Forum from South Florida. May I suggest you take firearms training from your local range. All your concerns will be alleviated with good instruction. I concur with Smokewagon - Safety First is the first and most important lesson.
Click to expand...
I did take a course and it was for the conceal permit and had a private lesson included so is there another class I need to take?
Thank you.
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MilProGuy


Welcome to the forum, Debra.

I have arthritis in the thumb of my left hand and carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist of my right hand, but am fully able to spend an hour or so on the range with my Millennium G2 PT111 without any major discomfort to speak of. I will tell you that the G2 is one fine pistol. It is reliable, which is a must for a defensive carry gun, and is as accurate at defensive distances (7 yards) as any sidearm I've ever owned.

Become familiar and comfortable with disassembling and reassembling your new Millennium G2, and practice firing it at the range until you feel comfortable with it and confident in yourself and with your firearm. Then, to keep your muscle memory fine-tuned I recommend, at least, once a month, firing a magazine of ammo through your pistol. Then, field strip it and clean it and reload it with defensive ammo and keep it close at hand when you are at home; and on your person when you are outside your home.
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DAM1120
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am using hand/wrist gloves and they seem to work for now. Putting the bullets in does take some effort but I did conquer the slide thing with the Canik so I am thinking if thats a "full size" gun and I handle it well per the instructor who each time I go in he monitors the CCTV camera of the booths and spends time watching me both in shooting and in loading then I should be able to handle the PT I think. Yes I know I should have rented and practiced with a PT before wanting it but the range had none to use and I wasn't sure if it was proper and respectful to the range to try another range that had one just for the practice so I just forged ahead with wanting it and I am thankful my daughter got it for me.

I did try some smaller guns he had me try and some full size like the Glock but I swear they were too hard to slide and the Canik wasn't too hard for me. The small guns really surprised me I couldn't budge them for anything but I think I was also so nervous with it being the 1st time and all and I didn't want to look dumb in front of the instructor.

I just got another package a little while ago. My friend in TX sent me a handbag she said it was just my type and she was right. Seems my daughter told her she got the gun for me so its a gift to enjoy my new gun. She told me to use it and get a holster and practice with both and see which I like more. I am reading the pros and cons of using each type and while this bag goes around my shoulder/neck and lays on my side it has a compartment on the side that allows me to reach in and pull the gun out I am a bit scared because what if I pull it out and my finger hits the trigger. All hell will break lose then. What if I pull it out and the holster that comes with it comes out with the gun then I look stupid holding a gun in its holster. I have the same fear with an in the pants holster. My head is spinning with all the videos and web sites I am seeing I will admit that.
Thanks back to Youtube to watch how to draw a gun out of each type and not set it off :(. Thanks
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MilProGuy

The Millennium G2 has an external thumb safety, and until the safety is moved to the "fire" position, the pistol will not discharge a round. Even if you purposefully pull the trigger with the safety "ON", the gun will not fire.
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Driswalds
If you have a hard time loading the magazines their are products that can help.
Here is one of the higher rated devices.

maglula | Tools for loading and unloading magazines

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Driswalds
Speaking of gloves Gel filled bicycle ridding gloves will soak up a lot of recoil during practice.
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hughewil
Congratulations on exercising your 2nd amendment rights.

As for a belt, yes you will want a stiff belt if you plan to carry inside or outside the waist band. I use a desantis econobelt, cost about $20 on ebay.

You can buy a magazine loader that will help you load the magazines easier

for cleaning buy a basic cleaning kit, bottle of hoppes, and bottle of rem oil from walmart, should be around $20 and that is all you really need for cleaning.

one thing that you will find different about the pt111 is the trigger. The trigger has a lot of slack that will finaly stack deep in the trigger well to a pretty heavy trigger pull. Some people don't like how deep the trigger break is and it takes some getting used to. many people start out shooting low and left until they get the hang of it.
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DAM1120
Thank you very much for your kind words. Okay I am confused because the class I took had the permit/laws and how to hold/load/shoot a gun and we had to show we could shoot I think before graduating. Then I had a private 1 on 1 lesson for a little over an hr in the range area practicing with several guns loading them and figuring out which I could load and hold and shoot. It was several hours long and I was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted by the time I got home and I still couldn't shut up about my day and thought my daughter would shoot me lol. Now you all are telling me I need to take another class that covers more then he beat into me?

Oh I have to tell you to make your night, I wasn't dressed correctly I guess for the class. I had a blouse on not a tee that covered up to my neck, you know where this is going right:D. Since I never shot a gun I had no freaking clue the shells hit you when you fire. Every time I fired a hot one hit my chest, head what ever place was open. I never make a sound or acted like I was aware of it happening just bit my tongue through every shot. When we were all done he said to me he was shocked on how I took it all in stride. I was shocked he even noticed and was redder then an apple. He said he has never in all his years met anyone who could take the hits and keep firing and not show it was hurting like hell. He also said I have a great stance and position of my arms/elbows for someone who never fired a gun. I told him I'm a Bronx Gal nothing gets to me but when I got in my car I was cussing and going ouch all the way home. Wait for it...wait for it....When I got home and took my blouse and bra off shells were hitting the floor like crazy and my daughter about pissed herself laughing. Lesson well learned that day. When I go now I go in a shirt that covers me. I'm not taking anymore chances. I just had to share that I'm funny that way :p.

Thanks all Debra
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