New to a state where my second amendment rights are not supressed by state governments needs to over-govern, I have always been interested in guns/rifles, etc. After all, I grew up playing first-person shooters, using BB guns, etc.
Pistols and tacitcal long guns, specifically pistol caliber carbines (PPC’s) are an interest of mine for a variety of reasons.
Within the top 10 reasons for moving to Georgia, reasonable access to these things had its place.
But here is the thing… I knew/know nothing. In fact “if I knew I knew nothing that would be something but I don’t. Ok… that was a Point Break movie quote/reference but I digress.
So… when we first bought our house I spent 10 days here ‘stag’ just cleaning up the house but certainly had time to explore this interest. I visited Frankln’s Gun Shop, Clyde Armory, and of course Athen’s Gun Club.
Walking into Athen’s Gun Club for the first time was nothing short of amazing. 9 pistol caliber lanes, 3-4 lanes for calibers above common pistol as well as a good selection of both pistols, tactical long guns, and accessories within their store.
The experience (and the nervousness that came with it) started in the parking lot. You could hear the very muffled sounds of rounds going off. As you walked in you could see the range lanes to your right, the selection of accessories within the islands in the middle, and to the left, the gun counters filled with the latest selection of pistols.
I had done my research and knew what they offered. While they have monthly memberships ($25 monthly for individual, $35 for a family of four), what I really wanted to do is try a wide selection of pistols. Ultimately I wanted the experience and wanted to see if I could determine which pistol I wanted to buy first after I was all moved in and settled.
I walked up to the counter feeling almost like I was doing something wrong and started talking to one of the guys (I think it was Hunter). When I told him it was (basically) my first time, he quickly offered to help in getting me familiar with each gun I looked at and how to operate it safely.
I did my research and had narrowed what I wanted to see and was even able to point them out as we looked through the rental case. Eye and ear protection loaners came with the $10 rental fee (free with membership) so I picked my first gun, grabbed the ammo, protection, and target and proceeded to my assigned lane.
I was somewhat nervous and excited, after all, beyond shooting my buddy’s glock back what seems like a million years ago, this was my first experience. I certainly followed the four basic gun safety rules to a tee and kept my focus on what I was doing.
So what was my first choice? I have been into guns my entire life but for this…I had to start at the beginning of my interests (adult) journey… the Baretta 92. Oh stop rolling your eyes, yes Lethal Weapon, yes, that’s what everyone says but I had to do it..
It was a fun gun to shoot and the only one out of the ones I tried out with a safety.
The others included the Shadow Systems DR920 with red-dot, a glock (I think it was a 19), and the Canik TP9
The Baretta was the smoothest of the bunch, I think it was because it was much heavier than the others absorbing more of the recoil.
I liked the Canik, the trigger felt the best and most comfortable for some reason.
The Shadow Systems DR920 felt like the most percise one of the group. While I want a red-dot now, at the time I was not sure about them so my first purchases were without a red-dot.
I have to say I had a truly amazing time. Certainly the staff made it possible. They were friendly, easy to talk to and most importantly knowledgeable.
While I have been to Clydes and Franklyns which may have a better selection, this is the store I prefer. As for ranges, its the only indoor range within 30 miles! I am so glad I live less than 10 minutes away.
When we finally moved down a month later, I joined the club that first week and of the four pistols I have, I got three of them at Athens Gun Club. The other one, I got at Franklyns before Jimmy left. The Baretta 92 is not one of them but the Shadow Systems MR920 is. I am in there at least once a week. Great facility, great & knowledgeable staff. Thanks Trevor, Dave, and now Jimmy for tolerating me.