About a year ago, I decided I wanted to become proficient with handguns. I don't really have many…read more"gun people" in my life which meant taking up this study mostly on my own. Modern semi-auto handguns are not dramatically different from one another in overall function but each has a particular feeling in the hand, different ergonomics, and distinct style and placement of the controls. My feeling, and the general consensus among most shooters I've talked to, is that the best way to start is to go to a range where you can rent a variety of weapons and try as many as possible. In the Arcata/Eureka area, Ballistic Precision looked like the best choice. They have a large variety of platforms for rental use and a very clean, modern range. The shop is well maintained and welcoming. It is not bedazzled with political garbage - it's a place for shooting. As with most ranges, renting a gun requires either that you bring in a weapon of your own (any functioning pistol or long gun), or that a friend comes with you. This is a standard safety custom at gun ranges. I spent several months coming in, renting something off the wall, and talking shop with the folks behind the counter. Trying a variety of weapons allowed me to understand what I shot well, and what I didn't, what felt good in the hand and what felt awkward. I narrowed my interests on a particular platform and came in every week or so to practice, slowly finding and understanding some of my limitations and weak points. At this point, I decided I could get a lot out of some instruction on the fundamentals. Honestly, I probably should have done this sooner but I'm obstinate like that. I signed up for Ballistic's Handgun Basics class. This was a one-on-one class with Oliver - the friendly guy who's almost always behind the counter. We spent a couple of classroom hours upstairs going over the basics of handgun anatomy, firearm safety, and technique - not just the dos and don'ts but the hows and the whys. I am pretty familiar with this stuff at this point but it never hurts to go over it again. We then spent some time working on stance, grip, sight picture, trigger pull, and follow through. If you've never shot before, Oliver's curriculum will provide an excellent starting place. Last, we spent some time on the range downstairs. This section was pretty brief - we only shot about 25 rounds in total - but Oliver's guidance was super helpful. I was doing OK as a shooter already but the comments and suggestions I got in that short time have already had an impact on my performance. There really is no substitute for having a trained shooter observe and guide your technique. Ballistic Precision is a great place to shoot. The environment is clean and welcoming, the people are friendly and professional, and the training is excellent. I have and will continue to recommend them to friends that are interested in a local spot to improve their shooting.

Shout out to SCOTT at Ballistic Precision for going above and beyond in customer service when my…read morehusband and I needed help with some very old firearms and disposal of some old ammo. Who knew a random call would lead us to the perfect person to take great care of our unexpected situation. Scott is very knowledgeable and so helpful. Ballistic Precision is definitely the number one place to go for your firearm needs. Thank you Scott! Must be those twin girls who made you so patient in strange situations! We appreciate all you did for us to make our travels safe. Two Boomers Breaking Bad 3/14/26