Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to our group, this is the place to start. If you don't find an answer to your question here, feel free to contact us at sacramento@pinkpistols.org
- Can I come shoot with you even if I don't have a gun?
- I don't know anything about guns and am kind of scared of them - can I come shoot with you?
- What should I wear?
- What should I bring?
- How much does it cost to come shoot with you guys?
- When and where do you shoot?
- How do I join?
- Should I buy a gun? What kind of gun should I buy?
1. Can I come shoot with you even if I don't have a gun?
Yes. Lots of people who come out to shoot with us are new to firearms and don't own their own gun. Many of our members are willing to let you try out their gun(s), and the range we shoot at also rents guns. Even if you already know you want to get a gun, I'd encourage you to come shoot with us first, so you can try different makes and models before you decide what to purchase.
2. I don't know anything about guns and am kind of scared of them - can I come shoot with you?
Yes. We consider it an important part of our mission to help folks with an interest in shooting get off on the right foot. That includes teaching them important safety skills and shooting fundamentals in a friendly, non-threatening, nonjudgmental environment. You won't have to feel silly or dumb because you don't know anything about guns, and we'll work with you to overcome any fears you may have, too. We also place a strong emphasis on developing rock-solid safety habits right from the very beginning, so no worries there, either.
3. What should I wear?
You'll want to wear close-toed shoes, and avoid shirts with deep or plunging necklines so no 'hot brass' can get next to your tender skin. You may also want some kind of hat with a brim (like a baseball cap) for the same reason.
4. What should I bring?
If you happen to have eye and ear protection, you could bring that, though we usually have extras to lend. You'll also want to bring your ID, which you'll need to shoot on the range.
5. How much does it cost to come shoot with you guys?
There are no fees associated with the Pink Pistols per se, but you can expect to pay a range fee, and buy or contribute for ammo and targets. The range fee at The Sacramento Gun Range is $20 for an hour of shooting on the pistol range (current as of June 2022 ). Ammo prices vary according to brand and caliber. .22 caliber ammo is relatively inexpensive; 9mm is running $22-$28 or more for a box of 50 right now (Summer 2022). Targets are .50 to $2. I usually try to bring at least one gun that shoots .22 caliber ammo so that new folks can shoot inexpensively.
6. When and where do you shoot?
Our shooting schedule is listed at the bottom of our home page, but you'll want to sign up for our HeyLo group so that you get the meeting notices to be sure that a given shoot is happening. We generally shoot at a local indoor range so our shoots are not weather-dependent, and also so we can put targets anywhere from 3 yards to 25 yards away for the most effective shooting practice.
7. How do I join?
There are no fees or forms for joining the Pink Pistols, although if you are so inclined, you can print out a membership card here. To be a 'member' of our chapter, sign up for our HeyLo group, and come shoot with us!
8. Should I buy a gun? What kind of gun should I buy?
Owning a gun is a personal choice, as is the type of gun you may choose to buy. If this is all new to you, I'd encourage you to come out and shoot, try some different guns, and get some experience to help inform your decision.
Just buying a gun for 'self-protection' and sticking it in your nightstand is rarely a good idea. What's better is to do a little research to decide if a firearm is the right choice for you, and if so, which one. If you do decide to buy a gun, getting training and practicing regularly is important in order to be confident you could use it effectively if necessary.
If you are considering buying a gun, come on out and talk to us. We can certainly share pros and cons of different choices, depending on your needs and preferences, and help you make a choice that is right for you.