Help needed near Austin, TX

[Scott CWO]

Are Meghan and Harry buying guns in TX?? Nice! Glad you made it out of CA.

I’m from South Dakota? He and my wife from Northern California. Beverages flowing?

 

[Scott CWO]

Joshua Creek in Boerne, Tx has sporting clays, instruction and bird shoots as well. Nice place and maybe a place to inquire. I have only shot SC matches out there but nice complex. They have rental shotguns as well and are used to novice shooters from corporate events hosted at the facility.

Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Scott CWO]

I’m a native Austinite. I lived in Taiwan for a few years and traveled to Singapore often. My SIL is from the UK. I may be able to help but it looks like you may have me on ignore.

I got your message and thanks!

 

[dchum]

I’m from South Dakota? He and my wife from Northern California. Beverages flowing?

His post’s always leave you scratching your head.

I do hope he’s alright.

 

[Tex .416]

My brother-in-law and his wife want to get started shooting and hunting. He is originally from Northern California and she is from the UK. He’s a manager for Apple and they recently moved back to the States from Singapore. The live in The Hills community that is a little west of Austin. He’s never owned a firearm of any kind and is a novice.

They are interested in home defense, waterfowl hunting and deer hunting. Are there any AH members in the Austin area that can help them get firearms training classes and Hunter Ed classes? A good gun store? Where to go and start? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Scott,

I teach new entry level shooters as an avocation as there is a critical need, but few instructors are willing to really spend the time required to work with the entry level students as it is very labor intensive and low profit. I am professionally trained on how to teach shooting. The majority of my clients typically are middle age or older women living alone, something happens, and they realize they are responsible for their own safety. Most have never touched a gun in their life and are scared at first. I keep things very low key and comfortable for them.

Caveat - I would be happy to work with them if they are not in an urgent hurry. I just had some spine surgery last week and will not be able to stand on my feet long enough for range sessions for at least six to eight more weeks.

For what you describe about their goals, my two day intro to defensive pistol class should give them a solid foundation of safety and skills and a good starting point. We could follow that with rifle instruction learning how to shoot a basic scoped bolt action hunting rifle.

Day 1 is classroom, which is where we start at square 1, safety, what are the different types of guns, how do they work, how to stand, how to grip, how to aim, how to buy a gun, how to clean a gun, then go through the state LTC materials, law, deescalation, very basic defensive tactics, basic first aid for gun shot wounds, safe storage, types of holsters, types of ammo, and some more on safety. The day ends taking the written test for the Texas License to Carry.

Day 2 is on the range. I supply every thing they need. They just need to show up. I supply several popular common pistols for them to try, Glock 19 and 36, S&W M&P’s in .22, 9, .40, and .45 for them to try out, plus a revolver, and a 1911. We start with M&P .22’s and use them for the first half of the day so they can shoot a lot of rounds to build skills and confidence without excessive fatigue. Then we move mostly to 9’s for the rest of the day. They can try different pistols to feel differences in the cartridges before making a buying decision. I also bring a variety of holsters for them to look at differences and try out if they want to. They are only charged for the ammo they use. My mark up on ammo is only 10% over my cost.

By the end of Day 2, they should have passed the qualification for a License to Carry. I have never had a student fail. I used to tell people calling they were not ready for the LTC course mandated by the State as it does not include learning how to shoot, which is why I came up with this course. I send them home wlth all the papers signed off if they want a Texas License to Carry. The decision on whether to apply for a LTC is their decision, but they should go home eligible for a LTC.

This course is aimed at people just like your family.

I also teach rifle shooting focused on the typical
“deer rifle” set up. For this I recommend two hour sessions, one afternoon a week for four weeks. By the end, they will have a better skill set than the vast majority of deer hunters. Again, I supply rifles and ammo, mostly .223 and .308 Win, but we try a few others. Again, they just have to show up.

They also will walk away with a good foundation in safety. I am very low key in teaching style. I try to keep the students comfortable and low stress. I offer a money back guarantee if they are not satisfied, but never once had a negative feedback. I have always received very positive feedback and a few very nice tips through the years.

I do not get rich teaching this way, but do it to help folks that want to take the step of taking responsibility for themselves. Seeing someone come to me that has been through a traumatic event and empower them and watch them go home confident is a real joy to me.

Background - I was not Seal Team Six, Delta Force or CIA Black Ops in a secret hidden bunker. I grew up shooting competitively, had some luck along the way, learned a lot about shooting. I have six decades of hunting experience. Later in life, I had to deal with some bad actors and went through more intensive defensive pistol training. Ultimately, I decided to go through formal training to be an instructor to help the entry level people in need of real defensive skills and give them the intensive 1:1 or 1:2 attention they need to survive rather than standing students in a line of ten or fifteen students doing drills. That works for intermediate or higher levels, but really does not help entry level prople in need.

So happy to help them, but I am physically limited for at least six to eight weeks at this point.

 

[ACE (in CT)]

Can't help you with Austin area advice, BUT I will offer up the (possibly unnecessary and probably unhelpful) advice that I think you should be sure to remind them that they need to hurry up on the getting trained and buying guns and equipment thing, and especially the learning to hunt part, and then actually getting out there and hunting! After all, they are getting a late start in life.

And above all, disavow them of the all too common "I want one gun that can do everything" opinion that so many beginners start out with. When I do Pistol Permit classes, and beginners say that, I usually respond with: "Only one gun? I'm not even sure that's legal, or should be!"

Good luck to them!

 

[JINKLE]

Haha! Well they are mid 40s and big golfers so The Hills is somewhat of a golfing community as well I’ve heard? My father-in-law is a teaching pro in California so my brother-in-law is pretty handy with a golf club.

My DMs are disabled here but you can find my contact info at our Comanche Wilderness Outfitters website. I appreciate your help!

I will send you a message now - if they got a membership with The Hills, they have access to 5 courses in the same neighborhood. They will be in good hands.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

My brother-in-law and his wife want to get started shooting and hunting. He is originally from Northern California and she is from the UK. He’s a manager for Apple and they recently moved back to the States from Singapore. The live in The Hills community that is a little west of Austin. He’s never owned a firearm of any kind and is a novice.

They are interested in home defense, waterfowl hunting and deer hunting. Are there any AH members in the Austin area that can help them get firearms training classes and Hunter Ed classes? A good gun store? Where to go and start? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Scott,

I know your PM’s are locked, grab my number from Zach or Corey and shoot me a text or call. I can get them pointed in the right direction for all the above and make several intro’s in and around the Austin area for gun stores, ranges, archery, and training.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I was in Austin today actually and went by McBride’s to see if it was open under new management…… Nope, closed for what looks to be a complete remodel; which to be honest the building was incredibly dated and needed a new layout.

Can’t wait to see the new store.

I just spoke to the new ownership/management and McBride’s won’t re-open until sometime after the 1st of the year. Their targeted fall/winter opening is being pushed back due to permitting delays from the city.

 

[C.W. Richter]

LOL Sadly, not then. But NOW? Game ON!

I’m from South Dakota? He and my wife from Northern California. Beverages flowing?

LOL 'Just poking fun (stuff Libtards cannot handle.) Daughter Dr. is in CO, so sad! But, like my Son, she'll come back to the 400 yr fam properties oneday soon (likely sooner as everything from CA-CO is a ripoff. NOT ripping on YOU, but stating the FACT, not to mention the politics (same in CA-CO-MN-NY et al.) That's why all the jokes are flying! We don't have those issues HERE and we don't want 'em.

 

[Rhoyland4]

I have shot at Shady Oaks Gun Range in Cedar Park. Looks like that is about 40 minutes. I took my girlfriend, who had never shot. They make all new shooters start with a 22 pistol until the range officer can make sure they can handle the pistol properly. I have only been there one time, but was impressed with the staff. They had a good selection of pistols to rent.

There is also Copperhead Creek shooting range just East of Marble Falls. It is a large outdoor range. I have not been there, but I know a couple of people who have and say it is very nice.

Both facilities offer classes.

 

[TexasCollector]

Money not an issue.
I’m guessing semi-automatics.
Yes, they need beginner instruction and training.

Hi Scott,

I live just down the road, and am in The Hills area almost daily. Feel free to message me if they are still looking for help. Thanks

 

[Daryl S]

The only penance that is due is from you, buddy! Notice I said Northern California? Voting against 2A? He and his wife are quite conservative. I can’t even let my wife (his sister) watch CNN or she gets so angry she starts yelling at the TV! Not everyone from CA or working in tech is liberal. He asked me what truck to buy and he now drives a new Ford F-350 Platinum crewcab and wants guns and to start hunting.

SOLID recomendation. Been driving one since 2015. 6.7 ltr diesel, 440HP, 860Pounds of torque.
Pass a 34 wheeler on the highway doing 60mph, you're doing 90mph when pulling back in, in front of him, while pulling a 24' travel trailer. Every year, USA or Canukistan.

 

[BTP-KennethWRoyce]

The folks want to arm themselves, shoot, and learn how to hunt and enjoy the outdoors in a new way. I think that’s great.

Anything helpful? Maybe they could buy one of your books…

By the time you, Junior, turned 18 within the last several years and could own a firearm, I and many others had done exhaustive spade work in socially and legally elevating the gun culture. You're benefiting from an RKBA inheritance paid for by adults long before you. When my first book was published in 1992, only 16 States were "Shall issue" carry, and only Vermont was "Constitutional carry". (Texas, in particular, was very stern against even having a handgun in the car while driving, insisting on inter-county travel as legal minimum. You simply do not comprehend how bad of a gun state Texas used to be.)

My Boston's Gun Bible was a national best-seller in its field, carried by Brownells and nearly every conservative book catalog and hundreds of gun shops, and favorably reviewed by GOA, JPFO, and the NRA. I received hundreds of letters and reviews from total gun newbies, thanking me for opening their eyes about gun ownership. Dick Heller, victorious in the 2008 D.C. v Heller landmark SCOTUS 2A case, wanted me to ghostwrite his memoirs.

I've rowed my oar, for years, usually against the current, with too few others in the boat.
(What have you ever done for our RKBA?)

On a personal note, I often get to San Antonio, and am due back again this year. Let's meet up. I'd like to see if you can sneer at me in skinny-shouldered person as blithely as you do online. DM me your contact info; see you soon.

Be easy on him, at least he is looking to change and in the best possible way. If he needs an opinion give me a shout.

Sooo, when I read of a high-level Apple exec moving from Singapore to an exclusive Austin gated community who now — finally — wants to adopt hunting and self-defense in 2026, my first reaction is "Where the F were you? " My second thought was that he (as most execs among the surveillance state, which includes Apple, Oracle, etc.) probably voted Dem his whole life, and was thus an RKBA/2A political foe (i.e., my foe) until recently. (Had he been even a Bush conservative all this time, he probably would have taken up at least skeet shooting years ago.)

Yes, welcome in late-comers and even former antagonists, but I won't get all gooey about it. By "penance" I mean, for example, his recent Life Membership in the NRA, a donation to some shooting sports charity, or even an online essay about his arc toward the 2A. Add to the war chest. Something.

The only penance that is due is from you, buddy! Notice I said Northern California? Voting against 2A? He and his wife are quite conservative. I can’t even let my wife (his sister) watch CNN or she gets so angry she starts yelling at the TV! Not everyone from CA or working in tech is liberal. He asked me what truck to buy and he now drives a new Ford F-350 Platinum crewcab and wants guns and to start hunting.

OK, they're conservative; my suspicion was incorrect, apologies. He is, you must admit, an exception. There are many hippies/liberals in Northern CA; that area doesn't necessarily betoken conservativism.

Mid-40s conservative? So, what took him so long to get interested in guns?

 

[West_Texas_Bull_Shooter]

I have a Son-in-Law who lives in the Austin area and although he works for them, he doesn't necessarily agree with them. He is what I call a closet conservative. I shoot with him on a regular basis.

 

[BTP-KennethWRoyce]

I have a Son-in-Law who lives in the Austin area and although he works for them, he doesn't necessarily agree with them. He is what I call a closet conservative. I shoot with him on a regular basis.

That's too bad. From what I hear, such a duality is psychically draining. Like driving with both feet on the gas pedal and the brake. From one of my books:

 

[BTP-KennethWRoyce]

I was in Austin today actually and went by McBride’s to see if it was open under new management…… Nope, closed for what looks to be a complete remodel; which to be honest the building was incredibly dated and needed a new layout.

Can’t wait to see the new store.

I bought an early handgun of mine there, and the place was dated even then.
Look forward to their grand reopening.

 

[Scott CWO]

By the time you, Junior, turned 18 within the last several years and could own a firearm, I and many others had done exhaustive spade work in socially and legally elevating the gun culture. You're benefiting from an RKBA inheritance paid for by adults long before you. When my first book was published in 1992, only 16 States were "Shall issue" carry, and only Vermont was "Constitutional carry". (Texas, in particular, was very stern against even having a handgun in the car while driving, insisting on inter-county travel as legal minimum. You simply do not comprehend how bad of a gun state Texas used to be.)

My Boston's Gun Bible was a national best-seller in its field, carried by Brownells and nearly every conservative book catalog and hundreds of gun shops, and favorably reviewed by GOA, JPFO, and the NRA. I received hundreds of letters and reviews from total gun newbies, thanking me for opening their eyes about gun ownership. Dick Heller, victorious in the 2008 D.C. v Heller landmark SCOTUS 2A case, wanted me to ghostwrite his memoirs.

I've rowed my oar, for years, usually against the current, with too few others in the boat.
(What have you ever done for our RKBA?)

On a personal note, I often get to San Antonio, and am due back again this year. Let's meet up. I'd like to see if you can sneer at me in skinny-shouldered person as blithely as you do online. DM me your contact info; see you soon.


Sooo, when I read of a high-level Apple exec moving from Singapore to an exclusive Austin gated community who now — finally — wants to adopt hunting and self-defense in 2026, my first reaction is "Where the F were you? " My second thought was that he (as most execs among the surveillance state, which includes Apple, Oracle, etc.) probably voted Dem his whole life, and was thus an RKBA/2A political foe (i.e., my foe) until recently. (Had he been even a Bush conservative all this time, he probably would have taken up at least skeet shooting years ago.)

Yes, welcome in late-comers and even former antagonists, but I won't get all gooey about it. By "penance" I mean, for example, his recent Life Membership in the NRA, a donation to some shooting sports charity, or even an online essay about his arc toward the 2A. Add to the war chest. Something.



OK, they're conservative; my suspicion was incorrect, apologies. He is, you must admit, an exception. There are many hippies/liberals in Northern CA; that area doesn't necessarily betoken conservativism.

Mid-40s conservative? So, what took him so long to get interested in guns?

My father-in-law was in the Navy and then a civilian manager employee at McClellan AFB and a golf pro. Voted Republican and owns a handgun but never hunted. My wife and her brother were not exposed to hunting or guns much until I came along. Her brother is quite a bit younger and then lived overseas for several years. He’s always been interested and this is his chance.

 

[West_Texas_Bull_Shooter]

Any Man that is willing to look at and participate in the Shooting Sports (Hunting, Competitive Shooting, etc.) and Firearms in general deserves the opportunity to do so. I will promote my side of the side of these topics to anyone that show interest. I am 74 years old and I took my first shot when I was five. I have harvested Quail, Dove, Duck, Deer, Peccaries, Feral Hogs, Cape Eland, Sable Antelope, Gemsbok, Waterbuck, and Kudu. I have shot Trap, Skeet, Five Stand, and Sporting Clays. So, I think I qualify to at least try to welcome a newbie to the sport. No matter where they come from or who they work for.

 

[BTP-KennethWRoyce]

My father-in-law was in the Navy and then a civilian manager employee at McClellan AFB and a golf pro. Voted Republican and owns a handgun but never hunted. My wife and her brother were not exposed to hunting or guns much until I came along. Her brother is quite a bit younger and then lived overseas for several years. He’s always been interested and this is his chance.

Good to hear, thanks. I was too harsh on him. (But not on the archetype of the liberal late-to-guns after voting against the RKBA.) I wish your BIL well in his new shooting/hunting adventures.