Wrong thread?

Pretty much what Danzig said.
For ammo, the more popular offerings are HST, Gold Dot, and Ranger T. I like the Ranger without the T, and Bonded Golden Saber +P. All work well in the 124 grain weight. Some folks prefer 147 grain, and I like the 147 grain Ranger. At this point in history, take any of these you can find as long as the pistol likes it.
The good part is Glocks will run just about anything, and for range fodder, that is great.
Happy shopping

pr5992 said:

Good evening everyone:

I just purchased my first handgun, a Glock 17 third generation. I live in Oakland, originally from Europe. I am not wild about guns in general, but things are getting a little wild around here. When the **** hits the fan I want to be able to defend myself and my loved ones. I will be picking up my gun two weeks from now (California law) and take a couple of handgun safety classes, and training on the range. I know the basics but it's all about training, so safe gun handling becomes second nature.

Two questions:

1. Any recommendations as to ammunition?
2. Any recommendations regarding hearing protection?

Thanks,
Peter

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Howdy from Wyoming. Where in Europe do you hail from? I lived in Belgium, Bavaria, and the Netherlands for a number of years.
Ammunition? Try different types and determine which gives the best accuracy with your pistol. Availability is also important.
I shoot factory ammo when it's available and doesn't cost and arm and a leg and keep some in the safe but I mostly reload ammo for all my firearms except the 22 calibers.
Hearing protection. You're going to get a lot of responses based on personal preferences. I have an old set of Peltor earmuffs that I like and I keep a couple pairs of foam ear plugs in my range bag just in case I need them.
My advice; talk to your training instructors, other shooters, and find something that not only protects your hearing but is comfortable.
In addition get a holster that is both easy for you to use and comfortable and extra magazines and a pouch to carry them in and last but certainly not least; get something to securely store your pistol and ammunition in.
Ride Safe. Dr.Tramp.............

Thanks for the welcome and feedback everyone. As to ammo, I'll just go with whatever the store recommends me (that's Old West Gun Room in El Cerrito by the way, a bit of an institution here in the Bay Area). Buying ammunition online is not really an option in Calfornia, easiest is to buy from a licensed gun dealer.

As to the hearing protection, I bought an AXIL GS Extreme (that's a little bud that goes in your ear with a clip around your ear to hold it in place; with electronic amplification of ambient sounds, bluetooth etc.) and a Razor Slim electronic muff. The idea is to use both at the same time, so the muffs go on top of the earbuds for additional protection. The Axil has a claimed noise reduction of 29dB and the Razor an additional 23dB. Since I'll wear glasses and there's a little electronic from the Axil going around my neck maybe a little less because of leaking but maybe 50dB total dampening, while still being able to hear my instructor. I've watched dozens of reviews, opinions about what is 'best' differ, I'll start with these and see how they work for me. Maybe I'm a bit paranoid but getting hearing damage or even tinnitus is probably the last thing I need.