I bought a gun but I have no idea how to use it, or anything about it really (have had it for a while and never went shooting with it) What should be my first steps? Especially because of the pandemic going on, is it still a good idea to get training or go to a range?
Look up videos of people shooting it. Watch videos on how to clean it and perform maintenance. You're going to have to shoot it, otherwise it's useless. Find a range near you. If being indoors is too much, find an outdoor range. If it's a brand new gun it especially needs to be shot. The wear will help it operate better. And you need to get used to shooting it as well as adjusting the sights so you can accurately aim.
Are videos sufficient? Should I take like a course or something before actually shooting? That’s what’s been holding me up
You need to know where the safety is. You need to know how to handle the weapon safely. You need to know how to stand and aim and all that. It would be nice to have an in-person coach but it's not completely necessary. At some point you'd want to do a marksman course.
Thanks I will look up some videos