[Fuelburns2]

I would appreciate any advice you can give me about introducing a new (actually several new) shooter(s). First a little background info. My friend and I witnessed a shooting a few days ago on the job and we were both a bit rattled by it. I asked my buddy if he'd ever shot a gun before and he said no, so I offered to take him to the pistol range sometime soon. He seemed really excited to try it but since his first experience with handguns has been less than pleasant I want to make sure he enjoys it. Now more than ever he may be considering the value of owning a gun. Another guy and I are going to take him so he has at least 4 guns and 3+ calibers to try and the date has been set.

I was thinking I'd start with gun safety then teach him how to operate each gun. Is there anything else I should do or avoid doing? The main thing is that we're safe and have fun. I'll share a stall with him so I can help if there's a jam or unsafe handling. Should I have him pay his own range fee or cover him?

 

[TheRedScare]

I have done this many tims and I seriously recommend this method.

1 at home go over all the guns to be used and tell them how each one works and proper aiming and firing procedures.

2 when you get to the range use the smallest caliber first then go to the next biggest in turn. Tell them how each one works again (in turn) and watch them fire the first mag or cylinder. Then just leave them alone to shoot for a while. Come up later and say everything ok with the 22? Here try the .38 -repeat-

3 make sure they know the only real goal is to be confident enough to pick up and operate any of the guns used. then tell them next time you can work on accuracy and different firing methods.

I think the most important thing is to give them some time to shoot and dont hound them. If he/she is doing fine just let them be.

They might even take up the hobby with you.

 

[Fuelburns2]

I think the most important thing is to give them some time to shoot and dont hound them. If he/she is doing fine just let them be.

They might even take up the hobby with you.

I will make a conscious effort to give him his space and not be overbearing. The real motive for me is for him to take up our hobby and that is a real possibility.

I hadn't thought about moving up in caliber, that's a good idea. I was just going to say try the one that interests you most, but starting small is a good way to get comfortable.

 

[Fuelburns2]

He's a friend and if you did read my first post you'll notice it's important that he gets comfortable and has a good time. I'm still a little messed up from watching that. I won't play around with him until I know he's comfortable with shooting. Even then I don't mess around when loaded guns are involved. Good point though.

 

[TheRedScare]

OH yeah....

Where in hell did you witness this shooting?

What happened?

What did you do?

Was Maser there? Did he roll into the fetal position and cry?

Sorry I couldnt help that last part.

 

[Fuelburns2]

The shooting was in Detroit. I'm a salesman and we were stopping at a party store to take care of some things when we heard the first shot. We ran to the door and saw a guy get shot at least twice. There was a total of five shots with a full second delay in between each, so I guess the shooter was trying to aim. I never saw the gunman but watched the victim limp over to the street and run across where he disappeared. The whole thing took place about 20 yards away from us. We weren't about to run around the corner to see who was shooting (I left my gun at home) so we waited a while for the police to show up and eventually we left our contact information with the store owner and got out of the area. After that we just went along on our day as normal. We almost expect this kind of crap so it's easier to deal with when it happens. I don't know what was used but it was a hell of a lot louder than a 9mm.

I'm pretty sure Maser is on the other side of the country. :wink:

 

[Fuelburns2]

Let's not dwell on that bit of unpleasantness, I'm trying not to. Please keep future responses related to helping me to properly introduce someone else to our great sport, I'd really appreciate it.

Feel free to PM me if you need to.

 

[Fuelburns2]

I don't mind that you felt you had to respond, just requesting that the question at hand be addressed from this point forward.

I likely won't have a chance to go over the operation of each gun before we get to the range because we will likely go directly from work. Will it present a problem for a new shooter to get a quick rundown on operation and safety right before shooting? I think it may be better because the info will still be fresh in his head. Any thoughts?

 

[Fuelburns2]

He's a few years older than me, but he has never handled any kind of gun and probably never even seen one up close. This will be a completely new experience for him (same with the other three guys I will introduce to guns later) so I don't know how much reinforcement is needed without coming across as condescending. The best thing is that he's excited about learning and trying to shoot so it's not like I'm pushing him to do something he doesn't want to do. I will be with him the whole time to help with questions so I probably shouldn't worry about it.

 

[ifishbaja]

Fuelburns2,

I'm sorry but I can't remember if you covered this in your original post, but, does your friend even want to shoot? If you try and pressure him into doing something he doesn't want to do, it may (and probably will) turn him off of guns for life.

When I take new folks shooting, I always start them off with a mild recoiling revolver. Simple to operate and the lack of recoil and noise promote comfort. When they get relaxed enough, I let them shoot my 1911 and then if they want, one or two of my .44s or my .480. The important thing is that they remain comfortable and relaxed.

Is there any place outdoors you can go? I think you mentioned an indoor range in your post. Seems to me that one of those places would be rather noisy and possibly overwhelming. Someplace outdoors where you could take the earplugs out between shots and talk a little might be better.

Doug Gordon.

 

[Fuelburns2]

Doug, he does want to shoot, otherwise I wouldn't pressure him and spend all that money on ammo. The biggest problem with outdoor ranges is that the weather in Michigan right now would pretty quickly ruin the experience. The indoor range I'm taking him to is usually pretty empty, especially on a weekday.

 

[Fuelburns2]

The rubber bullet stoppers don't sound very safe, but do you have a link to show me? I try not to be close to anything I'm shooting, that's what knives are for. I think I'd rather a controlled environment, besides we can buy ammo if we run low.

 

[ifishbaja]

Maser,

Did you just write that you go out and empty your 10-22 when you are feeling stressed? Isn't that what postal workers do? Sonny boy, you really need to watch what you say and you really, really need to mature a little.

Doug Gordon

 

[TheRedScare]

Maser,

Did you just write that you go out and empty your 10-22 when you are feeling stressed? Isn't that what postal workers do? Sonny boy, you really need to watch what you say and you really, really need to mature a little.

Doug Gordon

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Fuelburns2]

I find that shooting greatly relaxes and distracts me from the rest of life. I just don't shoot in my house or when I'm really angry. :roll:

 

[md_beatt]

Did you just write that you go out and empty your 10-22 when you are feeling stressed? Isn't that what postal workers do?

Hey now!!!! watch it. I am a postal worker. I only go out and shoot my 12GA when I feel stressed. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Mike.

 

[Fuelburns2]

This can only get worse from here.

 

[Fuelburns2]

I got a call from my friend today and he said he was really looking forward to shooting. We're going on friday the 25th and I'll provide all of the equipment for him. Thanks for all of your suggestions so far, I'll use all of them. Now I know that he has a positive attitude and we may have another shooter in the making! I just hope that the 300 rounds of bulk .38 that I ordered from cabelas last night are delivered by then. They were out of .357 so I think I'll get myself 1200 rounds for Christmas. I'll start him out with my .22lr Ruger and move up from there.

 

[Fuelburns2]

Yeah, thanks again for your help on leading me to it. I figured that I'm $18 ahead even after shipping! That's money I can put towards my next gun!

 

[1gsplover]

:?: Did someone mention shooting as a method of relieving stress? I like a .375 H&H and three or four one-gallon plastic jugs filled with water... three or four KABOOOOOMS and stress is gone, gone, gone Added bonus = really irritates my snotty neighbor. Love it!
///olde 8) pharte///