Taking new shooters to the range -- how many at time?

[whoami]

I've probably taken about 6-7 new shooters out to the range over the past two months, and had some subsequent trips with them. We spent a good twenty minutes beforehand just going over the four rules, range ettiquette, and the operation of each firearm (we had anywhere from 3-8 guns present).

I'd base what to do on what was my 'worst case scenario'. Myself and one other gunny taking another six people. Two had been shooting once before, the rest were newbies. Everyone had a blast, and there were no incidents. Generally, we never had more than three people shooting at a given time. This allowed us (the other shooter and I) to both observe and advise on handling and mechanics. For the first hour or the only shots we fired were just to show people the gun, how to hold it, how to shoot, etc. The rest was spent supervising and loading. The second hour we felt that they were comfortable enough (based on their actions in the first hour) that we got into the rotation, and we had up to six people shooting at a time. Zero incidents.

I'd also go against the grain and say go with the group, but I'd generally keep it at no more than 3-4 newbies per experienced gunny. I've found that the groups usually have more fun, and get more interested in going. Of course, this means more responsibility and stress to the person staging everything, but it's worth it.

 

[hillbilly]

I'd say take all three and don't plan on shooting yourself.

Giving up one afternoon shooting is worth introducing three newbies to firearms.

Take all three. Let only one on the line at a time.

Give safety briefing before. Stand near each one as he or she shoots for the first time....ideally about 45 degree angle off to the side and rear so you aren't in the line of fire and you can see the person's grip, trigger squeeze, follow through, flinches, etc.

But I think you could probably handle three as long as you let them shoot one at a time and you don't shoot yourself.

hillbilly

 

[45R]

I've taken out 3 newbies at one time. I gave each one of them the run down of the safety rules and let them rent the guns they wanted to. Each person got a run down of how it all worked and we paired up using a buddy system.

No one was swept by a muzzle, nobody had finger on the trigger. It was a fun experience but if I had to do it again 2 people at the most and one on one is the best!


HTH

45R

 

[Telperion]

I think I'll go for the one shooter on the firing line idea, since I do want to get these people out to the range, and who knows when they'll have time to be interested again. Also, if there are any bay area THR types who will be out shooting the weekend after this one, PM me if you can lend a hand (and arms and eyes ).

 

[blades67]

I've taken up to three new shooters at a time. If you take three, partner up with the weakest shooter and make everyone responsible for the other. Only allow two shooter on the line at once, making the other the "coach" who watches for safety violations. Even a novice can say "finger off the trigger!" Things go much smoother this way and everybody has fun.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Jes don't fergit...

Classroom time before you get range time. Be sure they learn firearms nomenclature, safety, handling, shooting stances, sight picture before you go to the range. It'll make it easier and safer for everyone.

 

[sig970]

I agree with one on one

 

[TrapperReady]

My basic rule is one "instructor" for the shooter, and at least one more for the newbies who aren't shooting. If I were taking three new people to the range, I'd assist the person who is actually shooting, while someone else (most likely my wife) would watch over the others.

That way, I can focus all my attention on the individual with the firestick and not have to worry about keeping track of the rest.

Also, I fully advocate a pre-range meeting to discuss all the safety issues, range commands, firearm familiarization and answer questions.

It's also nice to go back and have an informal AAR with the people (perhaps in conjunction with some burgers on the grill), during which you can show appropriate maintenance and cleaning of the weapons fired.

Always keep safety the most important issue, but do your best to make sure that it's fun. It's amazing how anti-gun people can get when they have no exposure (except in the media and movies). However, once they see how enjoyable shooting can be, and that we really do stress safety and aren't lunatics, it's a whole different story.

 

[FTG-05]

Pipsqueak,

Ideally, one on one is best.

But, strike while the iron is hot, but take precautions:

- Only one shooter at a time
- You're the range officer for the shooter; that means you're right there within reach of the shooter
- They all get the same pre-shooting safety lecture

My .02.

Albin

 

[Mostly Harmless]

I've never taken total novices, but I often take my son and his cousin. I make them take turns -- only 1 shooting at a time and I don't expect to get much range time myself.

They're both pretty well-trained, but at 13 and 11, they're still of an age where a wild impulse will blow all the safety instruction right out of their heads.

J.

 

[Crimper-D]

One on One is best

Coached 2 "never-shot-a-gun-before" in June on seperate occasions. My 9yr old nephew and my best friends 12yr old daughter.
First thing to do is tell the parents that they are spectators = no 2 on 1!
Both kids were pre-coached on range safety and gun handeling safety and repeated everything back without any problem.
Main thing I did was to stay close, but behind and off to the right side so I could be able to watch triggerfingers and muzzels and safetys. Both kids knew where the sights belonged, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the targets during the fireing. One thing to note, Paper is BOREING to a kid, they crave _Results_ - the nephew was ready to pack it in after 30 rounds at bullseye targets... When we stuck up the spinners, he shot us out of ammo - over a brick through a singleshot rifle.
Same thing with the 12yr old, sharp kid, had just won her first stage Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do the week before and was definately action oriented
She tracked and kept a softdrink can jumping from 25 to 50yds with an old Remington 510.
Both kids have shot since and are (to put it mildly) MOTIVATED.
The 12yr old hit Dad for a boost in her allowance for ammo