whoami
Member
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.
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.