I attended the Saturday morning meeting of gun cranks at my LGS, and it was busy. Many guns, some ammo and accessories were finding new homes, but one guy stood out a bit. He was poring over the pistols in the case, and the cordial proprietor was explaining the difference between a revolver and semi auto. It was clear the guy had no idea about firearms, but was here to buy. He selected a S&W shield EZ, but did not have the slightest idea how to load, clear, or handle it. Owner spent quite a bit of time with him, but he was single-handing the shop and he brought the guy over to one of the regulars for further demonstration and instruction. One of the other regulars knew where he worked and said he would try to connect for some range time.
Afterward I learned that this was not an uncommon event, and that usually there was more time to instruct and a few dummy rounds were sent home with the new owner for practice. I got to thinking that it might be opportune for our Game, Fish & Parks division to reach out to these new owners to put them in touch with good instruction, maybe gift them some dummy rounds and gun oil samples, and welcome them to the fold. I've suggested as much to the hunter safety office, but wonder what you would suggest for a "welcome to the community" care package?
Afterward I learned that this was not an uncommon event, and that usually there was more time to instruct and a few dummy rounds were sent home with the new owner for practice. I got to thinking that it might be opportune for our Game, Fish & Parks division to reach out to these new owners to put them in touch with good instruction, maybe gift them some dummy rounds and gun oil samples, and welcome them to the fold. I've suggested as much to the hunter safety office, but wonder what you would suggest for a "welcome to the community" care package?