Chance to take some newbies out soon

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

CalebJns

Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2008
Messages
144
Location
Near Birmingham, AL
I have been asked by numerous people from my church to take them out shooting. One lady has always wanted to shoot a "machine gun" (AR or AK)...I have both, and she asked if I would take her and her husband out to shoot. They have a son that is in Kindergarten, and he is 100% boy. He got a Red Ryder for Christmas and has "killed" numerous BIG GAME in our City...Buffalo, Crocodiles, Elephants, Bear, etc...great kid, even greater imagination. They want to learn about guns so they feel better when he wants to pursue hunting, etc in the future. I had another couple (late 40's early 50's) that approached me yesterday and asked if I could take them shooting. They have been going on dates (married 4 kids), but still date each week (very sweet, I know)...anyhow, they have been doing various activities from bowling to fishing, to golf, etc...they want to go shooting. They want me to come teach them and take them out shooting. These are just 2 stories, from this past week, I get hit up often to take newbies out shooting. My thoughts right now are to do the following:

1. Go to their property (40+ acres with excellent shooting spots)
2. Take my collection (25-30 pistols / 5-8 Rifles Shotguns)
3. Take my training pistol for demonstration purposes
4. Go over the 4 safety rules - repeat - repeat
5. Go over the basic styles of grip, stance, etc.
6. Warn them of addictions before we squeeze off the first round!!!!
7. Start them on small calibers, and work up to larger caliber, giving them the option to stop at any time when the recoil or punch gets to much for them.
8. Do the same with Rifles / Shotguns
9. Make it as serious and fun as possible
10. Answer any and all questions they have
????????????

Any other thoughts or recommendations?
 
Take a reactive target or two and make it twice as addicting :) i.e.- watermelons, water jugs with dyed water.....tannerite? ;) jk

My only suggestion when teaching is to try not to "baby" the ladies more than the men. They can and will learn just as well and will enjoy it if they feel like you aren't trying to tell them that they "can't" shoot a gun because it might kick too much. If they want to shoot something that you feel might be too much, just shoot it once or twice yourself so they can see the difference in recoil. Other than that it will be great fun, enjoy!

But of course, keep it safe, and it will be fun!
 
You might not want to take everything and overwhelm them. I would suggest that a few firearms, well mastered, would be preferable to start with.
 
Maybe you can take them all, but leave them in your car and take one or two out at a time just to see what they are comfortable with?
 
For what it's worth, don't overwhelm them on the first outing. I would suggest to just carry a very few guns and have them concentrate on learning how to use those first. A .22lr should be the one concentrated on the most, either pistol or rifle, maybe both and only then introduce them to something heavier.

Make sure everyone has good ear/eye protection

It is after all their first time. Hopefully not their last.

I have seen too many first introductions ruined by trying to teach too much too soon. No real need at this point to try to impress the shooters with your expertise with all your guns.
Just the basics and having fun.
 
In my range bag I always keep extra hearing protection as well as eye protection.

The last few times I have taken people out, I always start them on a .22 pistol (Walther P22). Once they feel comfortable with that, I introduce either a .32 (Keltec and explain the difference in the trigger pull) or a .38 revolver. Then step up to a .380, 9mm, 40, 45. I usually take a couple revolvers and semi-autos. My wife (who has started frequenting my shooting times with me) loves my .38/.357 mag cowboy action as well as my Beretta Stampede .45 LC...so those are always included for her. I try to have at least 2 of each caliber, just in case they don't like how one feels, etc. And I usually pull the vehicle up to where we are shooting and use the back as a holding station. So the guns remain in until we are ready to move on...

As far their first times...I do my best to present them as weapons but also as a great time of fun and relaxation when treated properly. I try to allow them to work their way up to where THEY are comfortable shooting, and let THEM decide what they want to shoot. That way they don't feel pressured to shoot anything.

As far as "babying" the ladies...I coach Girls Basketball, and have been accused of being heartless...I do my best to treat them as equal as possible, usually I give the guys a harder time because the ladies tend to out shoot the men the first couple of times...

Reactive targets ++++ I keep at least 5 gals of water frozen in our deep freeze for shooting trips...as well as any fruit that may be laying around the house. As far as Tannerite...I personally like the 5 gal can of gas, with a road flare taped to the front...closest to the top wins!!! (I AM JUST KIDDING, PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THAT LITERALLY!!!)
 
Sounds like you have a plan. Keep it safe, but make it FUN! They'll want to repeat!
 
Sounds like fun. I love teaching people how to shoot for the first time. I usually get asked the same questions, so I made a basic safety handout that I give to people before we go to the range. It helps them have some idea before they go out, and saves more time for shooting and having fun while we're out there.
 
I have been taking a lot of 40-50 yo female friends shooting lately as well. I always bring both a semi and revo .22lr and usually they love them. I then take them up to a .32 S&W then a .38 spc then a 9mm. If they can shoot the 9mm and keep it on target I then let them try the .45 acp.

I have had more than one outshooting the guys by the end of the session. But that is the usual progression I stay with. Most women then end up buying the ones they prefer. One lady even gave me two .45s she hated for my old S&W mod 10. I tried to tell her she could sell one and get a S&W but she was adamant about keeping my .38:scrutiny:
I have to agree if you stick to reactive targets like balloons and water jugs they will have a blast and everyone will enjoy themselves.
 
Hello friends and neighbors // Sounds like a great time for all.

I have had the pleasure of helping a few folks get started and it is truly a pleasure.

I can add a few things that help me.

Start off with only one round, revolver or semiauto until you are sure there are no potential "sweepers/droppers" in the crowd.

Use targets with a large bullseye and fairly close ranges.

Ball caps and high enough collared shirts are good to mention.

Shooting different designs is a fun way to get everyones attention, some folks may be familar with bolts, some levers ...if you have a variety ask what they might be interested in shooting

I like to bring :
Stoger American Eagle Luger .22 semiauto 4" (fixed rear sight)
S&W 617 .22 revolver 6" (adjustable sight)
Marlin 39A .22 lever (iron sights)
Marlin 795 .22 semiauto (scope)
Winchester 69A .22 bolt(peep sight)

If some or any want more power I bring a couple of .357s one 4" and one 6" and a .357 rifle shooting .38 then .357..

I'd really prefer they enjoy shooting mostly .22s the first time out.
If we do go up in power I go back to the one round for the first time.

It keeps everyone on the same level and you can work on trigger control/breathing with out having to discusss much about flinching or not catching the barrel of my .44mag with you teeth.:D

Have fun/be safe and I hope they all ask to come out again for more powerful fun.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top