- Joined
- Apr 30, 2006
- Messages
- 29
My girlfriend of about 1 year is really wanting me to teach her how to shoot. I am completely looking forward to it. I have taught other friends of mine, and they all enjoyed the experience. I consider myself to have above average proficiency (25 years old with about 23 years of shooting experience) and way above average firearm safety.
The problem is...I have never taught someone that has ZERO firearm experience and it is kind of intimidating. There are SO MANY topics to go over. Obviously, safety is the first thing. I have already expressed to her that I want to have some "classroom" time to make sure she knows what to do and what not to do...before we go to the range. She is fine with that. Now, I should say that she is a very smart gal (but she still likes my dumb a** for some reason) and I think she will be able to pick up on things very quickly. So, I am thinking of giving some kind of oral test. "What are the five firearm safety rules in order?" "What part of the firearm is this?" "How do I eject the magazine on this pistol?" Tell me what you think of that idea...
Next is where I am lost. I know to start with stance and grip, blah, blah, blah.... What I need help with is how to make this fun for literally a FIRST time shooter. I am going to start with handguns...is it a good idea to have her shoot off of a bench to help her get her hits?...thus making her feel good that she is hitting what she's shooting at? Have her shoot at full soda cans so she can see effect on target right away? Do I keep her out there for 2 hours...or 4?
I guess what I am really looking for here is to hear some of YOUR stories of teaching first time shooters. What you taught first, how you taught it etc...
Thanks in advance, gents.
The problem is...I have never taught someone that has ZERO firearm experience and it is kind of intimidating. There are SO MANY topics to go over. Obviously, safety is the first thing. I have already expressed to her that I want to have some "classroom" time to make sure she knows what to do and what not to do...before we go to the range. She is fine with that. Now, I should say that she is a very smart gal (but she still likes my dumb a** for some reason) and I think she will be able to pick up on things very quickly. So, I am thinking of giving some kind of oral test. "What are the five firearm safety rules in order?" "What part of the firearm is this?" "How do I eject the magazine on this pistol?" Tell me what you think of that idea...
Next is where I am lost. I know to start with stance and grip, blah, blah, blah.... What I need help with is how to make this fun for literally a FIRST time shooter. I am going to start with handguns...is it a good idea to have her shoot off of a bench to help her get her hits?...thus making her feel good that she is hitting what she's shooting at? Have her shoot at full soda cans so she can see effect on target right away? Do I keep her out there for 2 hours...or 4?
I guess what I am really looking for here is to hear some of YOUR stories of teaching first time shooters. What you taught first, how you taught it etc...
Thanks in advance, gents.