I created a monster

[Rockrivr1]

My wife’s cousin found out that I own a “Dirty Harry” style M29 and she wants to shoot it. She’s never shot before but she keeps telling me it’s not a problem and keeps asking for me to take her to shoot it. I keep trying to talk her out of it but she won’t budge. I think it’ll turn into a tick talk video that will be used to teach other people what not to do as it bounces off her head. Honestly I’m more worried about her dropping it more then anything else. It’s pristine and I want to keep it that way. If I do take her I’ll sneak in some 44 Special instead of Mag.

 

[.308 Norma]

If I do take her I’ll sneak in some 44 Special instead of Mag.

I wouldn't "sneak." I'd just tell her, "I'm loading it with 44 Specials first, so that you can get used to it."
If she doesn't like that, it's your gun. You don't have to run the risk of her hurting herself or dropping it.

 

[Poper]

My wife’s cousin found out that I own a “Dirty Harry” style M29 and she wants to shoot it. She’s never shot before but she keeps telling me it’s not a problem and keeps asking for me to take her to shoot it. I keep trying to talk her out of it but she won’t budge. I think it’ll turn into a tick talk video that will be used to teach other people what not to do as it bounces off her head. Honestly I’m more worried about her dropping it more then anything else. It’s pristine and I want to keep it that way. If I do take her I’ll sneak in some 44 Special instead of Mag.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that if she bounces that gun's barrel off her forehead, you will be trying to catch it on the first bounce off the floor.
If'n it was me, (and it is not) I would take a .22 lr handgun and some lightly loaded .44 Special along to the range when taking her to shoot your M29 and let her know that when she can master the .22 lr, then the .44 Special is next. When that is well controled, then MAYBE she can shoot a round or two of .44 mag.

But then it is your gun. I believe YOU should do what you think is right with your gun and your wife’s cousin.

YMMV. Object in mirror is larger than it appears. Do not operate heavy equipment or perform dangerous tasks after reading. Not to be combined with other offers. Side effects may include headache, rash, diarrhea, dizzyness, blurry vision, memory loss, disorientation, onset of Liberalism, Wokeism and extreme holopophobia.

 

[Legionnaire]

Back before Christmas, a friend from church asked me what pistol to buy for his wife for self defense. Neither of them are shooters, so rather than give a specific answer to his question I suggested he give her a "gift certificate" that included two visits with me. The first will be a safety and familiarization briefing in our home after dinner, during which I plan to cover the four rules, explain how handguns work, and let her handle a variety of handguns to get a feel for them. I'll have her dry fire a couple of revolvers and semiautos so she gets a feel for the trigger, etc. May even set up an iTarget for her. But no shooting and no live ammo.

Second session will be at the range so she can try out several options and experience first hand the tradeoffs between them. For instance, an LCP is easy to conceal but difficult to shoot. A GP100 with .38 specials is fairly easy to shoot, but not so easy to carry. It will be interesting to see if she feels more comfortable with the long pull of a Kahr or the lighter pull of a Glock. We'll start with .22s, though. After the range outing, I think my friends will be in a much better position to make an informed choice.

If I'm lucky, I'll create two monsters.

ETA: First session is this evening!

Follow up. Got to the range yesterday with my friend from church. We shot a Browning Buckmark, 4-inch Ruger GP100, 2.25-inch SP101, Glock 48, Kahr P9, and a Ruger LCP, in that order. For the revolvers I had plinkers loaded with Trailboss, .38 Special loads with Unique, and full bore .357 magnum loads with 2400. Spent lots of time on fundamentals of grip, sighting, trigger control, etc. Our target was at 8 yards, and by the time we were done, he was grouping pretty well with the Kahr. His faves: the Kahr and the SP101 (with the plinkers and .38 specials). He did NOT like the LCP and fully understood why that tiny concealable pistol is not a good choice for a new shooter.

Good time. Now have to schedule an outing with his wife.

 

[Speedo66]

Nice job creating a new shooter!

Every new shooter is another vote for our version of “reasonable” gun laws.

 

[tactikel]

You have passed on shooting appreciation to two that will last for 30-40 years. Congratulations!

 

[buck460XVR]

I says I have created a monster.

.....no, you have created a lifetime passion for someone. Kinda what we all try to do with our kids, grand-kids, wife, partner, friends, etc.. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Many times as you have shown, it is done improperly and is a major fail. Sometimes, even when it's done properly, the flame never ignites. Sometimes the embers that lead to ignition are instilled long before the attempt, and all we do is fan them. But we never know til we try......and it works much better when done properly. Kudos to you.

 

[FROGO207]

It is known around here that I will take anyone that is legally able, to the range for a learning experience. Always start off with the .22 and get familiar with firearms. Then go to larger boom sticks. Reloading helps in making light loads first. If they want we can progress to the 500 S&W or 500 NE Using full power loads. Most want to see ME shoot them first LOL. Lots of new shooters produced and hopefully all safe ones as that's what I focus on above all. Lets keep up the full court press and defeat the anti's.

 

[DustyGmt]

This will get a little long but I think you will like the ending. I little back ground I am a certified handgun and rifle instructor and a certified youth coach. I just received an email from the husband of one of my shooting students. I says I have created a monster. I few months ago my granddaughter and I were at the range practicing. A guy and his wife came in and asked if they could shoot. I said I would stay for half hour then had to leave. He pulls out a sw 4" revolver 357 mag, with mag loads and tries to make her shoot it. after 1 shot she is done. So I asked if I could try something. after they agree I have my granddaughter show her how to shoot my ruger mk11. then my 10/22. she is hooked. just before we left my granddaughter talked her into shooting the ar we just finished putting together. The wife askes if I could do a personal class just for her, I said yes and after 2 classes she now shoots steel challenge with 22 pistol and rifel. So the email states she now owns 2 22lr pistols, 3 22 rifles and an ar15 in 223.

I'd buy you a drink if I could. Excellent. Good job, hopefully she will be another who joins the cause,and maybe daughter, sons and grandkids.