Info to give to potential new shooter

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sumpnz

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There's a guy at work who expressed some interest in going shooting for the first time. Really nice older Indian (as in the sub-continent) guy. Former rabid anti who was converted some time ago, but never actually got to try out some guns.

Anyhow, he wanted me to give him some printed information on various types of guns, gun safety, proper shooting techniques, and so on. I know I could probably tell him everything he'd need to know, but he's a PhD engineer, and really likes having documents for reference.

I was hoping y'all could give me some pointers a central source for that kind of information. Preferably, though not strictly necessarilly, something from a major academic or research institution as that will have more credibility with him (to give you an idea he won't go to a doctor that isn't also on the teaching and/or research staff at a major university).
 
Tell him to read as many High Road posts as possible, and believe them all. Immediately!

Or, get some reference materials from the NRA, a local or state shooting organization. If you call or e-mail the NRA (assuming you have access to a computer, otherwise, you will have a hard time reading this) they will probably be able to direct you to some good sources. Of course, Palladin Press, Military Book Club, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Hastings, etc. may have some good publications.

Hope this helps.
 
Preferably, though not strictly necessarilly, something from a major academic or research institution as that will have more credibility with him (to give you an idea he won't go to a doctor that isn't also on the teaching and/or research staff at a major university).

Forget that. You won't find anything on guns, gun safety or shooting techniques from the world of academia. It's a hotbed of rabid antis.
 
He might like the CD-ROM interactive learning guide known as SafetyOn . Especially if he is a visual learner. It's a little pricey ($40) but it could be passed along to other newbees later.
 
You won't find anything on guns, gun safety or shooting techniques from the world of academia.
Yeah, I know. I figured that was a long shot, but had to try. You never know, there are pro gun people in academia; they just tend to keep that part of their lives quiet.
U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide
I'll definatly pass that one on to him.

This guy is a bit of an older gent (~60) and he immagrated from India about 30 years ago. He said when he was a prof at NAU (Northern AZ Uni.) he got into an argument on gun control with another engineering prof and that was the beginning of his conversion. Even though he's a generally peace loving Hindu, he does work for a missile and bomb manufacturer, and has stated that he would drop the hammer on a goblin invading his home. As he said, without prompting I might add, goblins have no place walking this earth - they add nothing to society, they only take away from society. So, I think he'll be a good person to get into shooting. I'm thinking a .38 revolver or 20 guage shottie would work really well for a starter gun and for home defense.
 
Surf to or drop by the local hunter safety organization. They will have manuals oozing with good, basic information. The idea is to start basic and just kind of ease into it. Books can't supply the smile that comes when you're in a good solid prone position, the crosshairs are settled in and she looks good at let-off. This is a visceral kick that doesn't translate very well. The primary concern is safety basics so experience isn't scary.

Rimfire central may provide some basic info, but far and away the best intro is safety basics, a simple rimfire rifle, and a calm, patient coach.
 
You're friend sounds like an ideal gun owner. I take special pleasure in the conversion of someone from an anti-culture.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were a bunch of other US government publications similar to that one floating around the web, or even army/navy surplus stores as they're not likely to be copyrighted.

edit to add, I found a couple more (USMC manuals) with a google search...these are written for 18 year olds fresh out of high school, so your friend might not find them terribly challenging.

mcrp301a.pdf - MCRP 3-01A Rifle Marksmanship

http://www.tpub.com/content/USMC/mcrp301a/

mcrp301b.pdf - MCRP 3-01B Pistol Marksmanship

http://www.tpub.com/content/USMC/mcrp301b/
 
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