Zombie_Flesh
Member
If we are to win the war on guns, the war on our second amendment rights, we need all the help we can get. You do not need to be a certified instructor to take someone to the range. Be willing to take a friend/coworker shooting, and make it safe and fun. Most of the people who know me know I am willing to take nearly ANYONE (who is not prohibited)
IF you are taking a brand new shooter to the range...
1- Review how to shoot before you get on the range. esp. if this is a always hot indoor range. A few minutes of going over safety, how to operate the gun, HOW THE SIGHTS WORK, and what to expect before you hit the range beat the heck out of trying to explain anything over gunfire. Stress the safety again. While in the range you can refer to the attached document as a reminder.
2- Consider using two sets of ear protection (plugs and muffs) a lot of people are much more comfortable with this setup.
3- Use a .22 pistol or rifle. This allows the shooter, who might be concerned with recoil or noise to be able to focus on the experience. This also develops good habits with trigger control and follow through.
4- Use a big target close up (15-21 ft is good) - Firing 10 shots at a target and finding a single hole along the edge really takes the wind out of someones sails.
5- Be patient, people are coming from many perspectives as it relates to guns and some people need a little more hand holding (sometimes literally). If you (the expert in the situation) get frustrated they will pick up on the frustration and not have as much fun.
6- Take a break. After a while shooting can get tiring (for some) A well placed break can give the body a rest and allow the new shooter to review mistakes before shooting again. Also allow them to watch you shoot a few rounds.
7- Stop before they get tired (leave them wanting more)
Original message which became irrelivant as I typed...
I teach a number of classes including a pistol centered CCW class. Historically my classes are made 80% men and of that 80% white. This Saturday I am happy to report was 90% women and of that 65% minority (50% Black and 15% Asian). Many of these women has never shot before, or had only shot once before, but not pistol, or had shot pistol but.... basically limited experience around the room. And everyone reported a great time, and walked away with a better realtionship to guns. AND they were a riot for the entire 5 hours.
IF you are taking a brand new shooter to the range...
1- Review how to shoot before you get on the range. esp. if this is a always hot indoor range. A few minutes of going over safety, how to operate the gun, HOW THE SIGHTS WORK, and what to expect before you hit the range beat the heck out of trying to explain anything over gunfire. Stress the safety again. While in the range you can refer to the attached document as a reminder.
2- Consider using two sets of ear protection (plugs and muffs) a lot of people are much more comfortable with this setup.
3- Use a .22 pistol or rifle. This allows the shooter, who might be concerned with recoil or noise to be able to focus on the experience. This also develops good habits with trigger control and follow through.
4- Use a big target close up (15-21 ft is good) - Firing 10 shots at a target and finding a single hole along the edge really takes the wind out of someones sails.
5- Be patient, people are coming from many perspectives as it relates to guns and some people need a little more hand holding (sometimes literally). If you (the expert in the situation) get frustrated they will pick up on the frustration and not have as much fun.
6- Take a break. After a while shooting can get tiring (for some) A well placed break can give the body a rest and allow the new shooter to review mistakes before shooting again. Also allow them to watch you shoot a few rounds.
7- Stop before they get tired (leave them wanting more)
Original message which became irrelivant as I typed...
I teach a number of classes including a pistol centered CCW class. Historically my classes are made 80% men and of that 80% white. This Saturday I am happy to report was 90% women and of that 65% minority (50% Black and 15% Asian). Many of these women has never shot before, or had only shot once before, but not pistol, or had shot pistol but.... basically limited experience around the room. And everyone reported a great time, and walked away with a better realtionship to guns. AND they were a riot for the entire 5 hours.
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