VERY GOOD ARTICLE!
I had a friend who was, more or less, scared "sh**-less" of firearms. I took him to the range with my .38 snubby, taught him the four golden rules, showed him the gun and how it worked, how to load, unload, and check the weapon, and even gave him a quick lesson on stance, grip, and trigger control.
After the first 1 or 2 5-shot groups, he understood recoil and actually started hitting a 7 yd. target fairly well (for a newbie).
I then went on to explain how and why I chose to get my PA License To Carry Firearms, why I enjoy shooting, and why the gun is nothing more than an inanimate object until placed in the hand, loaded with a live round, and the trigger pulled completely to the rear.
His brother recently received his grandfather's .270 rifle as a college graduation gift, so this helped him understand his brother's love of the Almighty Go-Bang. He now goes shooting with his brother with the rifle, and occasionally joins me for handgun practice.
I don't think he'll ever get one for personal defense himself, but had considered a .22 rifle or pistol just to "plink" with. That's OK with me I told him, as I feel someone who is uncomfortable with carrying the ability to take a human life - SHOULDN'T.
I've found that a lot of anti-gun folks are simply uneducated about firearms, and as they may not completely change their views about gun laws, their views and fears of firearms usually end once their given the chance to explore and "face their fears".
YMMW.
-38