safety for a new shooter

[Malice]

I have this problem, where even when I am really good at somthing, or really knowledgeable in an area, I had a hell of a time trying to explain it to someone else. It's just not somthing I am good at.

I am going to be teaching gun safety to a friend tomorrow, as well as how to handle a rifle. And this is my first time teaching it to anyone.

He has never held or fired a gun of any kind in his life, but he has common sense.

The hands-on stuff will be done with an unloaded Ruger 10/22, in my house, tomorrow.

Then we will go to the range, probably the beginning of next week. That way he will have some time to review the ground rules. Plus thats the only time I can do it ^_^

So my question is. In what order do I go about the rules and handling instructions? Anything else you can help me with is good too.

 

[SapperLeader]

I would practice teaching the safety rules to someone who already knows the material. that way, they can critique your teaching style and give you some pointers on the best way to do things. Once you have done that, teaching a freind the safety rules and markmanship rules should be a cinch. If you dont ahve a freind to practice with, rehearse what you want to say in front of a mirror. Its just like anything in life, the more you practice doing it, the easier it will be.

 

[CAS700850]

This is a friend, right? So relax, it's not like you are giving a speach to a couple hundred people you don't know. Start with the important basics, like the Gunsight rules. Assuming your friend is taking this seriously, this should be easy. Stress these agin while doing the hands-on portion. Then, before the range trip, get together early and remind him of the rules, the procedures, etc. At the range, show him everythiung again, up to and including you doing some live fire. Then, set down the unloaded gun and have him do everything from the beginning, with you watching and talking him through it. Kindly enforce every rule, and don't be afraid to interrupt and put your hands on the gun when needed.

I taught a girlfirend how to shoot a handgun, and actually did the stadn behind, arms around approach the first time, so that I was sure of keeping the gun pointed downrange at all times.

Two things to remember. THis is serious business, and should be treated seriously by both of you. At the same time, you are trying to teach your friend a very enjoyable pasttime, so don't become a D.I. and bark commands at him. Keep it enjoyable, but strictly follow the rules.

 

[rust collector]

you'll both learn from the experience

Now google "firearm safety" for some good resources. There may be a lot of knowledge in your cranium, but it took you awhile to learn it and Rome wasn't built in a day. Your friend can easily be overwhelmed if you try to cover too much ground in an hour or two. Teaching is an art and an honor not to be taken lightly. After all, you're saving lives here. It's worth doing right.

AHEC has some good materials, and you may be able to get a hunter safety manual from a local hunter safety instructor or conservation officer. If you can refer to instruction aids, physically go through the motions and work some dummy rounds through the firearm, the student is much more likely to retain the essentials. Get the student to analyze and apply what you are demonstrating, and you know you are connecting. A rusty old single shot is better for instruction than a semi-auto with distracting bells and whistles.

Above all, get out to the range ASAP. There are lots of teachable moments there, and nothing beats learning by doing.

Good for you. You are giving something back to the sport, and opening new worlds for your student. Enjoy.