Waitone
Member
What I do with noobies is pretty much summarized in several places in the thread. Two points of interest. I think muscle memory is a key to safe handling firearms. That is why I give plenty of time to "fondle" a firearm before making it go bang. Familiarity with the mechanics of using a firearm will go a long way is stopping unpleasantness when it goes bang. Give the noob time to feel comfortable holding the gun.
Second point. Until the noobie is comfortable with the handling, recoil, reloading, and noise of a firearm in action, I station myself just behind and slightly to the outside of the shooters strong side. Before the noise starts I explain to them that IF they are about to do something dangerous I will put my hand on their shoulder. When that occurs they are to freeze. Reason for the hand routine is hearing is muffled, noise is loud, and attention is directed downrange. All elements of unpleasantness should something bad happen.
Second point. Until the noobie is comfortable with the handling, recoil, reloading, and noise of a firearm in action, I station myself just behind and slightly to the outside of the shooters strong side. Before the noise starts I explain to them that IF they are about to do something dangerous I will put my hand on their shoulder. When that occurs they are to freeze. Reason for the hand routine is hearing is muffled, noise is loud, and attention is directed downrange. All elements of unpleasantness should something bad happen.