Teaching Someone to Shoot a Handgun

[rabrog]

Hi,

In about a month I'll be heading to the lower 48. While down there, my mother-in-law has requested I teach her how to shoot as she wants to purchase a handgun for self-defense. My first thought was to find an NRA instructor, but there is not one in her area. So, it looks like I'm the stuckee to teach her how to shoot a handgun, but I've never really taught anyone before. I am self-taught myself, which probably doesn't help the matter. Does anyone have any good resources they can point me to where I can learn a little about teaching someone how to shoot before I head down there?

Thanks!

 

[ugaarguy]

Take a look at this thread; http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=196964. Also, send a PM to username PAX - from what I read on here she'll definetly get you going in the right direction.

 

[silicon wolverine]

BTW dont use the techinque i do when i teach someone. "ok now when you squeeze that trigger do it nice and easy, just like youre squeezing a nipple." That would definantly get you knocked on your ass but its worked for me!

SW

 

[Kevinch]

I would deep a little deeper to find an NRA course.

Try to locate either public or private shooting ranges. Contact them & ask if & when they hold the Basic Pistol classes. Once you find one, get your mother-in-law enrolled.

It would not be a problem teaching here a few basics before the class, but I would encourage her - even if you can't be there - to take a structured training course.

 

[M2 Carbine]

One thing I've found that works extremely well is sitting the student down for how ever long it takes, usually an hour plus, and along with teaching safety, gun operation, etc, go into GREAT DETAIL about sight picture, sight alignement and trigger squeeze.

I mean GREAT DETAIL.
Have the student explain to you everything about the sights and the proper use of the sights. Have them draw for you the proper sight alignment and sight picture, along with improper sight alignment and where the bullet will strike. They should be able to teach you the proper use of the sights.

This really pays off when shooting.
When you tell them to watch their sight aligmnent they know exactly what you are talking about and 9 times out ot 10 the next shot will be a good one.

It's surprising , over the years, how many shooters I seen that don't know just how they are supposed to align the sights or even how to adjust their sights.

 

[Michael Courtney]

Put a copy of the NRA Basic Pistol manual in the student's hands soon enough so that the student can begin reading and thinking about firearm operation and safety before your teaching sessions begin.

Spend a lot of time on safety, principles of operation, proper grip, stance, and dry firing before you begin range work.

Emphasize the need for additional practice. The NRA pistol qualification program allows students to progress independently after some initial training.

Michael Courtney

 

[choochboost]

I don't know if this will help but here's some links about some of the fundamentals:

http://hkpro.websolv.com/ubbthreads...=315649&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1
http://www.uspsa.com/gmTips/tip01.html
http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5008
http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/JARRETT2/jarrett2.html
http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/KOENIG1/koenig1.html
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Sideline/4987/Pistol/AMUmanual/chapter3.htm
http://www.glockfaq.com/trigger.htm
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=182582&highlight=front+sight
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob85.html
http://www.americanshooter.com/Features/features.html (helpful videos)
http://www.lasc.us/FryxellCrackShot.htm
http://agsfoundation.com/safety/tips.html#fundamentals
http://www.glockfaq.com/tips.htm
http://www.glockfaq.com/shooting.htm
http://www.bullseyepistol.com/billblnk.htm
http://www.bullseyepistol.com/fulford.htm
http://www.bullseyepistol.com/armymark.htm
http://www.bullseyepistol.com/training.htm
http://www.bullseyepistol.com/joyner.htm

 

[pax]

See this post: http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=2300211&postcount=9

pax

 

[Croyance]

Because of the way I was taught, I emphasize safety first. If people don't practice safe handling and safety skills I end things there.

 

[Logan5]

It might be worth your while to just take the NRA basic pistol instructor course, which is relatively quick and easy. Then you can order course packs and issue course completion certificates. You do have to teach a couple of people every year, or they drop you to "instructor emeritus", but that's not going to happen if you have even one relative, friend, or in-law a year who wants to go shooting. I've found it works out pretty well.