I start them with a .22lr bolt action rifle just to see if they have the basic concept down. I have both paper and a metal spinner target available so there are options. I obviously am paying very close attention to how they are doing so I just play it by ear. One guy shot over 100 rounds with the .22lr before he went to a centerfire and one girl shot maybe 20 shots out of the same rifle and was ready to move on. I try to be as flexible as possible.
Next is either an AR-15 National Match rifle or a scoped Savage 10FP sniper rifle (both in .223 rem). The target is a big steel plate at 100 yards. From the bench, it's an easy shot and they know they got a hit because the plate shakes and they can hear the ringing gong noise. That particular AR has been the first centerfire rifle ever for half a dozen people so far.
Then I bring out a milsurp like an M1 Garand, Lee Enfield, Mosin Nagant, or Mauser. Oh, and a recoil pad. With the Garand, I sometimes load the rifle for them because I don't want them to end the day early with a bloody thumb. Whatever the milsurp, I always tell 'em what movies or TV shows it's been in. Anyways, the target is the same: the big steel plate at 100 yards. They always have the option to go back to shooting the same paper as in the beginning, but nobody ever choses that option
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For handguns, I start them with a Ruger 22/45. Paper at 7 yards and/or steel plates at 35 yards. For the paper, I use "shoot-n-c" targets so they can instantly see the hits. Again, I try to keep the excitement level high and move on to a couple of 9mm pistols, which right now are a CZ75B and a Glock 17. I haven't replaced my .45 auto, but when I do then that would be an option also. Sometimes I want to buy a .44 magnum for situations like this, just in case someone wants to end the day with a big bang
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For shotguns, I only have 12 gauge pumps, so I just make it a point to pick up some low recoil ammo for trap shooting. Or they can just blast away if they want - as long as they are safe. Thanks to Hollywood, sometimes people think a shotgun is a claymore and the only way to dispel that idea is to let them see for themselves. If I ever do pick up a 20 gauge, that would be a nice option.
I've recently picked up a Ruger Single-Six and a Marlin 39 TDS, so those would be great little .22lr guns as well.
sm great idea to give out prizes and make it into a game
. I'll have to try that next time.