New Shooters

[guy22]

What do you do to get first time shooters to the range??? Or just to try shooting a gun???

I have heard all kinds of things from non-shooters.
Recoil!
Loud!
People will laugh at them!
The gun will go out of control!
I don't like being around people with guns!

What do you do to get people shooting???
Guy22

 

[JMK572]

Show them some crime scene photos of people who could have prevented an assault if they had been armed. If that doesn't work offer to grill them a steak if they'll go shoot with you. In all seriousness, I think a lot would depend on who you're trying to get to go. I've found that most women who are not shooters like the guns with a little pink on them such as the M&P 9mm and some revolvers. Always start them out with something fun and easy such as a .22 pistol, don't make them recoil shy the first time by trying to get them to shoot a magnum or anything. Whoever it is, make it fun for them and enjoyable while maintaining all safety rules. If they enjoy the .22 next time move up to a .38 from a K frame or similar. Teach them the sport of shooting and it will be easier to work on the aspects of self defense and home protection later.
Sent from my MB865 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Smith357]

Show them an Olympic style a 22lr bolt action rifle, show them how it is a valid sport the same as any other. Then take them to the range on a quite day where they won't have to fear that guy rapid firing the magnum rifles and spraying targets with combat carbines and plastic pistols. Then let them shoot tiny little targets at long distances. Then move them up to a full sized .38 revolver and from there they should be hooked. Wait for the thrid or forth range trip before you break out the magnums.

 

[ACP230]

I invite people. My daughter invites people to come shooting with me too. She's bringing some of her friends on a range trip later this month.

For young kids, or people with no experience, I start off with an air rifle. For people with a bit more experience a .22 rifle.
My son is a Camp Perry competitor and has volunteered at the local summer shooting sports camp for several years. When he is
available he instructs and acts as an RO.

I start off with .22 handguns but most people move up to a .38 Special
fairly quickly. My BHPs are also popular especially with women.
Last time my daughter found out she shoots my 9mm Commander
better than the BHPs. (She was angling for it, but I wouldn't bite).

 

[jproffitt]

I hope to start my grandson with a .22 when he comes to visit.

 

[Arik]

I just tell em they can come, shoot a bunch of guns, put some holes into paper, have a good time. Of they dont want to they dont want to.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[ordy]

I have a shooting buddy at work and we often sit in the lunch room discussing our latest range trip or guns in general. People around us listen to our conversation and ask questions or have comments. There is a standing open invitation to anyone who wants to try it but neither of us try to talk anyone into going. I have taken a few people and start out with a .22 and work up from there.

 

[krdshrk]

I have some videos of me shooting at the range, at IDPA and USPSA matches... That usually piques people's interest.

 

[AZ_Shooter]

Good topic, OP.

The most common reason I've heard is that the person is afraid they are going to hurt themselves or someone because they aren't comfortable with guns. I explain to them that it's just like anything else where practice and familiarity will make them more comfortable. Sure enough, first few times they shoot, they instantly are hooked!

AZ

 

[V-35]

All of the above, but especially with a newby, DONT forget the ear plugs!!

Art

 

[Moonman]

We have KIDS SHOOTS, LADIES SHOOTS, with FEMALE and MALE NRA Instructors, and professionally dressed accordingly.

We encourage people to bring new shooter visitors to the club.

 

[s&wchad]

I invite them to the club. Because of our CCW laws, most are interested in handgun shooting. I supply the firearms, ammo and electronic hearing protection, give them a safety briefing before they shoot and provide instruction on the line. I offer lots of positive encouragement and try to make it an enjoyable experience. I always start new shooters with a .22 RF. If they handle it well, we'll transition to larger calibers. If they want to come back a second time, I make them buy their own ammo.

 

[H Richard]

A few times now we have hosted a class of women,usually about 12-15, and all are various age ranges, from early 20's to maybe mid 40's. I give a brief (about half hour) presentation about firearm safety, how to load, unload, hold, aim, etc a handgun. Then we have enough help for one on one assistance and have them shoot .22 handguns. While I will always have a k22 there with open sights, it is amazing how a difference of a first time user shoots with open sights and a red dot. The last time I had a gal who was left handed, so I set her up with my K22 (open sights) and sho was all over the target. (We are using sandbag rests for them to shoot from). Since whe was having so much trouble, I got my target High Standard Victor with large target grips and had her shoot right handed from the bags but aiming with the red dot, and she shot a 1" group at 50 ft. She was amazed how much difference it made. Another girl shot a group you could cover with a dime, (using a red dot) and she ask's "What's so difficult about this? So we had her hold it at arms length in one hand and shoot 5 rds in 10 seconds. Group wasn't so good

So when you introduce someone new to handgun shooting, keep in mind a red dot sight will let them do pretty good and nothing creates enthusiasm like a small group on the target.

 

[RightArm]

My wife has only fired 7 rounds through her little Ruger. I'm disappointed because the gun was purchased for her protection leaving her store late, by herself. It won't protect her if she can't shoot. I don't know what to do. She got me interested in shooting in the first place. Now you can't keep me from the gun range.

 

[arjay]

I start them with something quiet and no recoil and slowly go from there.As far as getting them out there,If they express no interest,I don't force it.They are either interested or they aren't.My son took right to shooting.My daughter,like her mother, had no interest.One of my favorite women will refuse to go shooting with me if I beat her on a sporting clays course

 

[DeadAye]

My wife has only fired 7 rounds through her little Ruger. I'm disappointed because the gun was purchased for her protection leaving her store late, by herself. It won't protect her if she can't shoot. I don't know what to do. She got me interested in shooting in the first place. Now you can't keep me from the gun range.

Those *little guns* can be THE hardest to shoot - Let alone shoot accurately.

I would bet that in a city the size of Houston you can find NRA classes given by WOMEN for WOMEN. They really make a difference.

 

[LedFowl]

I invite friends who I think might have an interest. I don't push it if they are reluctant. Sometimes I get "referrals" when those who went with me tell others.

I get a tremendous charge out of it when people I take have fun. It's a great feeling.