The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: NoBite on December 27, 2010, 07:45:07 AM
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I have been asked to introduce a new shooter to handguns. I am so happy to do so and want this to be a positive experience. The new shooter is a 50+ year old aunt that is visiting us for the holidays. She has shot a shotgun, but never fired a handgun of any type. Her future concerns will be self defense, including at home and when she visits relatives in Arizona and rides ATVs out into the dessert. But, today she just wants to get past the fact that she's never fired a handgun.
Here is my plan so far. I would like your critique and advice.
I have printed copies of Jeff Cooper's 4 Rules of Gun Safety and will discuss thoroughly before even getting any handguns from the safe. Next, the dominant eye test. Eye and ear protection will be provided and the mandatory use of emphasized. Before going outside for live fire, we will inspect and discuss each handgun to be used today.
- Ruger Mark II
- S&W mod 586 (.38's only) 6" barrel
- XD-9 4" barrel
- S&W 642 J-Frame (ONLY reason I am bringing this one out is because she initially said she wants "something small." I want to explain/show that "small" is an expert's choice, not for a beginner.)
I have already discussed with her not to go out a buy any gun until she gets training. A good trainer will have several guns for her to try. I cannot pick the right gun for her.
When we go outside for live fire, I plan to use IDPA-style targets. Probably about three or four paces away from the target. In addition to safety, I am not concerned today with much more than getting past the unknown of what it is like to fire a pistol and revolver of a few calibers. I could bring out a 1911, but I don't think that would be prudent today.
So, what am I missing? Is there something critical I need to include for this first experience?
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Sounds like a pretty well thought out plan. The only thing that I might add is some dry fire work with each gun prior to going hot to get a feel for the trigger before it goes bang.
Remember - safety, safety, safety. Be sure and check (and show her how to) each and every gun any time it is handled.
And let us know how it goes.
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Sounds like a pretty well thought out plan. The only thing that I might add is some dry fire work with each gun prior to going hot to get a feel for the trigger before it goes bang.
Good advice. We can dry fire inside before even going to the line. Do you see any problem using the IDPA target? Should I paste a shoot-n-see target on it or would that encourage looking at the target instead of the front sight?
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Can ya get yer hands on a .22 revolver? I would spend 80 - 90% of 'range' time with the .22's. Get her used to loading / unloading, clearing a jam, etc. Targets....IF ya have a bank for a back stop I would get some clays to toss on it. More 'fun' when they get hit, less 'in the bulls eye' worry. My .02 ;)
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Start with the Ruger and don't move to a different gun unless she asks to do so. I see this all the time at the range with gun guys bringing a new shooter (usually female) in to shoot. Most people rush the new shooter to more powerful guns before the new shooter is ready.
Once a person has a bad experience with a gun they may never come back to shooting. Go at their pace NOT yours. If she never shoots anything over a .22 so be it. Let her experience the joy of shooting.
If you offer the opportunity of shooting a larger caliber she may do it just to please you. Let her know that you have have other guns she can shoot but she can decide what she wants to shoot. However, don't let her start on anything but the Ruger.
Good luck!
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I like that idea! I do not have a 22 revolver. Good points. I don't want her to have a bad experience.
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Two things. I might cut the head off the target. Also I might make the Ruger a single shot (one round in the mag) at first and later with the other semi's to start until she gets used to shooting. Not my idea but I did read about doing that with a new shooter.
FWIW
Richard
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Rather than silhouettes I would use steel plates or water jugs, maybe tape mustard or relish packets to a target.
Something reactive to increase the "Fun" factor, and down play the "all gun owners want to kill" mindset.
She will build SD skills, but seeing the green splat from the relish, or hearing the "ding" of the steel plate might gt her more interested in shooting for fun.
If you do not use them correctly, for example let some one stand to close, even a golf club can be deadly.
Introduce her to the recreation of shooting and she will pursue the SD aspect as an addition, rather than as a sole purpose.
That doesn't sound as clear as I would like, but if she gets hooked on "gun play" she is more likely to get additional training as an excuse to have fun, than if she views it as a chore involving fear and violence.
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I'm with Tom, silhouettes can sometimes bother new shooters. My range doesn't allow anything but paper or clay birds as targets so when I take out a new shooter I use "shoot and see" round targets to start and clays once they are ready to work with a smaller target. The instant feedback of this type of target seems to make the whole process more fun/less intimidating.
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Yep to all above. That is why I said use clay if ya can. It's the 'fun' factor. ;D
Also with clays laying on a bank if she misses she will see the dirt fly so she will know where it went. Still fun and instant knowledge.
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Yep to all above. That is why I said use clay if ya can. It's the 'fun' factor. ;D
No, no, no! If you want "fun factor" ya gotta go with tannerite.
Granted it might be a little inappropriate for close range pistol work. :o
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No, no, no! If you want "fun factor" ya gotta go with tannerite.
Granted it might be a little inappropriate for close range pistol work. :o
Ya think! ::)
;D
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Big targets! You want the first shots to be a success. There is a lot going through the mind of a new shooter, and even if they are capable of hitting four inches at fifty feet, the pressure may cause a miss of six inches at ten feet. The sense of failure can mess with the mind for a long time.
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The "shoot and see" style targets are also a good idea. that way you get instant feed back.
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Thanks for all the tips. I decided to stick with the Ruger. We used the IDPA target and I have a box of clays, so I spread out a half dozen or so on the banked backdrop. What I failed to mention was my Ruger is set up with a red dot sight. That might not be my first choice for a new shooter, but this lady really liked it.
When I tested her eye dominance I discovered she is right-handed, but left eye dominant. So, I had her keep both eyes open, but turn her head just ever so slightly to the right so she was looking at the sight square on with her left eye. Worked for her real well.
She was very attentive indoors to my safety instruction. She got her copy of the 4 Rules and I emailed it to her home email address as well. We discussed each rule and the implications and how it is often misunderstood. I told her she won't watch the cop shows the same any more now that she will be seeing many rules broken all the time! We dry fired the pistol several times. I emphasized the proper way to do a press check and then we went to the range in my back yard. I loaded the first magazine. She wanted to watch me shoot first to see the recoil and hear the report. We stood about 3 good paces from the target. After a couple of shots, she was up on the line.
She shot at the cardboard target with that first magazine and grouped pretty darn well. Then, she moved over to the clays. Dead on! She shot them to pieces and they really flew apart. Cool! Thanks for this idea. Then, she moved back to the cardboard and put several magazines in a half-fist-sized grouping with many holes touching. Darn she was really having fun! It was cold out so we stopped after 100 rounds. I shot the first two rounds only!
Folks, we have a new happy shooter in our midst!
When we went back indoors, I showed her a few more pistols, including the J-frame. I told her the next time she visited we could shoot something else if she wished. I bet she will opt for the Ruger. It is a great feeling to watch someone enjoy shooting for the very first time. Thanks for all your suggestions.
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It's great to hear about a new shooter learning the "secret" (It's FUN ;D ) of the gun culture.
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Great update NoBite. Sounds like you covered all the bases, and having a new shooter enjoy it, and want to continue on the shooting path, is a fantastic outcome.
Range in your back yard?
Now you've done it.....Expect 147 of your closest friends soon. But we'll bring food and ammo.. ::)
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Great update NoBite. Sounds like you covered all the bases, and having a new shooter enjoy it, and want to continue on the shooting path, is a fantastic outcome.
Range in your back yard?
Now you've done it.....Expect 147 of your closest friends soon. But we'll bring food and ammo.. ::)
We need an address! ;)
Good job on the new shooter!!
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Congrats!
Richard
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Something else I forgot, but its a good idea for all of us anyways.
double up on the hearing protection, plugs and muffs.
Lessening the sound, does wonders for new shooters.( women and kids the most) Lots of people are "afraid" of the sound.
Also people will feel less recoil if the shot is not as loud. Its just one of those things thats in your head.
Besides protecting your hearing is a good thing anyways.
Having them shoot from a seated position and using a rest( yes even with a hand gun) can also help a new shooter get use to the sight picture.
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Nicely done! I'm not sure that everyone needs that .22 primer...Maggie started with the .357/.38 and she still has little interest in anything else. But everyone is different. The fact that your friend has fired shotgun probably gave her a good feel for the noise and recoil. We have a cousin who fired shotgun and rifle previously and on her first trip she'd fire any handgun you put in her hand, so it really depends to some extent on their past experience.
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I agree with Jay. My kid started with a P22 but it was problematic at best, in function, so we moved her straight to a Sig 9mm. She's even shoots my 1911 on occasion now.
Sounds like a great intro to a lifetimes worth of enjoyment! Well done!