Introducing handguns to new shooter

[NoBite]

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?

[Ichiban]

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.

[NoBite]

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?

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[Hazcat]

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

[WatchManUSA]

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!

[Sponsor]

[NoBite]

I like that idea!  I do not have a 22 revolver. Good points. I don't want her to have a bad experience.


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[ellis4538]

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

[tombogan03884]

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.

[usmcdadx2]

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.

[Hazcat]

Yep to all above.  That is why I said use clay if ya can.  It's the 'fun' factor.  

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.