Introducing handguns to new shooter

[Ichiban]

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

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.   

[Hazcat]

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.   

Ya think! 

[MikeBjerum]

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.

[TAB]

The "shoot and see" style targets are also a good idea.  that way you get instant feed back.

[NoBite]

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.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

It's great to hear about a new shooter learning the "secret" (It's FUN  ) of the gun culture.

[twyacht]

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..

[Hazcat]

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!!

[ellis4538]

Congrats!

Richard

[TAB]

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.