Bringing a new shooter in to the fold-----Kinda

Ricklin

New member
I had more fun at the range yesterday than one should be allowed and I only fired a few rounds.

A quick recap, I work closely with a Japanese company that makes the equipment I sell. My company has N. American distribution. I spent the day yesterday with my sales rep for that manufacturer. We are becoming close friends having worked together for the last couple of years.

My Japanese friend had a free day yesterday, we spent the bulk of the day trying unsuccessfully to catch a fish, but the fish refused to cooperate. Late in the day I drove him back to the airport. At the last minute I asked him.....have you ever fired a handgun??? He replied no, I have never fired any gun in my life. Would you like to???.........He replied in the affirmative.

No time to stop at my gun safe and select a better assortment. But I had the following on hand, with plenty of ammo.
1940's High Standard Supermatic .22 target pistol

1920's 1903 Colt .32 pocket Auto. .32 Auto

Glock G 19 Gen 3 9 mm

I have rarely seen an adult have so much fun over the course of an hour. He was actually a little scared the first magazine or two. I of course started him off with the High Standard.
Well actually I started off with a safety and familiarization session. Glad we were on a formal range, but we had the place to ourselves. Eyes and ears, every gun is a loaded gun, keep the muzzle down range, range hot, range cold. I know he's a really smart guy, so it was a quick session. The best part?? He shot lights out with the High Standard, Very few folks keep them all on the paper their very first time firing a gun period, never mind a handgun. Aiming and trigger instructions were very brief as I focused on safety, and we had darn little time. We only had an hour of daylight left when we arrived, and safety is always paramount. His first target was 7 rounds 5 were in a group, and the other two were not far away and on the paper. Was the best day. I felt like an international ambassador :)
 
Sounds like a rewarding range trip.
...and I only fired a few rounds.
That's been my experience too. If you're taking a new shooter to the range, it has to be all about them. Your enjoyment has to be derived from their enthusiasm.
 
I agree. I've taken new shooters out for their first time on numerous occasions. I generally shoot each gun that we will be shooting for one mag, unless it's an AR, then only about 10 rounds. One to show them that I know what I am talking about so they should listen and two to ensure the gun is functioning as it should so as not to give a new shooter a bad first experience.

After the initial demonstration portion I'm not typically firing any more unless they are pushing me to because they feel bad they are the only ones putting any lead down range.

Nice job. The last group I took shooting were all Brazilians, they were arguing over who got to shoot AR type rifles next. They couldn't put them down.
 
Good for you,,,

Good for you my friend,,,
I do that a lot with college kids.

It's one of the most satisfying things I can do with my guns.

Aarond

.
 
I think sometimes we get 'serious' and 'tactical' and forget that shooting can be fun.

Way before my time, but I've seen it in old movies, there used to be shooting ranges somewhat like bowling alleys where you could go shoot for fun. The only time I see that is at the state fairs.
 
While I have had a lifelong love of shooting, I find punching paper at short range almost boring.......almost! I still enjoy it.

Sad that about the only time and place my friend can shoot is here. No handguns in Japan. I shall bring the .44 mag, my cap and ball .44, and a rifle or two next time. He asked me if I brought a "Magnum" with, but I did not this trip.

Ol Clint is an international ambassador as well, my friend mentioned Dirty Harry when he asked about the Magnum. Mine is a T/C Contender, been a while since I have shot it and will have to try to remember which loads are mouse farts and which are full house. Hmmmm. Think I'll do a little loading session b4 his next visit.
 
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