Was at the range yesterday morning by myself, when a group of 5 people came in. One elderly gentleman, I'd guess to be around 75, was talking about how he was excited to shoot his new pistol. He pulled out a High Point .45acp. A young guy, I took it as his grandson, showed him how to hold the pistol, gave him a 5 cent tour on shooting it, loaded one round, and handed it to the new owner. He sent a round and it scared him so bad he dropped the pistol. Shortly later the guy told me it was the very first time in his long life that he shot a handgun. I wanted to offer the use of my High Standard .22 I was shooting, but then thought about him dropping it, so I changed my mind. Kind of wish I would have brought my old Ruger 22/45 with me, I would have let him use it.
Two things here. A new handgun shooter should not be introduced to the hobby with a big heavy handgun such as a High Point. And certainly not in anything like a .45acp. A Ruger 22/45 would have been perfect for him.
But, the guy did run a few more rounds in single shot. Got comfortable with it finally, and ended up able to keep all rounds on paper of a B27 target at 7 yards, so I guess it was a productive day.
Anyhow, a new shooter to the sport, even at an advanced age, is a good thing. Got to remember to keep my old 22/45 in tow for occasions like this.
Two things here. A new handgun shooter should not be introduced to the hobby with a big heavy handgun such as a High Point. And certainly not in anything like a .45acp. A Ruger 22/45 would have been perfect for him.
But, the guy did run a few more rounds in single shot. Got comfortable with it finally, and ended up able to keep all rounds on paper of a B27 target at 7 yards, so I guess it was a productive day.
Anyhow, a new shooter to the sport, even at an advanced age, is a good thing. Got to remember to keep my old 22/45 in tow for occasions like this.
