Taking a couple of newbies to the range

B

Bill in NM

New member
About 13 years ago, I taught a friends 17 year old brother how to shoot a .22 rifle, and ended up giving him (with his parents permission) the little bolt action Marlin. Mmm...now thinking back, I really miss that little rifle...but that's a different story. He got married a couple of years ago to one of the sweetest ladies that I have ever met, next to my own wife. She now manages an Lube and Oil shop, and always does my truck herself since she knows that there will guns in the truck. What a doll...but I digress.
While getting my oil changed this morning, she asked if I would take her and her husband out and teach her how to shoot. Of course, the answer was a resounding "You betcha!".
I seriously doubt that her husband has picked up that little .22 that I gave him his in the past 10 years.
I'll be starting them off with a lesson in muzzle awareness, finger off trigger until ready to shoot, basic safety rules. Will then start them shooting the new little .22 SA revolver that I just bought yesterday just for this sort of situation (what timing, see post titled Heritage Arms .22 SA). Of course my wife thinks I'm nuts for spending a couple hundred bucks for a pistol, earmuffs and shooting glasses for other folks, but what the heck.
I also plan on taking along my Ruger P89 9mm and my wifes S&W Mod 66 .357, but will only have .38 Special ammo.
Once they feel comfortable with the .22, and IF they feel like going bigger, I figure I'll move them to the .38, since it is also a revolver. If that goes well, we'll go to the autoloader 9mm.
As for targets, we'll have paper first, then plan on putting some clay pigeons on the bank. All shooting will be done within approx 15 yards, closer to start.
Have I missed anything?
Thanks,
Bill
 
Lets see, some dry fire first of course. And it is mean, but you need to know if they jerk. Either don't tell them they are empty and watch for the pull down, or miss one cylinder on purpose. Yes even with the .22. Like I said it sounds mean, but if you let them flinch early, it takes too long to get it out. Try close range first. I have found that people like to see the results right off the bat. Oh and another problem, try to explain the difference between consistent shooting and hitting the bullseye. Just a few other thoughts. Sounds like a full day though. Good luck with them.
 
If you can, have them shoot at a full can of soda (iced tea, whatever). It's a nice demonstration of the damage their gun can do to another human being, and one that will stick with them and remind them how deadly these weapons can be. Of course a human being won't explode, but it'll do that kind of damage on a local basis. Save this for the end of the day after they've enjoyed themselves. You don't want to scare them right away.

FYI, the can will nearly explode.
 
Be sure to teach them the local laws on carry and self defense. This in itself can be a real eye opener.
Otherwise, sounds like a plan to me.

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Politically, Fashionably and Aerodynamically Incorrect!
 
I assume that you meant you would teach safety and proper operation at home before going to the range. On more than one occasion, until they demonstrate that they have retained all the information. Basic field stripping can be taught at the same time. Snap caps are essential for proper operation training.

Use plugs AND muffs, PAST shooting gloves, and eye protection.

Start with the .22, and partially load the revolver in random chambers. This will quickly reveal any flinching, and it can be remedied at that point.

Start them up close with a large target, and as they improve, move them farther away.

I just did this with my daughter, and there were no problems. Walt
 
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