New shooter's - your opinion's

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cupar1

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Taking two females in their twenties shooting for the very first time and for convenience and their interest a handgun range is where we're going. I'm curious as too my firearms to bring, I am bringing my Beretta 22lr I have some CCI quiet and regular 22lr. I will offer my Walther 9mm with regular 9mm fmj not +p, I'm not going to push them too shoot anything other then to try the Beretta. Then there's my S&W model 29... my main concern is this event playing out: They shoot the Beretta, all good, they shoot Walther and like it, they want to shoot model 29, they don't like it and are turned off from guns. I did buy 44 special rounds, I do want to bring it as it's my favorite gun to shoot after my 22. Neither are big girls, both are bigger then my S/O but still petite. If they did shoot the 44 I'd load 6 snap caps show them how to two hand hold, use double action / single action, etc. Then load 1, 44 special 5 empty then if they want to shoot more I'd let them fire all the rounds they want of 44 special.

What's your guys opinion? Any tweaks? I've had alot of new shooters but mostly male and usually ruger 10/22 or vz 58, never first time ever with handguns to start. Anything I'm missing out on? Should I not bring my 44 at all? Should I not let them use it? If they fire it and they drop it and break the grips or sights I don't care that can be replaced.

Edit: I hate YouTube videos of new shooter's of people giving tiny individuals (youth, female, etc.) A 50bmg or 470 NE standing shot or a 500 S&W. It's dumb and dangerous IMO.

Edit: Pictures added page 4
 
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Bring them all. Load one for the 44 and let them shoot it. Then say "If you want to shoot it some more, you load it." Avoid being the over confident MANLY man, let them go as they please.

Have a great time!
 
I'm sure it will be fine either way...but why not just the .22 and 9mm? Hell even if you just brought the .22 I'm sure they would have a good time, and no point in pushing it...no additional fun or skills gain at that point.

I'd say there's probably more value (and more enjoyment for them) in teaching them how to shoot, rather than just giving them more guns to play with.
 
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Make sure they DOUBLE PLUG!!!! Nothing ruins a ladies experience like the sharp and painful report from an indoor range.
 
I would let them play with the 22lr a lot and have lots of fun doing different drills and drawing funny things to shoot. After they've had fun with the 22lr you could introduce them to the 9mm and so forth. Also make sure there on birth control or wear condoms.
 
I have lots of experience with new shooters. Hundreds of them actually.

My method: talk about what you are going to do, demonstrate how to hold and aim the firearms. I explain quite clearly "the first shot you take you are going to say HOLY SMOKES!!!" Double ear pro and glasses for sure. Start small like a 22 but upgrade to a 9mm soon after.

Most of the guns I use are 9mm 22 and 45 acp pistols, 9mm carbines, 223 and 762x39 rifles, 20g shotguns...for the adventurous there are 12g, 357 and 50BMG.

THE most important is to keep it safe and fun, and don't be overbearing. Get them shooting, give them some tips and leave them alone. Adults don't want you handing them one 22 shell at a time, they want to figure out the gun then pull the trigger. Make sure targets are not teeny hard to hit ones. People want to see results. They don't have to remarkable results for seasoned shooters, but hitting the target makes new shooters happy.
 
Make sure they have a shirt with a close fitting neck to wear so there are no issues with brass going where it should not. Have seen that turn females shooters away real quick.
 
KISS

Stick to the .22. Stay away from higher calibres until they show some confidence.

Get them started one at a time. Easier to make sure everyone is safe if only one of them is shooting. Trade off after 10 or 20 rounds.

Prevent flying brass injuries -- so no open toed shoes or low cut shirts. I find that hot brass seems to be attracted to chesty women.

Don't be bossy or act like a knowitall. But be firm and safe.

Praise their willingness to try shooting even if they are horrible shooters. Positive reinforcement will keep them interested in coming back and improving.

Good luck.
 
My suggestion:

Bring everything and let the situation dictate when you move up to the next caliber. Make sure everything is working flawlessly. (Some .22s can be a bit finicky in feeding and/or ejecting so make sure your mags are working and that you have ammo that works well in your guns.) Start small (.22) and when they are comfortable, confident and curious, then move up. Let them determine the pace at which you move to the next caliber, but be ready if they don't want to move up at the same rate. When you move up or at the very beginning, always shoot the first round yourself so that they can see what to expect before they have to experience it. The first time that they shoot a particular gun, only load one round in it. This will prevent any surprises such as inadvertent double taps (not saying that it would happen, but the adrenaline level on a new shooter will be higher than on someone who does it on a regular basis and it might). After they have seen it once and shot it once, load a full mag (or cylinder) and let them shoot that at their own pace.

Keep things safe. Keep things fun. Hope they come back for more.
 
crazyjackrabbit said:
Ive never shot 44sp, so unsure of what its really like. Id say bring it though. Offer them the option to try but first shoot a few rnd s yourself to show them kinda the difference.
Revolvers are a treat to shoot regardless, besides they may like the feel of the gun in hand enough to try it regardless:)
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thanks I haven't shot 44spc either

redruns said:
, let them go as they please.

Have a great time!
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thanks that's the plan :)

grimreefer said:
I'm sure it will be fine either way...but why not just the .22 and 9mm?.
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that's my question/concern. :)

Kidd X said:
Make sure they DOUBLE PLUG!!!! Nothing ruins a ladies experience like the sharp and painful report from an indoor range.
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absolutely it's why I'm starting with subsonic 22 thanks it took me a while to realize the sound is sometimes more off putting then recoil.
 
Same for me for bringing newbies, the 44 mag is too much for them.

buy a .357 mag and make them try it with .38 special, work better for them and they like the revolver, works everytime.
 
Balance said:
... Also make sure there on birth control or wear condoms.
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the better half wouldn't be happy haha

Gatehouse said:
THE most important is to keep it safe and fun, and don't be overbearing. Get them shooting, give them some tips and leave them alone. Adults don't want you handing them one 22 shell at a time, they want to figure out the gun then pull the trigger. Make sure targets are not teeny hard to hit ones. People want to see results. They don't have to remarkable results for seasoned shooters, but hitting the target makes new shooters happy.
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absolutely thank you.
 
mrclean said:
Make sure they have a shirt with a close fitting neck to wear so there are no issues with brass going where it should not. Have seen that turn females shooters away real quick.
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I told them but they aren't wearing sandals or tank tops this time of year any ways :)
 
tazik said:
buy a .357 mag and make them try it with .38 special, work better for them and they like the revolver, works everytime.
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since this is canada and you have to wait on the cfo that's not an option, also not made of money... actually thinking of selling off some rifles :( or buying a bigger safe haha :)
 
cupar1 said:
since this is canada and you have to wait on the cfo that's not an option, also not made of money... actually thinking of selling off some rifles :( or buying a bigger safe haha :)
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This is a common issue....safes should be expandable...I'm going to have to enlarge..or make a room....
 
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