What have you done...

[Dennis]

To expand the fun, knowledge, experience and training of those around you. Reading a recent thread got me thinking. I know, I know, that in itself can be dangerous. lol
Disclaimer, I'm a novice at best. Going shooting with most of the regulars on here would probably bring a bunch of laughter to their day.

I decided to invite a cousin to go to the range with me. His only pistol he hadn't shot in over three years. An S&W SD9.

I've spent most of my range time with some strikers I'm getting to know. I found myself standing in front of my safe trying to decide what to bring. I wanted him to have some verity. I decided a date with some Europeans was in order. An Italian 92s, a German P2Ksk, and an Austrian G20. Unpacking, I realized I forgot mags for the Italian. Dang it, I've always loved shooting that pistol.

Judging by the smile on my young cousins face, the day was a huge success. His SD9 was a fun gun to shoot, even with the "less than" trigger. He loved the Europeans. We've planned to make it a regular thing.

I've also reached out to my brother and nephew to get some range time with pops/grandpa's hand-me-downs. I'm really looking forward to that.

I'm also considering reaching out to a family friend's son. He became an armed security guard a year or so ago. I don't know what kind of training they provide. The way I see it, if he's carrying for a living, he might have to use it one day. A few extra trips to the range might help save his live.


So, I'd like to hear how others have reached out to those around them. How did you convince that old vet friend to go out and have some fun. That young whippersnapper that could use a friend to go out with. Perhaps inviting someone with an interest, by nothing to shoot or no experience shooting at all. How did you bring another into our hobby?

[Not-A-Gun-Grabber]

I'm trying to explain to my sister that the "AR-14" isn't an ultra deadly machine gun with exploding bullets.

[JamesCC]

Is your sister by chance AOC or anyone on the Democratic Party side?

[Barang]

don't forget 9mm can blow your lungs out.

[splithoof]

Aside from bringing up two kids in our nation’s gun culture, and sending them to school to learn how to use those weapons, we have hosted a bunch of new shooters (young and old) for shooting sessions at our club, the family ranch, and out on various public lands. Typically, we supply everything needed for the whole day, and include dinner on the way home. I haven’t yet had any complaints, and most all have gone on to immerse themselves in the world of firearms. It isn’t always inexpensive, but it is a way to thank our nations founding fathers for what they gave us, and also a way to honor the history of gun culture.

[Jimi Jah]

I've taken all my Santa Cruz bred family members to the range. They all loved it. They still vote democrat though...

[SG29736]

I offer to take friends shooting letting them know I'll provide guns and ammo they can try. We can set up in a bay with various steel and cardboard targets. Very few end up going. Those that do come with me have a great time.

[JTROKS]

I've taken all my Santa Cruz bred family members to the range. They all loved it. They still vote democrat though...

[BillyMays]

Once a year when I head out to the desert I invite 5-15 extended family members and coworkers to go with me. All they have to do is drive out there, I provide guns, ammo, hearing and eye protection, targets, water, etc. Usually between 2 and 6 people actually go. It's an expensive but very fun day. Even my more liberal family members have opened up to firearms this way. They learned there is a difference between teaching your children gun safety vs. gun "avoidance" (sheltering), which I am very proud of.

[Vale46]

My boy is turning 7 soon and the wifey decided to sign him up to take classes from a professional. We decided that’s probably better so he doesn’t pick up any habits I may have that’s not good to learn. And he takes instructions much better from his teachers than from me. I figured that will be the best way he can learn and love firearms. My daughter will most likely go through the same treatment when she is old enough.

[Not-A-Gun-Grabber]

Is your sister by chance AOC or anyone on the Democratic Party side?

Solid blue.

[Barang]

i've taken some family member's spouses few times (dems supporters and cnn viewers). i will not invite them anymore so that they can waste my time, ammo and usage of my firearms. hopeless endeavors when brain is seared with dems branding.

[someoneeasy]

I've taken many new shooters over the years. Always invited my friends to come out to the range with me and many of them went on to becoming gun owners.

Now that I have a membership to West End Gun Club, I have invited my family, friends, and their friends who have shown interest in firearns. I provide all the ammo and guns and teach them the basics so I don't overwhelm them in the beginning.

I let them all know that the invite is always there and when they're ready to purchase their own gun to let me know and I'll walk them through the process.

[Thrashard340]

I've been doing what I can over the years. COVID slowed things down a bit. I was able to take my Wife's boss and her cousin from Canada on different occasions.