Take a noob shooting

[choprzrul]

Today, on a whim, I called a friend who doesn't shoot and invited him to go to the range with me. We are both small business owners and was able to take 2 hours out of our day for some range work. He had never shot anything but a BB gun, but was game to try out a rental 92fs. I spent about 10 minutes showing him function of the pistol, going over safety, and some basic fundamentals. 60 rounds later, all of his groups would have fit inside a pie plate at 7yds. I was impressed. I had warned him about pushing shots and to watch for stringing low. Sure enough, he seen it happening and self corrected. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and even took his silhouette target with him to hang up at work!

I am now thinking about putting a revolving appt in my calander for the 3rd Friday of each month to invite someone to go to the range with me. If we all took 12 people a year with us to the range, I think that it would significantly help promote guns in a very good way.

Any thoughts on making every 3rd Friday "Take a noob shooting" day?

Edit: Read through this thread to posting #14. Upon reflection, I think that we should do "Take a friend shooting weekend" on the weekend of the 3rd Friday of each month.

[joelberg]

I think this is a great idea. I've tried to do something similar as well.

[choprzrul]

I think this is a great idea. I've tried to do something similar as well.

Any luck getting something started?

[joelberg]

Any luck getting something started?

Well nothing organized or anything but I do try to take new people out each time I go shooting. It's more fun to go shooting when I get to be the "know-it-all"

[choprzrul]

Anyone in favor of designating 1 day a month to take someone shooting?

[Turbinator]

When I was younger and more enthusiastic, I spent a lot of time bringing newbies to the range just to give them positive exposure to firearms. Now, I'm too caught up with my own day to day stuff, but I think making the time to get new people interested is a great idea.

Turby

[Trench Broom]

I'm hoping to take a couple of buddies out after Christmas. They've only shot BB's & Airsoft - I'm hopin' they get a kick out of the big boys.

[MidnightSon117]

It's a good idea. Especially when it's crowded. Although that sounds counter-intuitive, many new shooters need to see that it's not your stereotypical gunowner who enjoy shooting. There's nothing like seeing girls, different ethnicities, younger, older, or any other demograph enjoy shooting like the rest of us.

They also get to see other new shooters get yelled at for not following the rules, which is sometimes the best way for a new shooter to learn.

I've taken around a dozen new shooters to the range this year. Let me know if this pans out, cuz I'm in!

[okimreloaded]

took my buddy shooting not too long ago for his first time, he shot a 38 revolver (rental) and my xd 40. The guy is into manga and actually speaks more japanese than I thought... he really likes swords.

We have had numerous debates about the pointlessness of a sword and the usefulness and appropriateness of guns, with us agreeing to disagree every time. He has claimed that in a home defense situation a sword is a practical implement and sticks by that argument.

Anyway after taking him shooting, I'm all pumped thinking, he has GOT to change his mind now. I ask him, So man how'd you like shooting for the first time? And he's like, "Meh, it was cool. I still like swords better."

I wished there had been one round left...for me to SHOOT him with. But he's slowly coming around. Once I got into long guns he's talking about getting one.

I'm hoping to get a bunch of my wife's girlfriends to go - I'm a big fan of chicks owning guns, especially if they live alone. It's the only way to level the playing field against an attacker - plus it builds confidence.

[joefrank64k]

Great idea!

[damndave]

taking the woman out to shoot for her 1st time tomorrow. will get her on my P228 and G19. Shotgun will have to wait for another day

[turbochris]

^^^
good luck with the shotgun. my girl is so scared of the 12 gauge

op:92fs good choice. awesome idea

[sevensix2x51]

OP- its a great idea, but dont limit yourself to one specific day! there will always be something coming up that makes you miss that set day, and youll push it back to the next month. better to make it a point to invite a new shooter every time you go, or at least every other time. sometimes i want to concentrate on my technique, and sometimes i just want to have a good time. i cant focus on self improvement, and teach a new shooter in the same day. i have a couple recruits now, and i work on them until they become somewhat respectable, and they take the reins for themselves. then i can find a new padowan or two...

keep up the good work!!!

[choprzrul]

Yeah, I was kinda thinking about that limitation of just one day, especially a Friday. Perhaps a "Take a friend shooting weekend" would be better. Designating a specific weekend helps draw attention and remind people to do it. I agree with sevensix2x51 that we need to be ever vigilant in taking people, but a monthly reminder will help to keep many of us focused on that need.

So I am thinking that the weekend following the 3rd Friday of the month should work just fine. That gives us the flexibility to do it on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

[b18bturboek9]

Its a good idea i try and take non shooters all the time to teach and open peoples minds to see that guns arent just weapons but hobbies as well and havent had a single person yet say they dont like it. Most the time they ask when i'm going again....enjoy