Taking friends who've never shoot before, have them chip in for the ammo?

[Hopalong]

If you invite them, then you treat.

If you invited them over for dinner, would you ask them to chip in for the cost of the food?

[safewaysecurity]

They pay for what they shoot they buy their ammo.

[Josh3239]

My friends always offered to pay for my ammo if they want to shoot my guns.

[Gryff]

If they asked to go, make them pay for ammo. If you asked them to go with you, you pay unless they offer to chip in.

[joelberg]

I subsidize them. If I'm going shooting with other friends who have guns, we basically make a fair trade out of ammo in each others guns. But for a new shooter I'll just ask for them to pay the range fees and let them shoot a ration of ammo on me. I'm not rich, so I can't afford to just treat a bunch of friends all of the time, but if they are willing to pay the range fees then I'm more than willing to let them learn to shoot a bunch of different guns. After that, I'm going to want them to help pitch on ammo as well.

[perpetual otter]

My friends who were not gun owners before I took them to the range a few times have paid it back in other ways since I didn't charge them. I let them cover their own range fee but the ammo was on me. Since then they have all gifted me a couple boxes of ammo and one guy even let me have his magpul CTR he didn't want as a "thank you for getting me into this new hobby". I made out pretty good by being a friend.

[paul0660]

If they don't offer to chip in, they are not very friendly.

A lot of newbs are surprised at what a range session costs. Inform them and wait and see what they do.

[BenHa]

.22lr = free
But .40sw and .223 = $$$$$$$

At the same time being a college student and funding my shooting hobby is pretty god damn expensive. Most of my friend always ask how much do I owe you after shooting .

[engi]

The first one's always free.

[mille806]

Cheapskate if you even consider charging them.

+1 I agree

[bender152]

If I invite them (or if it's their first time), I pay... even for their range fee.

If they ask to go with me, I usually cover ammo, but they'll get me lunch after.


-edit- I reload, so ammo is a tad bit cheaper for me.

[Mad-B-Man]

I've never asked anyone to cover ammo, only that they cover their own entry fee, even if they aren't new to shooting (but also not a gun owner). I've only taken close friends out though. Only one time did I bring a friend of a friend.

I only shoot 54r and 22lr, so it's not like my ammo is expensive or anything. People usually end up shooting about 20-30 bucks worth of my ammo per person for the 3-4 hour session (usually 2 people max). I do mention how much ammo costs, but I also tell them to not worry about it and have fun, just make the most of the ammo and actually try to learn something. I don't bring enough to break the bank anyway.

I'm glad to have the company and they usually either pick me up in their car and on their gas bill, or they buy me lunch or dinner. I might have to think about it if it was an expensive caliber, but then again, I probably won't be buying any gun in a different caliber anytime soon. I might tell someone who specifically asks me to teach them to buy their own ammo though.

[MikeR]

First time is free, let them get hooked and then let them find out how much the cost is.

Don't mention BRD either, they will find out in good time.

[calif 15-22]

If you invited them then the ammo is on you. If they asked to come along, they should chip in for the ammo.

This is good advice for most all "bring a friend along" activities whether it's shooting or food or boating or whatever.

If you invite you pay . . . if they ask you say "sure" but have them chip in.

Just a word on bringing two . . . get one lane and take turns. Having 2 new guys in two lanes and you having to supervise is no fun.

Good luck . . . .

[ouch1]

First time is free, let them get hooked and then let them find out how much the cost is.

That's pretty much the same rule I use. The only difference is if they are also bringing firearms, and I want to fire them I buy some ammo for too (unless I already have that ammo on hand).

I also try to warn them that if they are buying ammo to buy it prior to getting to the range so they don't have to pay hopped up prices.

-ouch1