Range Trips and helping others

[OliveCookieMonsta]

I went to the range yesterday. A friend of mine was watching one of the girls shoot : ) ... he does this because he is an awesome guy, who shares the love, recognizes the importance of training and the need to teach the fundamentals. Well, she was actually in a law enforcement t-shirt and was having difficulty being on target... Apparently new to guns and shooting however in school ready to take her qualifications test. So, that day she had 3 different people watch, help and provide valuable techniques to help her qualify.... leaving very happy and probably also very likely to come back.

okay, ... well back to my point... I have only been shooting for a few years compared to many others... but my question is do you help or do you just watch and possible snicker when another women has no idea how to hold a gun. Sometimes I feel a little uncomfortable with men who cant shoot they get a little defensive ... lol, but for women who appear open and in need of just a little bit of direction, i tap her on the shoulder and ask if she'd like some tips. Most are usually happy to learn and appreciate it. I know like when people help and show me new things!

Just a thought.

[jdewolf]

It really depends on the situation and who I'm with.

If I'm with someone who hasn't shot before I just pretty much let them do their own thing. Obviously if they are doing something horribly wrong I'll give them a quick little pointer. If nothing else I want them to get comfortable handling a firearm. Other things can be corrected at a later date.

Me being a male, I'm somewhat hesitant to help out females that aren't shooting with me. Why? Because most would just assume that I'm hitting on them. If I were a chick it wouldn't be an issue. Also a lot of times I see couples shooting and even if I notice both of them doing something horribly wrong I don't want to step in and have it be taken the wrong way.

Although one time I let this group of females use my speed loader. Only because they were in the booth right next to me and she couldn't load her Glock mags. They were both new and definitely could have used a little instruction. Maybe if I was in a flirtatious mood I could have helped... but I hate it when otherwise innocent actions are misconstrued.

[Sajedene]

Depends as well. Majority of the time they are already with others there who can help them... or I brought that girl who can't shoot so I have to help her out regardless.

[Steyrlp10]

In my case, I tend to just stand back and watch to see how the two people are interacting. If they seem pretty relaxed, I start up a conversation. Last time, it was a father-son pair at the point left of my Better Half. As soon as I saw the dad was being very safe and making sure his son (who looked about 10 or 11) was taking his time, I figured they wouldn't be offended if I started chatting with them.

I keep those stick-on targets that show you where your rounds hit when I'm too lazy to set up my spotting scope. I gave the dad a few of those and mentioned that it might make it more fun for his son to be able to see where the shots were landing. (They didn't have a scope.) That was my way of showing the dad how to help his son with his sight picture and squeezing the trigger without invading his space as the "man."

I wasn't so lucky when I was learning how to shoot. There were people snickering at my fumbling, so I know how that feels. I've come to learn that people who have that type of attitude at public ranges generally are not the best of shooters. They can dish it out, but they can't take the pressure when it comes to calling their shots.

[Steyrlp10]

Maybe if I was in a flirtatious mood I could have helped... but I hate it when otherwise innocent actions are misconstrued.

I have such a good son

[OliveCookieMonsta]

Are you guys related? ; ) Thats cool! Whole family on Calguns!

I have such a good son

[jdewolf]

I have such a good son

I've learned from my past thankfully

Are you guys related? ; ) Thats cool! Whole family on Calguns!

I acknowledge her as my "mother" as long as she feeds me and lets me use the car

Oh mom I'll need to use the car on Sunday

[BNuge]

Since I work as a rangemaster I feel comfortable showing/telling people how to shoot and be safe. I set alot of people up with rental guns and have a pretty good spiele down to give people the basics and come back frequently to see what they actually do. People on the line are the same, you can tell who the people that need help are pretty easily and I'll step in whatever the circumstances. It does make it a little more uncomfortable to step in when there are "dominant" male types trying to teach women but hey I'm paid to keep people safe and half the time these people can't teach worth a crap anyways. (or even shoot)

[osokne]

okay, ... well back to my point... I have only been shooting for a few years compared to many others... but my question is do you help or do you just watch and possible snicker when another women has no idea how to hold a gun.

I don't care if the shooter is male, female, young, old, black, white, purple, pink or green... Poking fun at someone, especially on the range, is never acceptable. Usually, if they are doing something that may get them mocked... that something is indicative of a technique or behavior that needs correction. I feel that it's the duty of the more experienced shooters, to kindly & gently take that person under their wing... and keep everyone safe, safe, safe. Did I say safe? SAFE!!!

Muzzle sweeps, cross-lane shooting, violating range safety policies... anything like that, I get in the middle of, right away. I try to smile & be nice... cuz I'm a big, scary looking guy. The only negative attitude I've received, was a guy that was obviously trying to show off for his girl. Looked to me like he/they were having trouble seeing their .22 hits and I offered him the loan of my binoculars. I got a very terse "No we're fine!" Not even a thank you... So sometimes intervening can be a thankless endeavor

Kudos to you for taking the initiative to help a "Sister" out. (and brothers, for that matter). I really think it's "our" responsibility. Safety first. Just approach it kindly & gently, as I mentioned. Keep up the good work!

[Steyrlp10]

Are you guys related? ; ) Thats cool! Whole family on Calguns!

Lol... actually we just look alike

[Steyrlp10]

I've learned from my past thankfully



I acknowledge her as my "mother" as long as she feeds me and lets me use the car

Oh mom I'll need to use the car on Sunday

Son, as long you tow the boat without getting into a hot chase with it

[Steyrlp10]

Since I work as a rangemaster I feel comfortable showing/telling people how to shoot and be safe. I set alot of people up with rental guns and have a pretty good spiele down to give people the basics and come back frequently to see what they actually do. People on the line are the same, you can tell who the people that need help are pretty easily and I'll step in whatever the circumstances. It does make it a little more uncomfortable to step in when there are "dominant" male types trying to teach women but hey I'm paid to keep people safe and half the time these people can't teach worth a crap anyways. (or even shoot)

I have always liked ranges that emphasize safety over the ones taking in fees, but turning a blind eye to the unsafe activity going around the staff.

[six10]

While I'm satisfied with my shooting, I know there's a lifetime's worth of skill and finesse I lack, so I never make suggestions at the range. If I notice someone -man or woman- checking out my revolvers, I almost always invite them to shoot a cylinderful, and they almost always accept the offer. I've met some really nice folks that way, and also gotten to shoot some guns I'd otherwise never get my hands on.
Oh, and courtesy rules.