What tips would you give a first time shooter?

[Target Sports USA]

5 Tips for First Time Shooters: Preparing for the Unknown - Target Sports USA

This blog is dedicated to people venturing to the shooting range for the first time and seeking guidance to navigate the experience with confidence among seasoned enthusiasts. Whether motivated by an interest in the sport of shooting or driven by the need for personal protection, commend...

blog.targetsportsusa.com

 

[323MAR]

The most helpful part of that article is the part about starting with a .22 pistol. I think the most important suggestion is to go to a range that offers multiple classes and start with their basic beginner class. Building basic skills with a .22 should happen after the basic class. The instructor that you started this journey with should be able to guide you the rest of the way.
My instructor was Mr Ray Bear at the old St Bernard Indoor when I was a teenager. During the course of his 3 classes and weekly trips to the range he set me on course for a lifetime of safe and fun shooting.

 

[Toodamgoofy]

When I was coming up my dad would let me shoot whatever I wanted to as long as I was safe and his belt was the notification that I was messing up. I got good quick lol.

 

[Shooterbill]

My suggestions are to find a firearm that feels comfortable to you. A rifle with a stock that's too long or a pistol you can't get a good grip on or easily reach the controls will distract you from learning the fundamentals and even pose a safety issue. A good fit for a pistol would feel relaxed and natural like you were pointing your finger at something. If possible start with a .22 caliber gun. The low recoil and reduced muzzle blast will help reduce flinching. Other benefits of shooting a .22 are the ammunition is a lot cheaper and because of it's light weight you'll develop good skills becoming accurate with it.
The great thing about shooting sports is that they level the playing field. A 105 pound housewife can compete against a 200 pound career Marine, some sports can accommodate people with handicaps. There are junior shooting programs and team event sports.
With proper training shooting can be a safe hobby you can enjoy as a family. Unfortunately I have no advice on what to do if your wife or kid out shoots you.

 

[guardcore80]

5 Tips for First Time Shooters: Preparing for the Unknown - Target Sports USA

This blog is dedicated to people venturing to the shooting range for the first time and seeking guidance to navigate the experience with confidence among seasoned enthusiasts. Whether motivated by an interest in the sport of shooting or driven by the need for personal protection, commend...

blog.targetsportsusa.com

Fundamentals. Breathing, positioning, target acquisition, sight alignment, trigger squeeze. Practice, practice, practice.

 

[3fifty7]

Muzzle discipline above all else.

I’ve helped more than a handful of new shooters from ages 5-70. Obviously we go over safety protocol, but I always ask them what are their expectations. What do you think will happen? Are you nervous/anxious about anything? Then I do my absolute best to explain and show them exactly what will happen and how the process will unfold.

 

[DBMJR1]

You should start with a titanium framed .500 S&W Magnum Snub Nose Revolver Hammerless.

Once you get good with that, you'll shoot a .22 like a pro.

Ahem, . . . Sarcasm of course.

 

[CatCam]

1. Be comfortable with the weapon BEFORE you go to the range to shoot. MAKE SURE IT IS SAFE AND UNLOADED - STORE ALL AMMO IN ANOTHER LOCATION! Handle it, Know what everything does. Insert a mag, drop the mag, lock the slide back, release it forward, put safety on, take it off....etc, etc until you are comfortable with how things work. You don't want to try to learn this while others are shooting around you. Get comfortable with the handgun (semi or revolver) or rifle before you head out.
2. Practice safety - do not muzzle sweep anyone under any circumstances EVEN if you know the weapon is unloaded! It just makes things better!
3. Wear appropriate clothing! A hot casing will end up down your shirt and in a sandal. SO don't let that happen!
4. Headphones with the ability to amplify voice but mute gun noise!
5. Eye protection.
6. Attitude - be safe and have fun - relax. Being tense and nervous is a recipie for bad decisions.
7. Respect other shooters - (see #2 above)
8. Clean up after yourself when you are done.
9. Plan your next visit to the range!!

 

[snake doctor]

1. Treat the gun as if it's always loaded.
2. The muzzle is never pointed toward someone (unless you intend to shoot them).
3. Practice and become comfortable shooting your weapon.

 

[hdfinder47]

The most helpful part of that article is the part about starting with a .22 pistol. I think the most important suggestion is to go to a range that offers multiple classes and start with their basic beginner class. Building basic skills with a .22 should happen after the basic class. The instructor that you started this journey with should be able to guide you the rest of the way.
My instructor was Mr Ray Bear at the old St Bernard Indoor when I was a teenager. During the course of his 3 classes and weekly trips to the range he set me on course for a lifetime of safe and fun shooting.

I remember Ray from when I shot Steel Challenge and PPC at St Benard Indoor around '87-'90. Nice guy and very helpful. Hope he's still around.

 

[Magdump]

Don’t learn to shoot from advice you read on a gun forum. Find a reputable person to teach you the basics and beyond if you wish, even if you have to pay them.

 

[323MAR]

I remember Ray from when I shot Steel Challenge and PPC at St Benard Indoor around '87-'90. Nice guy and very helpful. Hope he's still around.

I saw Ray at St Bernard Indoor a few years back and he told me that he lives in Amite now.

 

[DBMJR1]

Tips for New Beginners ?

Women in low cut blouses should stick to revolvers.

 

[NAHMINT]

semi auto
Finger OFF the trigger and muzzle pointed in a safe direction.......
unlike our commie PRIME MINISTER says, we folks, north of the MEDICINE LINE do own and shoot hand guns......
Don't start with a semi-auto of any description....pistol or long gun.
leave the .410 shotgun to folks who know their limits........
I started shooting rats with an old .22 single shot with GRANDAD and GRANNY...
I was set loose before 10 years old with 3 rounds to shoot ruff grouse / snowshoe rabbit..we lived in the bush........no running water or electricity..........
coming home ,My ammo / game HAD to equal 3 OR next trip, I could be hunting with only 1 or 2 rounds.....
today, I'm 76+ we shoot all types of firearms....my 42 year old daughter just passed her Canadian firearms RESTRICTED course for handguns and semi-auto (ASAULT style) rifles..........
p.s., those rats were NOT table fare, they were vermin after GRANDADS pegions............................

 

[hotbiggun]

Im going to echo what others have said. Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
I dont know how many times ive had the muzzle swept in my direction. Kids and parents do this.

I dont know about you guys but the NRA came to our school and taught us basic firearm saftety in the 4th grade. This needs to happen again.

 

[andmess14]

I recommend finding a solid instructor in your area; preferably before purchasing your first handgun. As an instructor, about 15% of students come to class that isn’t right for them at the time or they are not willing to put the time in to be able to handle it.

 

[323MAR]

A cardinal rule of marksmanship is "Fast is smooth and smooth is fast."In other words, shoot only as fast as you can hit the target and let speed come naturally.

 

[Manimal]

Practice + Patience = Precision

 

[Magdump]

If they’re wearing body armor, aim for the pelvis.