Use the following tips for a more pleasant experience for both you and your friend.
Before Heading to the Range
1.
Find out what experience your friend has with shooting a pistol.
If she tried it in the past, was it a positive or negative experience and why?
Take that information into consideration when planning your day.
You know the first thing you ask when going out with a friend is, What are you wearing?
Make it easy and recommend clothing for the range.
Explain the issues caused when hot brass goes down your shirt.
(This is also a great time to mention what to do if that should happen.)
If youre heading to an outdoor range and shooting steel, mention that long pants are a better choice.
Find more information on what NOT to wear to the rangehere.
Loan her propereye protectionandhearing protection.
Electronic hearing protection is a great choice, especially when working with a new shooter at an indoor range.
Explain the four firearms safety rules:
5.
Teach your friend thefundamentals of shootingthrough dry fire.
confirm she understands sight alignment and sight picture, proper grip, and how to press the trigger.
At the Range
1.
A .22 is a great choice for a new shooters first trip to the range.
Getting comfortable with how to shoot the gun is much easier without the recoil and loud noise.
Avoid frustration by using large paper targets at a close range.
Set her up for success.
The NSSF offers some fun targets to download and printhere.
Stop before fatigue sets in and end on a positive note.
verify she leaves with a smile on her face and the desire to return to the range.
Help grow your sport by getting others involved.
