[rktman]

Hmmmm. If introducing a noob to the firearms world, for me, starting small and working up is the best way for the introduction. Maybe even a nice HP air rifle then on to the .22's. I know there are some out there that find it entertaining to want to start someone out with a .357 mag or .44 mag. NOT funny. That, to me, is a good way to turn someone off to shooting. Patience and practice. Repeat.

[1217Chic]

Finally got my pistol permit in NJ!!!!! Can’t wait to get my 38 (:

[G Larry]

Let’s give the author credit for being open and objective.

Let’s resist the urge to comment on some of his noob phrasing.

[ThunderSleeps]

Agreed. Setting someone up for failure, embarrassment, even injury is not funny at all.

I've started a few people "from scratch" with firearms. For me, that starts days ahead of time before we even get to the range. I cover basic firearm safety; specific firearm safety and operation (what we'll be shooting); and then range rules and etiquette. This includes both a written briefing and hands-on practice with the firearms (no live ammunition, just snap caps)

My favorite firearm to start someone with is a heavy barrel .22 target rifle with a 4x scope and wood stock. It is *heavy*. With the weight of the rifle and the little .22 LR cartridge it has just about no recoil - you literally sneeze harder than this rifle kicks. With a bench rest the scope makes hitting the target easy - always nice to start people off making them feel good/successful.

[Ex-Pat in Mex]

From 8-yrs-old on, I took my son hunting. He was allowed to shoot when he was 10-ys-old and earned the money for his license cleaning my guns. The ex-wife didn’t mind but was shrewd enough to know that the judge would get his panties all in a bunch over it and tried to use it against me.

There was never any ammo near the guns and the worst thing that could happen was to get the web of your thumb/forefinger pinched in a slide.

By he time the hearing was over, the judge thought gun safety and proper cleaning should be taught in schools.

[RKBA Democrat]

Depends on the person. When DW started shooting many years back, we did it the recommended way. Hired an instructor and started with small calibers. Turns out she didn’t like those much at all. What she liked was the.45ACP. And she was putting all the shots in a 2 inch group.

The look on the face of the instructor was just precious.

[Lurkinanloomin]

I concur, always start beginners with a .22 then work up to larger calibers.
Handguns require alot of practice to be proficient.
I am usually at the range at this time on Sunday, but 10 inches of snow has me stuck in the house.

[JJ_Folderol]

I’ll be off to the range later this afternoon for regular handgun practice (every couple of weeks) and to sight in a reflex sight I put on my Chiappa 9mm carbine.

[taxcontrol]

I am of the opinion that one of the best long term strategies to protect our 2nd amendment rights is to invite non-gun owners to the range.