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.
” For me, that starts days ahead of time before we even get to the range. I cover basic firearm safety...”
Thank you. The very best first lesson. Trying to teach safety at the range, with live firing around you, while wearing ears...maybe even getting struck by ejected shells from the next lane over...ain’t the way to do it. Safety IS the most important lesson.