Just wondered if anyone would like to share the methods they have used to
introduce new shooters to the wonderful world of firearms?
This is a "menu" I put together to create even more interest when a co-worker started asking me about firearms. Once she stated that she would consider going to the range, I gave her this and told her she could choose from anything on the menu! (I had no intention of allowing her to shoot the Mossberg the first time out!)
(No, that's not me with the carbine)
I threw this together and gave each firearm a VERY basic description since she had NO experience with guns of any kind. You wouldn't believe how many questions she had after looking over the menu! She couldn't wait to learn how to shoot!
Below is the text from one of my previous posts describing how it all worked out. (saves me typing it again!)
I recently introduced a female co-worker to shooting. She was curious but intimidated due to everything the media has fed her ("the gun went off", etc.).
Before I allowed her to touch a handgun. I explained to her that guns don't just "go off", someone has to do something to CAUSE it to fire. I explained HOW a pistol works, took it apart to show her and went over all the safety rules to the point that when she DID pick it up to shoot, she was verbally repeating those rules ("OK, finger out of trigger guard til ready to shoot" as she brought up the pistol to take aim) and I was pleased to find that she remembered the most important things (safety) and that she had a smile on her face when she finished shooting. Another misinformed person educated, and understanding why "safety first" is so important.
She wasn't really anti-gun, she just didn't understand firearms well enough to feel comfortable with one in her hand. I started by showing her some empties in different calibers which prompted many questions. I showed her a few articles that explained firearm safety and as she became more curious, I lent her a book titled "The Concealed Handgun Manual" by Chris Bird (excellent book) and when she finished the book she said "I would like to try it!"
She is an intelligent, successful businesswoman who was open-minded enough to LEARN enough to dismiss her fears and ended up enjoying something she never would have persued on her own.
One more on "our side."
Anyway, I'd like to hear your stories of "converting" the non-believers or just how you invited someone along to "trade" firearms to allow them to shoot something they never had the opportunity to shoot before. (Even us SHOOTERS can be "converted" to other TYPES of shooting!)
