Firearms training from the ground up

[Xringshooter]

Here's something to think about before answering.

You have a person approach you who wants to learn and ultimately shoot a firearm. The person knows only what he has seen on TV or read in the newspaper. He wants to start at ground zero to dispel or verify what he has seen/read over the years. He has never even touched a firearm. This is not a hypothetical situation, I had this person approach me tonight and asked how to start.

My first thought was to find a basic book that covers what most of us here on the forum probably were taught when we were growing up or even in the military. This person is quit capable of understanding and comprehending what he would read in a book/manual.

My question to the forum - What ONE book/manual would be the first one you would give or suggest to this person. Once the book/manual were read and digested, only then would I start with handling firearms, teaching the parts and operation of various firearms, holding/gripping/shouldering, sight alignment, breathing, etc.

The reason I am thinking of having him do some reading first is to give him information to see how far he wants to go before we both commit to training/time to go forward due to both of our schedules (his work, my shop hours).

Think about it a bit before answering. Is there a book out there?

[unclejumbo]

I think video may be better.

[littlefitz]

The NRA guides to basic pistol shooting might be a good start. They cover pretty much everything and the same principles are easily applied to long guns.

http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/d...ok12-10-15.pdf

[Rosco the Iroc]

Being an NRA inst I'd give them the first steps book. I also have my own program for new of the newest to get them started with the fundamentals.
Grip
Nat point of aim
breathing
sight align
trigger control
follow through
Then tailor them to the kind of shooting they will do

[gghbi]

I always liked the First Steps book, but the Basic Pistol looks good as well.

Found an old thread that discusses some differences. NRA First Steps vs Basic Pistol: What's the difference? http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=173776

[Sgt.K]

If you're looking for a way to introduce the non-gun person to the gun community ("you people") consider the film Keep and Bear

https://smile.amazon.com/Keep-Bear-D...3251590&sr=8-1

Free on Amazon Prime

[jthrelf]

I think I'd point them to well known YouTube channels... Mrgunsngear and CarryTrainer come to mind for both having very good intro to shooting content.

[SevenMilePete]

https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2...-new-shooters/

FIRST!!!!

Then worry about hitting the target. There are countless videos on that also on Youtube, also videos on proper behavior at a range.

[JohnNJ]

NRA classes in person
https://www.nrainstructors.org/

[Gripsafety]

The NRA rifle course would be my choice. It covers a lot of ground and introduces new shooters to the range in an excellent way. It stresses safety while teaching basic shooting fundamentals that are the basis for further instruction and advancement.