What comes to mind when you think of the most important thing that you can do as a shooting/gun enthusiast? Do you think that it is donating money to the NRA, or building your collection, or taking part in firearm related activities? For me, I think that the most important thing that anyone can do as a gun enthusiast is to build and grow our hobby. The stigma that gun-owners face today is usually a negative one. A stigma that paints us as belligerent, hateful, violent and paranoid. The problem with this is that it really is not true. Not all gun-owners are into to self-defense, tactical, paranoia, hate, violence or even conservative politics. This best way we can help to break down this stigma is treat even the newbies with the same respect that we would give those who have been long-involved with firearms. It may take a little effort to take someone who disagrees with us politically and explain our stances towards them and introduce them to the world of safe and responsible firearm owners…but, if it turns them or even softens a radical stance, it is worth it.
One of the easiest ways to grow our hobby and introduce new people to firearms, is to treat them to a day at the range. You do not have to pay for everything, although that may help, but you provide the firearms and go into it with the idea that you will be paying for all of the ammo–if not you might want to say something about costs up front. The first thing we should do with a novice to the gun-culture is explain to them the dynamics that can exist in that giant culture-dish that is a firing range. You know, that your goal is not to sit them down like Johnny Deerslayer at the end and pump large lead rounds down range while fluctuating the plexi-glass windows. You also are not going to get them started with a 1911 chambered in .45, now are you? I am not saying that hunting is wrong, I hunt and who knows maybe the newbie will too, just that it might be a little much too soon. Everyone deserves a warning that they may experience things outside of their comfort zones, and that if they do they should just say something and take a leave off the range to collect themselves. Show and explain the reasons for why you do certain things, like always unbag and leave weapons facing down range–though this should be obvious. Make sure when you empty a magazine and get ready to pack up for the day that open the chamber and check for any stray rounds.
The first step you should take when actually at the range with a new shooter is actually a collective of thinking, and that is to be as safe as you can possibly be. Even if some rules of safety seem unnecessary or trivial to you, when you are around someone who is unsure of firearms do them anyway so that you can keep the new shooter as comfortable as possible. I know that once most of us get more and more comfortable around firearms we tend to slack off a little about our safety, and really we should not do that. Complacency is the fastest way to make a mistake and have an accident, which with a gun can be a very dangerous thing to have happen. If you are at an indoor range I suggest giving the new party a pair of ear plugs as well as ear muffs so that they will feel more comfortable with the noise level. Show and explain the reasons for why you do certain things, like always unbag and leave weapons facing down range–though this should be obvious. Make sure when you empty a magazine and get ready to pack up for the day that open the chamber and check for any stray rounds.
When taking someone new to shooting out to shoot, you need to remember that what may be a comfortable weapon for you to shoot may be a little bit scary to them. For example, I undertook the task of getting my girlfriend into shooting. This was somewhat hard to do as she was scared of guns, however, she wanted to get into something that I was so passionate about–a good component in any relationship (doing things together that is). My go-to’s for range shooting are my SKS, Marlin 336, and HiPoint 9mm carbine. Now, if you take out someone who has never shot before, remember that though 7.62x39mm and .30-30 may be low recoil to you, it will definitely be enough to frighten someone who is new to it all. This is the exact reason that when I take someone new out to the range, whether they say they have shot before or not, I always start with either the .22LR or the scoped 17HMR. The 17HMR is a great gun to get people started on, I know the .22LR is more typical, my Mossberg 817 is scoped and bolt action which gives it the feel of a target rifle or deer rifle but without the recoil and bang of a .243 or .270. Another good rule of thumb when it comes to firearm selection is to go ahead and shoot a magazine or a few rounds out of the firearm before you hand it over to the other party. The reason I do this is to exhibit the rapport and recoil from a firearm so that the other party has some idea of what they are walking into before they pick the firearm up…which should also allow for safer shooting.
One more good rule of thumb with new shooters: Never turn it into a contest. This applies whether you are at the range shooting or whether you have wrapped up and are discussing views over a beer or coffee. You will never win going this route. When you are at the range, if you start judging their marksmanship then it is a good way to push them away. Always stay positive, let them know that they are doing a good job and draw some connections between their first day shooting and yours, it will create a common ground. After all, the whole reason behind all of this is that you want to show people that you can have fun shooting and not to infringe your rights to do so and no one has fun when they are being belittled. On the politics subject, well I live by the guideline of not discussing politics in polite conversation. No two people have the exact same political ideals and can become a common stumbling ground between two people who otherwise are friendly. If you are introducing someone to shooting that has political ideals opposite to yours, you will never convince them to change their minds. Even if someone enjoys shooting and begins to understand your desire to preserve the 2nd Amendment, you will probably not get them to admit to changing their political views. Getting in to a political argument is just a good way to create a rift and destroy any good will you may have built.
Chances are if you are reading this blog, you enjoy guns. I enjoy guns and I want more people to understand and share the hobby that I invest so much time and energy, and money, into–that is the whole point of this blog. So, as gun-owners let’s bind together and go out with an open mind and try to introduce our passion with others; rather than try and make it an exclusive group. I hope that this will inspire someone to take someone who does not normally shoot out for a good time and see if they can get invested in a new hobby!
Around the Ammo Can 