Question for gun enthusiasts from someone who knows nothing about shooting:

[merrily]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by krispos42 (a host of the Gun Control & RKBA group).

Last edited Wed Jul 8, 2015, 07:38 AM - Edit history (1)

If you did not know how to shoot, but wanted to try, just to see if you could hit a target, would you ask a gun enthusiast to teach you, or would you take lessons at a more professional place?

I am asking because of a recent college grad I know. Female, if it matters. I am here just for this specific bit of info, not to argue with either side about guns in general. Thank you.

ETA: After reading some replies, I have decided a pro is the way to go. Anyone know if a place like that might issue gift certificates based on a phone call plus a paypal account or credit card ? If I do that, she can't say she doesn't want to waste money.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. I would suggest finding a pro.

[merrily]

2. Thank you. That was my gut reaction, but, as I said, I know nothing about this.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

3. no problem

My sensei always said, "if you want to learn, go to the source."

Have a great day

[merrily]

4. I guess my question really was, which is the better source? You have a great day, too.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

5. thanks n/t

[Shamash]

6. Pro, but if there is a friend or family member who is a "gun enthusiast", that would also work.

The important thing is that the teacher knows what they are doing and the person learning is comfortable around that person and the setting where the shooting will be done.

[merrily]

7. A very good friend of hers is a gun enthusiast, but leaves guns lying around.

So, that made me leery. I don't know if they are loaded or not, though. Single guy. Doesn't have kids in his home that I know of. Leaves bars of silver and other valuables lying around, too, so that's just the way he is. Could be perfectly safe if the guns are not loaded?

I think she'd prefer taking lessons from him

[Shamash]

10. I don't know either person

So I'm not going to second-guess your friend or her friend. Since this seems important to you, perhaps you could convince your friend to do joint lessons with you? And you can always bow out after the first lesson if you want. That way, you learn a little bit as well and also feel that you've done the right thing for your friend. And since you would be together, it might seem less intimidating than if either of you was doing it alone.

[merrily]

12. Thanks. Great suggestion, but geographically impossible. They both live many miles away from me.

The more I read here, the more my gut says professional. I've met him and he is the nicest person, but maybe too deep into his business interests to focus. I could be wrong, but just the fact that the "maybe" is in my mind is enough for me. I am not much of a risk taker, especially when it comes to physical safety.

[Duckhunter935]

8. I would go with a pro

but that would depend on the other person. If I knew them well and trusted them to be safe with weapons and follow all of the safety rules.

[merrily]

9. I'm not sure I know enough to know how to asssess that with this guy.

I like him, but leaving all kinds of valuables lying around like that, even if he locked up his weapons, says to me that he might be too busy or distracted or unfocused.

I think I'd rather pay for lessons, if I can persuade her.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

11. My husband taught me to shoot. He's ex-Army. He was very meticulous.

He made sure I knew the parts of the gun, understood the rules, knew how to unload it and clear a misfire before we even ventured towards trying to hit a target. I'm not a shooting hobbyist but I'm glad he was so thorough. It's really the sort of training everyone should have.

[Shamash]

13. Conversely, I taught my (future) wife to shoot back when we were in college

And she was from the DC suburbs and had no experience nor friends or family who owned guns. And about half the deer we've put in the freezer since then have been hers.

Oh, and as an edit for Merrily, since she's still reading this. Shooting with a friend is one of those shared activities that can lead to a relationship. I believe that Rachel Maddow took her current partner on their first date...to a gun range. And I don't think they own guns, but they both still like to shoot them. So consider the match-making aspect if you steer your friend towards her friend...

[merrily]

14. That would be the kind of traning she would get from someone at a shooting range, right?

(Not sure if that's the correct term.)

Plus the goggles and ear phones and all the good stuff I see on TV?

This guy is definitely not Army trained. Come to think of it, I have no idea who trained him.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

15. It never hurts to ask about the details of an offered course. I know the NRA is anathema in

these parts but I know someone who is an NRA certified instructor and she is very safety focus. She also works towards confidence building because people handling dangerous things, be they guns or power tools, without firmness and purpose are prone to accidents.

It can be fun and educational even if it never becomes a hobby, just be sure to take the time to find the right teacher. I like hanging out here because it is so educational.

[merrily]

16. Thanks. I will be trying to evaluate a place via phone and the web as she is now living far from

where I live. I will try to find online reviews and look for a place that brags about its safety training to market it self. I'm not sure what else I can do long distance.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

17. There are also classes just for women. That can be a plus as well.

Let us know how classes go.

[merrily]

18. That's another great idea. Thanks.

[Lurks Often]

19. I'll strongly suggest the following link:

http://www.agirlandagun.org/

They have chapters around the country, it is composed of WOMEN shooters. This is likely the best of both worlds: experienced shooters and instructors, most if not all women, who understand and will likely have the necessary firearms and other equipment that are most suited for a woman shooter.

[ileus]

20. for just general plinking and deciding if someone is interested go with a friend.

It's not rocket science a few basic rules are easily teachable (even to kids at the age 5) in a short few minutes. Of course you'd want to find a gun owner that had a good variety of firearms to enjoy shooting. Not just your fly by night "I own a glock.." types.

That's for general shooting and fun family time at the range....now personal protection is another story.


It's nice at that time to have professional training if you're serious about self defense and personal safety. A friend of mine (female) heads out to Vegas every year and combines Vacation with a new level of training each year. Of course she also went on a family Safari last year so money isn't any problem.

[melm00se]

21. My advice is to go to a pro

it's bad enough that everyone will develop poor habits overtime, it's even worse when you are taught bad habits from the get go.

I know that the NRA is none too popular with come folks here, one thing that they do well is offer basic firearms classes. The 1st steps classes are good jumping off points and are generally populated with students who are all in the same boat when it comes to firearms.

[krispos42]

22. Locking

This properly belongs in Outdoor Life, and I see that you've received many helpful replies, so I'm going to lock this.

Feel free to continue the discussion in Outdoor Life.

Regards,
Krispos42, Group Host