new shooter

[Rider]

I tried to teach my fiancee how to shoot today and had a hard time of it. I did not realize that teaching someone how to shoot is so hard! I had her try out my little .22 rifle and she really liked that, but I was having trouble putting into words on how she should aim the rifle, after all, it was the first time she has ever held a firearm! She is also really skedish of loud noises, so it was that more difficult. Any suggestions on what path I should take training her on how to shoot? She wants to learn and she particularly liked the .22 rifle. I would like for her to eventually shoot my glock 21, if she can get over the loud report.

[txinvestigator1]

Probably a silly question, but you have her wearing ear muffs, right?

[Darkwulfe]

I took my fiancee out shooting my Glock 22 and 17 this summer. I was figuring she would prefer the 17 since it is a 9mm. To my surprise she was a lot more accurate shooting the .40 then the 9mm and preferred shooting the larger caliber gun. She actually asked me to take her out shooting. I had a blast with her.

On a side note, I never realized how hot a women in short shorts, hair pulled back in a pony tail, and a Glock in hand was. I'll take her shooting any time she wants.

[ 12-10-2001: Message edited by: Darkwulfe ]

[Rider]

yes, she was wearing ear muffs, I find this item very important for everyone that shoots.

[klar]

When I have taught people to shoot I always find out which eye is their aiming eye so I know if I am teaching a right handed or left handed firer. After this I always let them dry fire for awhile so they get used to keeping the target in the sights as the trigger is pulled. Once they have mastered this technique is when the ear protection comes on a live rounds are used. Letting them squeeze off three or six rounds and looking at the shot groups will tell you if they are pulling thier shots or breathing wrong. A lot of patience and supervision is needed upon teaching another to shoot. HAving one who is excited and willing to learn to shoot is a lot easier than one who is frightened of the weapons. Good luck on your training I hope some of what I am posting helps.

Klar

[Mitzi]

I shot a Glock when I was in the Citizens academy. I didn't really like holding a gun. My hand is too small for a Glock. But, I'm just not a gun person. I'm not comfortable around them at all.

[Rider]

thanks klar,
I forgot about the strong eye, weak eye thing. Dry firing techniques is also a great idea.

[Dinosaur]

I agree with klar. Familiarity with the weapon is a necessary first step. After the safety drill, explain how it works. The sequence of trigger, firing pin, primer, powder, bullet and rifling are basic to initial training. Move on to acquiring a good sight picture, learning a proper stance, and practice the basic mechanics of the draw. Teach a slow, even trigger pull. Keep the primary focus on the weapon. Practice the movements. Women instinctively understand the importance of foreplay. Actual shooting is Phase 2.

[ 12-10-2001: Message edited by: Dinosaur ]

[Mike Tx]

I was trying to teach my son to shoot. We started with a G22, and had to give that up for a .22 revolver. Should have started with that first. Looks like the recoil was getting him as his first shot would be on the paper, but subsequent shots could be seen digging into the turf in front of the target. We peracticed for a while with the .22 and then went to a 9mm, which he learned to keep it fairly grouped. Not too bad for a novice shooter I guess. He's just not really 'into' shooting, but he is into self defense so he's slowly coming around.

[SpecOpsWarrior]

Gonna move this to firearms.