Anyone knowledgeable about the legal and safe use of firearms knows the best deterrent to accidents is information and training. Shooting sports that involve the family is a great way to provide that information while having fun together.
A major part of the fun is determined by the fit of the rifle or pistol and the choice of caliber. Starting out with your .44 magnum Super Redhawk is almost certain to result in a negative view of shooting.
The .22 long rifle is the most obvious caliber choice for new shooters. You can't beat the Ruger 77/22 and 10/22 rifles or the Ruger Bearcat revolver for training and fun. The EAA bounty hunter revolver is a lower-cost alternative. The ever-popular single-shot chipmunk is also great for young kids.
Get those revolvers or pistols that fit smaller hands. You can't expect someone to have fun shooting if they feel like they are holding a 2-by-4. The NAA pistols and derringers are great for smaller hands.
Avoid pressuring new shooters to move up in caliber. Let them watch you have fun with your larger caliber gun. This is the best way to encourage them to give it a try. Even then, 2 or 3 shots is enough to get them excited to try again next time.
Those of us who learned to shoot Dad's or uncle's .12 gauge side-by-side probably didn't wear hearing protection at the time; big mistake. I now wear both ear plugs and ear muffs and I can out-hear friends who think, "it's only a .22, why bother?"
It all adds up to damaging our hearing and remember, the noise of shooting is as disturbing to most new shooters as the fear of recoil. Have enough ear plugs and ear muffs for everyone and encourage their use. And don't forget the eye protection keeping in mind those revolvers spit sideways.
Most of us as shooters believe more shooting equals more fun. But be alert to the signs of boredom or fatigue in new shooters and stop before you have to. Try not to show signs of frustration if your daughter has had enough after 15-minutes at the range. Expect it, and consider it a success just to have gone.
Make a fun and short outing at first. Keep them wanting more rather than wearing them out and they'll want to come back.
Safe and fun shooting is good for them, good for you, and good for the sport. PG&T can provide you with all the equipment you need. Call us to discuss your needs.
Get out there and enjoy!
A major part of the fun is determined by the fit of the rifle or pistol and the choice of caliber. Starting out with your .44 magnum Super Redhawk is almost certain to result in a negative view of shooting.
The .22 long rifle is the most obvious caliber choice for new shooters. You can't beat the Ruger 77/22 and 10/22 rifles or the Ruger Bearcat revolver for training and fun. The EAA bounty hunter revolver is a lower-cost alternative. The ever-popular single-shot chipmunk is also great for young kids.
Get those revolvers or pistols that fit smaller hands. You can't expect someone to have fun shooting if they feel like they are holding a 2-by-4. The NAA pistols and derringers are great for smaller hands.
Avoid pressuring new shooters to move up in caliber. Let them watch you have fun with your larger caliber gun. This is the best way to encourage them to give it a try. Even then, 2 or 3 shots is enough to get them excited to try again next time.
Those of us who learned to shoot Dad's or uncle's .12 gauge side-by-side probably didn't wear hearing protection at the time; big mistake. I now wear both ear plugs and ear muffs and I can out-hear friends who think, "it's only a .22, why bother?"
It all adds up to damaging our hearing and remember, the noise of shooting is as disturbing to most new shooters as the fear of recoil. Have enough ear plugs and ear muffs for everyone and encourage their use. And don't forget the eye protection keeping in mind those revolvers spit sideways.
Most of us as shooters believe more shooting equals more fun. But be alert to the signs of boredom or fatigue in new shooters and stop before you have to. Try not to show signs of frustration if your daughter has had enough after 15-minutes at the range. Expect it, and consider it a success just to have gone.
Make a fun and short outing at first. Keep them wanting more rather than wearing them out and they'll want to come back.
Safe and fun shooting is good for them, good for you, and good for the sport. PG&T can provide you with all the equipment you need. Call us to discuss your needs.
Get out there and enjoy!
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