Posted: 12/10/2007 12:07:50 AM EDT
| Huh? |
I was checking this forum out because Im thinking of starting a 4H shooting club in my town. Just looking for info!! 
|
NRA Life Member
http://www.cafepress.com/GlockParty
Ne Desit Virtus
http://www.cafepress.com/GlockParty
Ne Desit Virtus
|
OK friends let's get this thing started with some positive points to recruit new shooters to our sport/hobby. Shooters of all ages should be welcome. I would like to see a forum dedicated to new shooters of all ages and this looks like a good start. Maybe we can get a sticky to start this one out.
I'll start with a list of my suggestions for capturing new shooters in no particular order: Always stress SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY - Be stern in dealing with violations but do not become a hot headed fool. Make time to take new people to the range. Make a point to take someone new to the range each time you go. I'll bet you need an excuse too. 
Offer to share your weapons and some ammo with the new shooters - .22lr isn't expensive. Do not try to act like some of the crazy Rambo types who frequent our places of enjoyment. Act as if your are trying to "sell" something to someone who is showing some interest in buying. Do not get embroiled in the politics of guns and gun control. Win over their hearts first and their minds later. Be calm, cool, and factual if any discussions head this way. DO NOT EVER look/talk down on someone in regards to their knowledge of firearms or shooting. Answer any questions with facts and if you are telling your opinion let them know it is just your opinion. Do take anyone shooting who you think will be likely to pick up the hobby. Do not let race, creed, national origin, sex, etc. keep you from taking them. We need all the supporters we can get. When you take them shooting, set them up for success. My preference and suggestion is to use large targets at short ranges. Weapons - For weapons I like to use semi autos with dot scopes. Start with one round in a mag that you, the teacher, can easily change for them. Work your way up in round counts as the new shooter shows safety and proficiency. I used to think single shot with open sights. It is too much for a first time shooter to try and remember all the proper steps. Remember the goal is to have fun. WATCH THEM LIKE A HAWK ON THE FIRING LINE!! Targets - Use reactive targets if allowed. Plastic kids toys picked up at a dollar store are a good suggestion. Fruit/vegetable can also be used to demonstrate the destructive power of firearms. Shooting sequence - especially for younger shooters. Let them compete with you either on a numbered target or on knocking down reactive targets. Let them shoot first. You shoot second and just "barely" beat them at the competition. This WILL whet their appetite for more - especially if you encourage them to try it again and/or keep practicing because they are really off to a good start. Who knows the noob may be legitimately outshooting their mentor before long. That has never happened to me. 
Leaving the range - Police up all of your brass/trash and then some to leave it a better place than what you found it. Show the new shooter how to be responsible and that not all shooters are redneck slobs like the media tends to portray them. And, think this should go without saying, don't do anything unethical or illegal while at the range or on your way to or from the range. |
|
I am new to the site, but I belive this should be one of the most imprtant areas of it. The anti's get to dig there nasty little claws into the youth of this country LONG before most are exposed to the true and fun side of firearms. My 8 year old recieved his first real firearm at the age of 7, and can go toe to toe ,as far as shooting ability and safety knowledge, with almost any of the members of the "sportsmans" club that I belong to.
Teach them young, the truth, and we may still have this way of life around for another generation.(lets pray so anyway) |
|
I keep telling my nephew he needs to join up, I'll be hanging out with him tomorrow so I'll see if I can get him to sign up....after all I did give him EBRD. 
I take him shooting as much as I can afford to, we was at the range this past Sunday and he got to shoot a Mosin-Nagant so now he wants one of those too. |
"When patience has begotten false estimates of its motives, when wrongs are pressed because it is believed they will be borne, resistance becomes morality." - Thomas Jefferson to M. deStael, 1807
|
Well I took about 25 Boy Scouts shooting this past weekend.
The Ar15 with the Ciener conversion kit was very popular. 
Besides teaching Scouts to shoot I also coach 3 junior air rifle teams including the teams that won the NRA International Air and 3P air rifle Sectionals Intermediate Junior team competitions. |
Lost all my boats in a tragic gun accident
Joined:
Mar 2008
Posts:
6569
EE: 100% (6)
WA, USA
