Teaching a girl to shoot

[FriscoAg]

Taking my new lady friend out to shoot pistols today. She's never shot before.

I've shot for many years, but I was never taught properly, myself. What are the best tips to give her so she can learn the right way?

[muzzlebrake]

#1 rule.
Always handle every gun as if it were loaded cocked and ready to shoot.

[Captrix]

not really advice on how to shoot but anytime my friends come over that have never shot guns I always start them off with my .22 since it doesnt have any kick and its not as intimidating. I think its the easiest gun to learn with.

[BoneDigger]

1) Always assume the gun is loaded
2) Finger OFF of the trigger until sights are on target and you are ready to shoot
3) Try to be consistent in how you hold the gun. Changing your grip and location can change POI.
4) Squeeze the trigger slowly. It should be a surprize when the gun goes off.
5) Follow through. You should still have the target in your sights when the bullet strikes.
6) Don't flinch (easier said than done).
7) Take finger off of trigger immediately after firing.
8) Have her (or him) help you clean the firearm to see how it functions.
9) Always make sure your ammo matches the gun you are shooting.
10) Always make sure the barrel is clear of obstacles (like bore-sighters and mud)
11) Don't be afraid of a gun. It is only a tool.
12) Take a breath and hold it while squeezing the trigger or gently breath out while doing the same.

Todd

[stickflinger09]

Not like this

[Mayhem]

i would start off by having her get in the firing posistion and have her squeeze the trigger a few times as if the pistol was loaded, just so she will have the feel of it. then when you load the weapon it wont seem like a new feeling to her.

[Coon]

I would start off by taking her to a professional and let them teach her the basics.
Dave

[sailor]

Ear Protection.
Nothing will stop a good day at the range like ringing ears.
Because fear, is not far behind.
Other than that, follow all the rules stated above. Have fun!!!!

[Tejas Wildlife]

I know dozens of guys that tried to teach their wifes..

I would start off by taking her to a professional and let them teach her the basics.
Dave

to shoot & found out that it was stressful for both of them. Lots of time a complete stranger (firearms instructor) can give suggestions / instructions that would come off as being condescending or overly critical from a spouse.

NRA or TSRA (Texas State Rifle Association) have lists of Firearm Instructors by zip code.

Anyway, good luck & take your time. This should be a fun time for both of you if you do it right. Loud, hard recoiling, hard to handle firearms are NOT the way to start out. Start with a .22 at 15 yards & just have fun. FIREARM SAFETY IS MANDATORY. TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT IS ALWAYS LOADED.

[FriscoAg]

Thanks for the tips, guys. She did great.

I don't plan on making her mad any time soon. At least not while I'm within 15 feet! lol

[Loneaggie]

Thanks for the tips, guys. She did great.

I don't plan on making her mad any time soon. At least not while I'm within 15 feet! lol

and for some reason that reminds me of Eddie Murphy's standup about his mom and her throwing her shoe....

[TexasRednekChic]

Be careful women always tend to shoot better than men once they get into it.....never make us mad after that....hahahaha