The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Teaching someone who is terrified of guns

Erno86 · May 9, 2013, 03:11 PM

I would refrain from letting her wear a low cut blouse to the range, so as to avoid an errant spent hot shell from going into her blouse. A hat or cap is also a good option...not to mention proper eye and hearing protection. Ear plugs are not good enough. Get her a good set of ear muffs that are not worn out, along with ear plugs, if the gun is loud enough.

You'll have to convince her...that the gun is not going to hurt her. Start her off by shooting the pistol off the bench, {at least 10 rounds}, so she can get familar with the trigger.

Shooting any big bore magnums...will probably require a padded shooting glove. Make sure she holds on tight with both hands. Don't make her shoot a big bore magnum, while treating it as some kind of joke; as I've seen some shooter's do. Save the big bore's for later.

Don't let her overextend herself...when she gets tired --- quit shooting for the day. Close range target's will help bulld her confidence.

May 9, 2013, 03:11 PM	#19
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,739	I would refrain from letting her wear a low cut blouse to the range, so as to avoid an errant spent hot shell from going into her blouse. A hat or cap is also a good option...not to mention proper eye and hearing protection. Ear plugs are not good enough. Get her a good set of ear muffs that are not worn out, along with ear plugs, if the gun is loud enough. You'll have to convince her...that the gun is not going to hurt her. Start her off by shooting the pistol off the bench, {at least 10 rounds}, so she can get familar with the trigger. Shooting any big bore magnums...will probably require a padded shooting glove. Make sure she holds on tight with both hands. Don't make her shoot a big bore magnum, while treating it as some kind of joke; as I've seen some shooter's do. Save the big bore's for later. Don't let her overextend herself...when she gets tired --- quit shooting for the day. Close range target's will help bulld her confidence. __________________ That rifle hanging on the wall of the working class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." --- George Orwell Last edited by Erno86; May 9, 2013 at 04:02 PM.