Examiner.com has asked its writers to participate in its New Year's resolution special project, and I have challenged myself to see if I can come up with daily suggestions up to Jan. 1.
Today's is one I personally have done on several occasions with great enjoyment:
I will introduce someone to shooting.
Memorable occasions for me include one of my first dates with my wife (I don't understand people who tell me their wives don't like guns--establishing compatibility is why we're supposed to get to know each other before getting into committed relationships), watching a visiting Japanese executive grin like a kid in a candy store as he fired off rounds from my .44 Magnum, and ditto for a Santa Monica "liberal" with my M1 Garand. I've had especially great times teaching my kids, but I think I'll leave that for its own resolution.
Naturally, safety is paramount.
I know my guns are in good condition, that I have appropriate ammunition, and that I have eye and ear protection for my guests. I always go through preparatory instruction before I ever let a person touch a gun, showing them how it works and ascertaining they know the rules and then can demonstrate safe handling before the shooting starts. And I'm right there when they have the gun in their hands to instantly intervene should I observe a rule being ignored, like where they've got the muzzle pointed, or if they have a finger on the trigger before they're ready to fire.
So what kind of gun should you use? I don't believe in one-size-fits-all. While I generally start my guests off with a smaller caliber revolver, I always bring an assortment of firearms, and after demonstrating how they function, along with showing proper handling and then shooting the guns (so they have an idea what to expect in terms of power and noise), I let them decide what they'd like to try, and then coach them as they become more comfortable and start enjoying themselves.
It doesn't take long. And afterward, you should have a person who is receptive to learning more, including why guns are important for more than just sport shooting.
For more information: See NRA's gun safety rules, along with links for their education and training programs.
Resolutions suggested so far:
New Year's gun rights resolution: Attend an Appleseed
New Year's gun rights resolution: Know your representatives
New Year's gun rights resolution: Write letters to the editor
New Year's gun rights resolution: Join a gun rights group
New Year's gun rights resolution: Send a politician the gun rights questionnaire
New Year's gun rights resolution: Build a guns and liberty video collection
Comments
Yes, bring out your friends- every year I introduce another one to the great sport of shooting- and sometimes several! Great idea D.
After you take your guest shooting, you might want to help them take the appropriate first class.
As an NRA firearms instructor, I'm offering gift cards so people can gift someone with a handgun or self defense class.
One of my resolutions is to fill as many of those classes as I can for next year. (The range is under two feet of snow right now! )
Two resolutions for the price of one. Take them to an appleseed shoot. I have. The downside is I keep being bugged about when we will be going again. I guess worse thing could happen.
DDS, that is an absolutely fabulous idea.
That is a continuing resolution for me. Every year I end up introducing between 1 and 4 new people to shooting. :o)
It is VERY interesting when women shoot my AR-15 for the first time, they ALWAYS prefer it to any of my other guns.
I happen to have a particular Obamabot in mind. She thinks George Soros was placed on earth to save us all. She's also the mother of my daughter's best friend. The best friend was in my daughter's JROTC drill team in high school. They twirled "neutered" M1 Garands together if you can believe that. The daughter wanted to shoot my "live" one. "Only if your mom goes with us!", I replied deviously. At the range, Obamabot mom fired a full clip through the rifle. I thought she was gonna pass out. The effect looked as if she was having a "hot flash". Obamabot mom is going to an appleseed. She's just not aware of it yet! ;-)
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