Gun Thread: The Saddest Range [Weasel]

An Empty Range is a Sad Range

I'm back this week! And I must say you all did a good job of conducting yourselves while I was away. Maybe there is hope for you reprobates yet!! While reading your comments from last week, one in particular stood out and mentioned something I've been meaning to harp on for a while. Let's find out what that is below, shall we?

Here's the comment by our pal Tonypete that caught my attention:

I took two newbies to the range this week. Standard fare - simply introduced them to firearm safety and they shot (poorly) both a 9mm Shield and later, an AR platform. Just like my other new shooters this month, they dug the AR and couldn't understand all the fuss from the libtards and their desire to deny the proles use of them. Loved that platform and I believe will vote accordingly. Yeah our team!!

Both of them had a ball and I am certain, will be back.

Great Job Tonypete!

Empty ranges could eventually become a reality unless we all do our part by helping to move public opinion on guns and the shooting sports, even if it means changing minds one at a time.

I've always felt that shooters and 2nd Amendment supporters in general have an obligation to introduce non-shooters to firearms and shooting whenever they express a desire to do so. In fact, I make a point of taking anyone who is interested to the range as my guest and do everything I can to make certain they have a good time. Why, you ask? Because I think it's important to present the shooting sports in the most favorable way possible. Show the non-shooter that it's a safe, challenging and enjoyable hobby as long as some basic rules are followed, and that gun owners aren't crazy people as they are often portrayed. A person who might otherwise be undecided on the issue of guns will now have a positive experience as the basis for forming their own opinion. Make sense?

So how do you introduce a curious novice to shooting for the first time? Here are some general ideas to start:

Most people who know me know that I shoot and every once in a while the subject will come up in conversation, for example, at the office. I don't know if word has gotten out among my colleagues or what, but I now suspect when a casual acquaintence brings the subject up, they're really soliciting an invitation to go to the range. The very first thing I do is invite them to go shooting! I swear this works almost all of the time, even when someone brings up the topic up in an almost challenging way. Why do I own guns and go shooting? Let's go to the range and I'll show you! It's fun! You may have to invite them a couple of times, but usually their curiosity will get the best of them. Swearsies!

Almost everyone is nervous the first time they go shooting, so it's important to make them as comfortable with the process as possible in advance of the range trip. This is an important step and cannot be over emphasized. What I like to do is explain the general process before the big day arrives, covering everything they can expect from signing in to wrapping up. Keep it high-level and general at this point. I also ask them what type of shooting they would like to do, and what type of guns they would like to try. I make an educated guess as to what might work best for them based on any previous experience they may have, the size of their hands, and so forth. I tell them they do not need to bring anything and to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. I have extra hearing and eye protection for this very purpose, and provide everything else they need. Remember, it's your responsibility to make it as safe, easy and enjoyable for them as possible.

OK. Now for my biggest pet peeve. Do not be a damn retard and bring the largest caliber weapon you own to impress your new friend. I swear that after carrots or beans in chili, this is at the very top of my list of reasons for wanting to shoot somebody. We have all seen the jackass I'm referring to. It's the guy on the range with their obviously nervous date who hands them a 44 Magnum to impress the shit out of them with the blast and recoil. This is just about the stupidist and most irresponsible thing anyone can do. Just typing the words pisses me off. Anyhoo, start small, and don't make me shoot you. I always bring a .22 for this very reason. If you don't own a .22, and you should, then just rent one at the range and start with that. Also, don't bring 14 different guns and confuse the shit out of them. If it's someone completely new to shooting, I'll usually bring two guns; the .22, and a 9mm, saving the bigger stuff for another day. Remember, you may have a great deal of experience, but this is all new for the other person. See the 'retard rule' above if you have questions.

On the big day I ask them to arrive about 45 minutes early. I use this time to completely explain the process, review safety rules, and explain how the firearms work. Most ranges do not allow weapons handling other than on the range, so I usually do this absolutely critical step in the parking lot or even somewhere else entirely where it is appropriate to do so. I take 30 minutes or so to go over each weapons function, moving parts, basic grip mechanics and sight alignment, and what to do in the event of a problem with the firearm or other issue on the range.

Once inside, I demonstrate how the target mechanism works and attach a simple target. I like to use a plain sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" paper with a stick-on 1" dot in the middle, or a simple bullseye target and run it out to about 10 feet. I again briefly review the function of the first gun, and always shoot a few rounds first to demonstrate. I then change the target, load the firearm and place it on the bench pointed downrange, have them pick it up and take a few shots. Keep an eye on what they're doing. If they're shooting a semi-auto pistol, pay particular attention to their grip to make sure they don't get hurt by action of the slide. Change their targets frequently and save them, noting the caliber and distances on each one. Progress through the different guns at different distances at a casual pace, keeping it simple and offering gentle suggestions and encouragement. For new shooters I don't go much beyond 20 feet to make hits easier. Pay attention to your friend and wrap it up if they seem to be getting tired or appear to have had enough fun for one day.

Before you say goodby, spend a few minutes outside discussing their range trip, asking them what they liked and what they didn't. Go over their targets, again offering tips and encouragement, then give them the targets to keep. Always end the day by telling them they've done a good job and inviting them to come back.

Are you going to make converts out of all new shooters, especially the skeptics? No. What you should have accomplished is making your best effort at introducing someone to your hobby in a relaxed and fun manner, while demonstrating that guns and shooters aren't icky. Gun ownership and the shooting sports are under constant attack by the anti-gun types - do your part to prove them wrong.

Homework: In the next few weeks, make a point of finding a new shooter and take them to the range, then come back here to report on your trip. What worked and what didn't? Did your shooter have fun? If not, what went wrong? Do you think they will come back? What suggestions do you have that I may have left out that would make for a better experience?

Link-O-Rama
Firearm Blog: Taking New Shooters to the Range
US Concealed Carry: Taking New Shooters to the Range
Loadout Room: New Shooters Do's and Dont's
Best Guns: Reccomendations for the Ladies
NRA: Top Three Reasons to Take a New Shooter to the Range
Cornered Cat: Teaching Others to Shoot
Range 365: First Time at the Range?

This week we have another great cartridge submission from our pal Neon Madman!

Here's a couple of variations on a familiar cartridge - the .45-70 Government. Introduced in 1873, this was prominent during the Indian Wars period in the Trapdoor Springfield rifle and some Gatling guns, and also used in the Spanish - American war. Nearly 150 years later, this cartridge is still in use for North American hunting.

The box of blank cartridges (from Frankford Arsenal) is stamped "AUG 22 1903". These were used for training horses and mules not to shy or bolt at the sound of gunfire.

Next to this is a "forager" round, with a thin (hollow) wooden bullet that contains a small load of birdshot. According to most sources, these were issued to allow soldiers to supplement the company mess with whatever small game they might encounter. However, this case is headstamped "REM-UMC", which would suggest there was a commercial version as well.

The other round is a standard cartridge with a lead bullet, the headstamp indicates it is from the Frankford Arsenal in 1891.

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That's it for this week - have you been to the range?

posted by Open Blogger at 07:00 PM

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