Range Report: neighbor wants to shoot

[Sir Henry]

A neighbor woman wants to learn how to shoot for self-defense. My recommendation was if you aren’t going to practice everyday and shoot 10,000 rounds a year not to use a firearm for defense. At any rate she will be here in a few minutes and I’ll just teach her firearm safety and do some plinking.

Here is what we will be shooting plus a scoped CZ up on the 50 yard range.

IMG_4998.jpeg (5.91 MiB) Viewed 156 times

[GunnyGene]

A neighbor woman wants to learn how to shoot for self-defense. My recommendation was if you aren’t going to practice everyday and shoot 10,000 rounds a year not to use a firearm for defense. At any rate she will be here in a few minutes and I’ll just teach her firearm safety and do some plinking.

Here is what we will be shooting plus a scoped CZ up on the 50 yard range.
IMG_4998.jpeg

That's a good start. Since she's interested in self-defense, I'd suggest that the next session focus on up-close and personal; 5,10, & 15yds with pistol and revolver, starting with .22 and moving up to whatever she can handle well for subsequent sessions. .380, .38spc, 9mm, .45acp, etc. and including self defense ammo (jhp) as well as range ammo. Malfunction drills,& presentation from concealed and open carry, reloads, shooting from various positions, and so on.

[BrokenolMarine]

I taught firearms for years, LE and civilians. I was very selective in those I accepted as civilian students. My classes consisted of four to five hours of classroom, and four hours on the range. I would break the range into two days if necessary for those who needed it.

Good advice guys. I'd start new shooters on the 22, and move up to the 38/9mm. We did all the basics on the range.

I too asked the students if they honestly would practice on a regular basis. Once a month or so. If not, I strongly recommended a 4" Revolver, in 38 caliber. With good ammo it would do the job, and a 4" helps with recoil.

My students who would practice could come to me for further coaching, or closer ranges for practice. I would usually advise against snubby revolvers or mini autos for new shooters until they became a bit more comfortable after practice and training. Mid size autos or revolvers to start. Glock 19/23s or the Smith k-frame family (and similar in other brands) were favorites.

[daytime dave]

Good luck Gene. I hope it goes well.

[Sir Henry]

I taught firearms for years, LE and civilians. I was very selective in those I accepted as civilian students. My classes consisted of four to five hours of classroom, and four hours on the range. I would break the range into two days if necessary for those who needed it.

Good advice guys. I'd start new shooters on the 22, and move up to the 38/9mm. We did all the basics on the range.

I too asked the students if they honestly would practice on a regular basis. Once a month or so. If not, I strongly recommended a 4" Revolver, in 38 caliber. With good ammo it would do the job, and a 4" helps with recoil.

My students who would practice could come to me for further coaching, or closer ranges for practice. I would usually advise against snubby revolvers or mini autos for new shooters until they became a bit more comfortable after practice and training. Mid size autos or revolvers to start. Glock 19/23s or the Smith k-frame family (and similar in other brands) were favorites.

She was not a good candidate for self defense and I told her so. Yet I did recommend she take it up as a hobby and just have fun. She was scared of guns and I found out her fear was of recoil and not of being shot. We only shot SV rimfire although I did shoot one hyper velocity through a revolver with a piece of paper beside it. When the paper shattered she realized how important it was to hold a firearm properly.

I’m not going to teach her self defense only firearms safety. Even though it was only the two of us we used military range safety. I think she still had fun especially hitting the gong and spinners. Instant reward.

[BrokenolMarine]

Excellent. I can understand that. I have taught those students as well, and as you did, started them with the rimfire. Always a chance to move up later if they desire. Good to hear she enjoyed the time.