Stinger-Hunter Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 I have an opportunity, hopefully, to take my brother-in-law hunting in Minnesota this year. If he is able to get off work, it will be an amazing experience for him. He hasn't had much experience shooting and we are going to make a point of going to the range alot in the next 2 months. What are some of the first things I should teach him about shooting? I will definately be going through all the safety info both on range and in the field - that is a must. I'll also be observing him to ensure he keeps "proper barrel discipline" up and down range, etc. But as far as shooting, what would you guys recommend I should stress the first couple of time out? I thought about letting him shoot the .22 for about 25-50 rounds before showing him the ol' .30-30. we'll be shooting at 25 yards and then after a couple times, move over to the 50 yard range. Any advice? BTW - he's 49 yrs old and has shot before when he was 15 or 16. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Re: Training my bro-in-law Let him get his form down first with the lower caliber guns so he doesn't develop a twitch at shooting such a loud gun. It happens to the best of shooters. Make sure his feet are shoulder width apart and his feet are at a 45 degree angle to the target. He should just squeeze the trigger without trying to aim at specific dots first. After about 30 to forty rounds of the .22, then move him up to the bigger caliber's and have him do the exact same thing for about 5 to ten rounds so he gets a feel for it. Once he gets adjusted to it, start having him try to hit in the general area of dots. After about 10 rounds, he should be zeroed in and have it pretty well down pat. I always practice my shots at my furthest distance to ensure that the closer shots look like chip shots. Good luck and happy hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldawg Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Re: Training my bro-in-law The best thing to have him do, right off the bat, is take an offhand shot, with you observing from slightly behind. As BowJoe mentioned, have him check his stance. Stand just a couple of feet from him, and watch to see if he flinches when he shoots the gun. If he doesn't flinch(jerk the gun), you have half of your battle won. If he does flinch, then I would start him out shooting from a benchrest, or stationary position, to get him comfortable with the weapon. Tell him to be aware of his breathing. Exhale, and then take in a deep breath and hold it, while he takes the shot. Concentrate totally on the shot. As he gets his bead in, slowwwwllllyyyyy squeeeeze the trigger. The shot should actually surprise him when the weapon discharges. And follow through, by holding the pose until the bullet has hit the mark. A rushed shot, can be a low percentage shot. In some situations you have no choice but to rush the shot, but you will hit anyways, if you are a disciplined shooter. Same as with a bow, you need proper shooting form to get good groups. Never choke down on the weapon, or you might pull the shot off of the mark. I always just lay the forearm in the palm of my hand, with my fingers just tickling it, so you are ready to pump in the next round. Make sure he pulls the weapon in tight to his shoulder, and that he doesn't lean over as he shoots. He should be standing straight, and cheeking the stock for the aim. Get him sighted in on the bench, and then have him practice offhand. If he isn't hitting consistently, and his form is good, make sure you try different brands of ammo. Some guns will not shoot good groups with certain brands of ammo. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Re: Training my bro-in-law I always like to shoot every gun first, before a beginner does, so that they can see that it won't hurt them. I think that gives them a big confidence boost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Re: Training my bro-in-law Good advice above. Barrel direction discipline, finger off the trigger always (unless he's shooting of course ) and remind him of the safety. A lot of guys when shooting at the range, forget about using their safety. On, off, on, off ....makes for good field practise too and it's common sense safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger-Hunter Posted September 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Re: Training my bro-in-law All great advice. I gave my wife some lessons at the range and one of the things that surprised her most was the safety mechanisms on the gun. My Winchester Model 94 .30-30 has the normal trigger safety, but also it has a button inbetween the lever and the "stock" of the gun so that if your hand is not inside the lever pushing upward, the gun will not fire. This was a really good lesson for her because I loaded a round, took the safety off, cocked the hammer back and held the gun down range and pulled the trigger - nothing happened. I then showed her of the additional safety and that you have to be an idiot to accidentally shoot someone,, at least with that gun. We took a firearms safety course last year sponsored by the NRA and it was probably the worst I could have imagined. Not typical, hopefully of the organization, but it was really bad. Perhaps a hunter safety course would be better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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