When it comes to kids and brand-new shooters, I think the best place to start is with the basics: muzzle awareness, finger discipline, and respect for every firearm. Keeping things clear, simple, and consistent builds confidence without overwhelming them. How do you introduce safety to beginners?
Building safe habits early
- Thread starter Dauntless
- Start date
That's smart, making it a ritual really drills it in and reciting those rules together before handling anything probably makes it stick way better than just lecturing
Yeah short, repeated lessons seem to work best and letting them handle safely first without the pressure of shooting builds that foundation. By the time they're ready to fire, it's already second nature, right?
Virginia 01
Active member
Always start the lesson in a room outside of an active range area, handling firearms with a designated safe muzzle direction.. Too many distractions for new shooters to start 'on the line'. No live ammo permitted in the instruction area.
Always practice handing the firearm back and forth between members of the class.. or you and the single student. Several times during the class, make it a point to pass the firearm between people so that the etiquette and safety rules become routine.
Start the class without eyes and ears, but practice the range verbal commands (cease fire, range is hot, etc..) while wearing the protective gear. Need to learn what it sounds like while hearing is impaired.
Practice FTF and other stoppage situations. New shooters must learn to keep the muzzle safe, especially when the unexpected happens. It's all to common for newbies to turn to look for help in an FTF situation, and spin the gun in the direction of the RSO as they spin their torso toward him... I do not like getting muzzle swept while standing in the station with the shooter.
Always practice handing the firearm back and forth between members of the class.. or you and the single student. Several times during the class, make it a point to pass the firearm between people so that the etiquette and safety rules become routine.
Start the class without eyes and ears, but practice the range verbal commands (cease fire, range is hot, etc..) while wearing the protective gear. Need to learn what it sounds like while hearing is impaired.
Practice FTF and other stoppage situations. New shooters must learn to keep the muzzle safe, especially when the unexpected happens. It's all to common for newbies to turn to look for help in an FTF situation, and spin the gun in the direction of the RSO as they spin their torso toward him... I do not like getting muzzle swept while standing in the station with the shooter.
