youngwilliam wrote:
With lostaggies ignorance of firearms, my post was directed at them. I think a person should have some previous experience or someone to guide you through proper handling before having a loaded gun in their hand.
If someone has never shot or owned a gun, yes, teach them to safely handle a firearm.
I've instructed quite a few first time shooters.
Whenever someone who'd never shot or owned a gun came to me asking questions,
first thing I ask is what they want the gun for - target shooting, hunting, self-defense, or any combination thereof.
Most common response from first timers is self-defense.
Then I ask how much they are willing to spend on a gun and ammo,
and how much time they will commit to training with it.
Then, depending on whether the person is a 110 pound woman or a 200 pound man,
We discuss their options and I help them choose the best gun for their size and purpose.
Where possible we go to a legit FFL and check out what's available, let him or her handle
a number of guns, get a feel for the one they like best. Find the best fit, so to speak.
Usually a gun dealer will have instructors and a selection of guns for training.
Once they make a decision and buy the gun, you train them. It's a process.
Right now I'm in the process of training a friend with his brand new AR15.