Learning to shoot.

I've been around handguns and shooting since I first fired my Uncle's Walther PPK almost 25 years ago. I've learned a lot along the way and have introduced many folks to the safe use of firearms.

Once one gets past the irrational fear of guns that has been pounded into our heads for the last several decades and sees that a firearm is only a tool with no inherent evil soul lurking inside, the learning can begin.

Women are the easiest to teach. They usually have no prejudices or preconceived notions about guns and are more than happy to learn the rules on safe handling. I also find that women make the best first time shooters. I have some theories on why but no real proof.

Men on the other hand often let their testosterone get in the way and will often challenge what I'm teaching by quoting what their uncle said or what they saw on CSI Miami. Many times it's just the fact that some people can't let go of their ego for a few minutes so they can actually learn something.

The most important thing is safety. Here are Gun Guru Jeff Cooper's rules:

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

It is really hard to teach folks to keep their booger hook off the bang switch. I have cut range sessions short when I see folks on adjacent lanes waving their guns back and forth with their finger on the trigger. It's unnerving, Especially when they are cops and should know better.

The biggest problem new shooters have is fear of recoil. Honestly, recoil is mostly a non issue when it comes to most standard handguns. I have taught 9 year old girls to shoot a .44 magnum

accurately.

With a revolver, a two handed grip works best with the wrist straight and the hand firm but relaxed. Just roll with the recoil and don't try to fight it. Many revolvers will roll upward in your hand instead of giving you a hard kick.

With many Semi-automatics you will find they function on the force of recoil. The trick is to not limp wrist when firing. Your arm will raise with the recoil but the sum effect will be quite mild.

I had a lot of veterans tell me the kick of a .45 automatic was more than they could handle. With the proper grip and stance a .45 is a pussy cat. I believe that poor training in the old days turned a lot of people off of handguns.

Many small pocket pistols work on blowback. That means it harnesses the power of the expanding gun powder to cycle the gun's action and chamber a new round. With a small pistol this can be unpleasant, especially to someone with large hands. Pocket guns are great for emergencies but I wouldn't recommend one for recreational shooting. I've got the scars to attest to that ...

If you want to get into shooting, it's a good idea to join the NRA. They offer many free and low cost safety courses and additional training by certified instructors. There are even women's only classes.

Most states now allow ordinary citizens to carry a handgun for self defense. I think it's a great idea especially for women to be armed, as they are so often the targets for predators.