Taking wife to the range for the first time.. tips?

When I took the wife shooting, her friend came along. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea at the time, but it turned out great. Talked safety with them, shot first, then they each had a turn. We used one lane, and I was able to supervise each one when they were shooting. They started getting comfortable and would remind each other of the safety and shooting basics. Just make sure the day is about her and leave when shes ready. I think the idea is to make sure she has a safe and good time.

I'd suggest outdoor range if at all possible for first outing.

Indoor is claustrophobic, noisier, smoky, concussion is magnified, etc.
It's as "alien" an atmosphere as can be, especially for an already unfamiliar endeavor.

As much as I love to shoot, if I had to do it only indoors, I wouldn't shoot 1/4 as much as I do now.

- OS

Originally Posted by OhShoot

I'd suggest outdoor range if at all possible for first outing.

Indoor is claustrophobic, noisier, smoky, concussion is magnified, etc.
It's as "alien" an atmosphere as can be, especially for an already unfamiliar endeavor.

As much as I love to shoot, if I had to do it only indoors, I wouldn't shoot 1/4 as much as I do now.

- OS

hmm... i used to be a member of Owl Hollow.. but thats gone. Not sure of any outdoor ranges nearby... any suggestions?

Originally Posted by TNTitan

hmm... i used to be a member of Owl Hollow.. but thats gone. Not sure of any outdoor ranges nearby... any suggestions?

I'm not from over there, but I know from reading here that Owl Hollow is still going, under a new feller...it's cheap too.

- OS

Here's info as of June this year:

TGO David said:

"OHGC effectively no longer exists. The land that they previously leased is now being operated by the land owner as a privately owned gun range. Cost is $40 per year or $5 per day to shoot as a guest.

The best way to join is to show up at the range. There is a sign on the shed near the rifle lanes that has the owner's name and phone number. Call the number and see if he is available to meet you and take your dues. He lives just right up the hill and is typically more than happy to walk down and give you the orientation."

Owl Hollow Gun Club

- OS

thanks! didnt know it was back in biz. thats great news. I get to relive old times from being a kid!

Well, the guys have given you some great advice!

I would suggest running down the safety basics before you go shooting.....and a BIG plus would be if you could find a good gun safety video that she could watch. Women definitely don't like being told what to do by their husbands/boyfriends, so the less instructing you actually do the better off you'll be.

I'd try to start with a .22 and work your way up to the bigger calibers. Before you let her shoot, run down the basics of the gun....like the safety, mag/cylinder release, etc. Show her how to load it, you shoot the first mag/cylinder then let her have at it.

Try to say as little as possible and just make sure she's handling the gun safely. Don't push her into a bigger caliber if she's not ready. Let her call the shots and you'll be a much happier man in the end!

Originally Posted by PackinMama

Well, the guys have given you some great advice!

I would suggest running down the safety basics before you go shooting.....and a BIG plus would be if you could find a good gun safety video that she could watch. Women definitely don't like being told what to do by their husbands/boyfriends, so the less instructing you actually do the better off you'll be.

I'd try to start with a .22 and work your way up to the bigger calibers. Before you let her shoot, run down the basics of the gun....like the safety, mag/cylinder release, etc. Show her how to load it, you shoot the first mag/cylinder then let her have at it.

Try to say as little as possible and just make sure she's handling the gun safely. Don't push her into a bigger caliber if she's not ready. Let her call the shots and you'll be a much happier man in the end!

Thank you Mama!

How did it go at the range for your wife today, TNTitan?

Originally Posted by dizzielizzie

How did it go at the range for your wife today, TNTitan?

Range went very well.. I gave her the safety basics and let her loose (watching carefully). She listened very well and executed perfectly. We shot for a bit, she felt the kick.. learned a good stance and how to squeeze, and when she was done, we left and went to dinner.

Today was even better. We went to Guns and Leather to take our HCP class. Success!! We had a "blast". Wife did great. Mark Crabtree, the instructor, was very professional - but also hilarious, which made the time go by and we both learned a lot. Many ladies in the class which surprised her. She felt nice and comfy and was laughing and talking with others before too long... she also blew the h#ll out of those targets! Needless to say, we both got our certificates and now she has her eye on a S&W 642 with a pink grip. Who knew? Shes starting to refer to herself as "Calamity Jane".... what have I created?

Now I guess its on to the DMV...