I have some friends coming over labor day weekend and they expressed interest in going to the range.
Father and 14yo son. They have minimal experience but have handled pistols a time or two.
Is it appropriate for a newb, like me, to do basic safety lessons and familiarization with them?
I suppose a lot of folks just pack up and go to the range, "Here, shoot this", but I would like to first know when the time is right to teach someone else, and if so, how.
Unless someone points out something that would prevent me from doing this safely, here is what I plan.
Before we go to the range, we will discuss things in the garage. (I keep all my ammo outside, in the truck, and there is never any in the garage.) I will clear all the weapons just before they come.
We will talk about the important rules, using examples and demonstration of the rules and basic handling.
NRA Gun Safety Rules
I will have them each handle the weapon and demonstrate back to me the important things previously demonstrated ie... all guns are loaded til they check, muzzle awareness, finger off the trigger til about to fire, no handling when people downrange etc.
We will handle the gun; load the magazine, rack the
slide, dry fire, reminder that it is ready to go again immediately (mine are all s-a). Remove mag, draw slide back to empty, and check barrel. All this time I will be watching and testing them on the rules taught above.
Then we will go to the range. Safety goggles and ear protection, appropriate clothing. Range rules.
One gun out at a time, one shooter at a time for now.
Handle gun again, as at home, to refresh memory.
Then, load magazine with ammo and fire at some paper.