On Deck Shooters

Garrett Boop

Creating the Experience

Another example of a simple connection was a recent class I had the opportunity to help lead with 3-Gun Nation Pro Shooter, Buddy Knight. The idea for an Introduction to 3-Gun class came about because Buddy worked with someone whose son participated in a local Venture Crew Program.

Venture Crew is an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America. This specific Venture Crew focuses on introducing the young members of the group to the shooting sports. When they found out about Buddy's involvement in 3-Gun, they were eager to arrange a class for some of their young members.

Here was a great opportunity to give some potential future shooters their first taste of the game. Of course, we’ve probably all experienced the realization that a bad first impression can be worse than none at all.

Like with anything else, an opportunity to introduce someone to shooting is just that: an opportunity. I had an opportunity to talk about shooting with my co-worker, and it’s a good thing I didn’t follow my first instinct. Making the most of the opportunity is the real challenge.

With the young men at this 3-Gun class, I knew actual shooting would compete with every other kind of entertainment and activity available to them. Shooting is fun, but it’s demanding on resources, time, and attention. It’s important to respect the critical balance of enjoyment and responsibility we face introducing someone to shooting.

One key to the success of this class was the demonstrations and mock stages, designed for individuals of all skill levels. The targets were big and, often, as close as safety would allow. The students were never more than an arm's reach from an instructor, and there were several experienced teachers present to answer questions and provide demonstrations.

At the end of the day, the whole group was eagerly asking when we could schedule another day together on the range. Ultimately, the class required a day of time and the use of our equipment, but the smiles and new interest in the sport were well worth it.

Opportunities like this and simple positive exposure at any level are so important to getting new people involved in shooting.

Recently, some of the women in my church decided to organize a "ladies only" introduction to pistol shooting class to get more people involved. They contacted a local indoor range and secured an instructor who specialized in beginner pistol courses.

To their surprise, it turned out there was too much interest from ladies in the church and their female friends and family members. They had to schedule two classes to accommodate everyone.

My wife participated, and like many, enjoyed the environment an all-ladies class provided. It turned out a lot of the women were interested in learning more about guns. They just didn’t know who to ask or where to start the process of learning about firearm safety and use.

They needed someone to come along and create an opportunity for them.

Finding the Opportunity

It is possible some of your friends are looking for someone to get them involved. Maybe a "ladies only" or youth introduction class could be the way to get people started. The point is, we can’t expect everyone to come to us.

It might be time for you to share your passion and introduce someone new to the shooting sports. Do not overlook the connections you already have at work, church, or even in your neighborhood.

You can introduce someone with a one-on-one experience on the range, a structured class, or an invitation to be a spectator at a match. Remember to keep it fun, and make sure you are monitoring the new person's interest level. The ultimate goal is to open their eyes and get the spark started in a fun and safe manner.

Those of us who love shooting have a tough job because most of what normal people see paints guns and gun lovers in a bad light. We also have an easy job because the truth is on our side. Most shooters friendly, conscientious people, and shooting is great fun and safe when done responsibly.

The more people we get involved with shooting in a positive, constructive manner, the more people there will be to help protect the shooting sports and the freedoms we enjoy.