While I was waiting for a cease-fire so I could put out a couple of targets (empty clay pigeon boxes), a young man came over and asked me for advice on shooting his new pistol. He told me he had moved here from California just 2 months ago. He was obviously checking out this new-to-him freedom.
He and a young lady, who I assumed to be his wife, were having definite trouble hitting about a 8" target at 3 yards. I went over and gave him a couple of pointers. I briefly showed them how to hold the pistol (he was tea-cupping it) and a bit of instruction on stance. They took what I showed them to heart and went back to shooting. I also explained the importance of safe dry firing at home, stressing to make sure the pistol was unloaded and all ammo was in another room.
After the cease fire, I put some rounds through my shotgun and then thought that they might enjoy shooting it. I thought it might also be another small test of it's proper function with the new ammo.
When I invited them, he lit up and jumped at the chance. The young lady hesitated a bit, but I assured her it wasn't nearly as bad as she may have heard. It might be interesting to note that she was a small girl. I'm sure she was less than 5' tall and might have weighed 100 lbs, soaking wet.
After showing them what they needed to know (sight picture, stance, lean, & tight to shoulder), they were ready to go. They each missed on their first shot, but agreed the recoil wasn't bad. They both also hit the target with their second shot. They were both grinning from ear to ear!
I wrote this forum's URL and my screen name on the back of one of the range's business cards and gave it to them before I left. Hopefully, they will show up here soon. He said he is planning to get his CHL.
Side note: I had zero malfunctions with the new ammo. The Mossberg spit the empty hulls out with authority!
