What to say, What to say....

[bilgerat57]

Working off-shore, I run into a number of young men with little or no experince with firearms. Recently I was talking with a young man who expressed an interest in buying a 'gun'. I asked what he wanted it for and he indicated that he was looking for something like a rifle or shotgun he could use for home defense and/or deer hunting. Other than that, he had no idea what he wanted. He barely knows which end the bullet comes out. How do you answer something like that? I can direct him to a hunters safety class, no problem. Where can I send him to learn about the basics of how a weapon works, and to get familiar with different calibers. I can tell him my preferences for given needs, but all that does is pass on my own 'prejudices'. They work fine for me, but he hasn't my background or experience. Our time ashore is limited, so I want to steer him into a quality program or course. He's from the Austin area, but we are home ported out of Houston. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!

[RECIT]

I think any range that offers a basic firearms safety course would be great. Or offer to take him to the range if you like him that much. Give him your own basic instruction and make him learn the major gun safety rules.

[The Annoyed Man]

I think any range that offers a basic firearms safety course would be great. Or offer to take him to the range if you like him that much. Give him your own basic instruction and make him learn the major gun safety rules.

That would work. Also, pending that kind of opportunity, search the NRA website for instructors in his area. He sounds like he could use a NRA Basic Handgun, Rifle, or Shotgun class.

[Jumping Frog]

+1 for NRA Basic Course.

[RoyGBiv]

You're talking about an adult... with an adult job... a job that requires attention to safety. If he's exhibiting safe behavior on the rig, you already have some confidence in his ability to act maturely where safety issues are concerned. Just start out by reminding him that you take gun safety as seriously as your company takes rig safety, and that if he shows you he doesn't take gun safety with the same maturity, you're out immediately.

If you feel comfortable with his reaction, sit with him for a half hour and explain (no guns) the safety basics. Then bring out a gun (empty) and let him handle it, keeping in mind the safety rules you just discussed. If you STILL feel comfortable, take him to a local range and let him shoot for a while. Again, reminding him always of the basic safety rules.

Now he has a solid base to make his next choices. Ask him how he feels. See how you feel, and go from there... The options for further learning are myriad. Many good one's already touched on here. Good on you for considering helping a n00b get started with the proper mindset. I've taught a few n00bs, my children and given several anti's their first gun lessons. I've also taught a few n00b motorcycle riders how to ride. IMO, the biggest favor you can teach them, before you ever agree to teach them is to say...

"What were about to do can be a lifetime of fun, but it's also serious business. A foolish mistake can cost you or me or someone else a lifetime of pain, or their life. Some people have a casual attitude about handling guns (motorcycles). I don't. I'm happy to teach you what I know, and help you find more resources when your interest exceeds my knowledge, but the moment you show me that you don't take safety as seriously as I do is the moment I cut you loose. I won't let you endanger my life and I won't be responsible in any way for putting a gun (motorcycle) in the hands of someone who won't handle it responsibly. Drinking, drugs, stupidity or childish behavior do not mix with guns (motorcycles) at any time, ever."

[tbrown]

+1 for NRA Basic Course.

+2, especially if you don't have the time (or skills or desire) to teach him yourself

Times have changed. Used to be the guys working offshore (and similar jobs) grew up hunting and fishing. Kudos to you for taking an interest in helping guide this young man.

[RHenriksen]

Well said! This bears quoting/repeating.

IMO, the biggest favor you can teach them, before you ever agree to teach them is to say...

"What were about to do can be a lifetime of fun, but it's also serious business. A foolish mistake can cost you or me or someone else a lifetime of pain, or their life. Some people have a casual attitude about handling guns (motorcycles). I don't. I'm happy to teach you what I know, and help you find more resources when your interest exceeds my knowledge, but the moment you show me that you don't take safety as seriously as I do is the moment I cut you loose. I won't let you endanger my life and I won't be responsible in any way for putting a gun (motorcycle) in the hands of someone who won't handle it responsibly. Drinking, drugs, stupidity or childish behavior do not mix with guns (motorcycles) at any time, ever."

[bilgerat57]

I do appreciate the replies. Part of the problem here is that I work on towboats and chemical barges. I don't stay on one boat for an extended period. I don't mind teaching, but I purely do hate not being able to do a comprehensive job of it. I was kind of hoping to find a fairly comprehensive course to recommend, something with a good reputation. Again though, the difficulty comes in being away from home so much. I advised this young man to consult with some local CHL instructors and/or NRA course instructors, to see if they could help him find a shooting club that would be available to him. This way he can learn as he has time available and get the widest degree of experience before he makes a decision. I also showed him this website and encouraged him to check into NRA as well as TSRA memberships. If anyone knows of an instructor in the Austin area who is particularly good with "newbies" I would appreciate a message to pass on to this young man. Thanks for the help!