Activism on the most local level

[DT Guy]

There have been an unprecedented number of first-time gun buyers in the last several months; one large gunshop near me reports that about half of their sales are to first-time gun owners.

These sales were largely prompted by one thing-fear. The pandemic, the unrest across the nation and the potential for coming restrictions are making people who've never wanted a gun before realize it might be wiser to have one available.

Some of those people will never so much as load the gun; they'll keep it, talisman-like, to ward off evil from the bottom of a dresser drawer, or locked cabinet.

Others will get some minimal instruction, or qualify for a CCW. Among those, many won't carry, but some will.

An even smaller number will turn from 'gun-owners' to 'shooters', and that is our opportunity to have an impact on our gun-rights futures.

When I see an obviously new shooter on the range, I go out of my way to be helpful; non-judgmental, not pedantic, not condescending. I try hard to be a good face for the shooting sports, and for the people who shoot in general. This is partly out of simple courtesy, but partly in the hope that I can help change that 'gun-owner' into a 'shooter'. Maybe even a hobbyist-maybe, if I'm lucky, the sort of 'gun person' who starts a collection, visits the range weekly and visits gun forums.

Why do I consider this 'activism'? Simple; a 'gun person' will begin to value their gun rights, will learn the history and purpose of the second amendment, and will start to support those who support our rights. It will become an issue of importance to them, driving their voting, their membership in gun rights organizations and all the other things that will protect our collective future gun ownership.

If I can help get someone hooked on shooting, I'm broadening our base, and making us stronger. Here's how:
1. When someone mentions an interest in shooting, I offer to take them to the range; my guns, my ammo, my time teaching them to shoot (I'm an NRA instructor.) I give them a friendly, safe look at the sport.
2. When I see someone struggling at the range, I'll offer (in an appropriate, inoffensive way) to assist them, whether it's loading the weapon, grip and stance or basic marksmanship.
3. When someone mentions they've purchased a gun, but haven't gotten any formal instruction, I again offer a range trip to get them started on operating their new gun safely, the basics of marksmanship and even range etiquette (I'm consistently amazed at how intimidated new shooters are at the prospect of visiting a range.)
4. I'll visit the gun shop with them to help them select their first gun, if they haven't already gotten one but are interested in making a selection (after offering them anything they want from my collection to shoot and try first, of course.)

I'm not setting the world on fire, but I believe there are a number of people more interested in the shooting sports because of these efforts; and I also believe they're going to be voting for pro-gun candidates and joining gun rights groups.

It's possible not everyone will agree, but to my mind, this is 'activism' that actually makes a difference.

Larry

 

[bdickens]

Gets a thumbs up from me!

 

[hso]

It is an excellent idea to look for new shooters to help them, but it needs to go beyond just taking the opportunity to help someone looking for help.

Organize a group of fellow shooters and make it known that the group is offering basic handgun training for first time gun owners. That might be social media, clubs, or even get a small local paper interested in a human interest story. Talk to the gun shops and ranges and offer to post a flyer or have them advertise that there's a group of volunteers to help first time shooters. One on one to promote safety, skills, and fellowship as the opportunity presents is great, but amplifying our pro 2A voice goes a bit further than that.

That's why I volunteered at Operation Blazing Sword years ago. I'd already let local women's and LGBTQ groups know that I would provide basic handgun safety and skills training to anyone that wanted it (even if they didn't own a gun) when the now President of Pink Pistols came up with the idea for Blazing Sword. Now there are a thousand volunteers across the country on the registry to help with training.

If you want to get into an existing group instead of putting one together check your state Dpt. Natural Resources or 4H or youth shooting sports organizations since they're usually begging for volunteers

 

[magyars4]

We've held women's firearms instruction and range time here on the farm a few times. Give the Ladies some basic overview....let them handle a number of handguns, explain the difference s, go over cartridges... Then a bit of trigger time.
We know a number of them have bought their first handgun after time with us..

 

[mokin]

... If you want to get into an existing group instead of putting one together check your state Dpt. Natural Resources or 4H or youth shooting sports organizations since they're usually begging for volunteers

Agree 100%. In many places the infrastructure is already there. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. I've noticed that at events where I've helped out, the organizers are very appreciative for the help. Some events are limited by the amount of help available. It is very encouraging to a new shooter to learn there is a community out there to support them.