morcey2
Member
Start them with a Magnum Research BFR in 45/70. If they can handle that, they can handle anything. 
Seriously though, I'm a firm believer in starting them with a rifle but bringing a handgun (both in 22) along. A lot of new shooters thing that a rifle has more recoil because it's bigger and has more mass while the opposite is true (if both are shooting the same round). I think it's easier for me to teach an absolute novice with a rifle because it's easier to control the muzzle for them if necessary. Bolt action/single shot makes it safer. I don't like semi-auto for this but if that's all you have, that's all you have. I'd still treat it as a single shot.
Just my $0.02.
Matt
Seriously though, I'm a firm believer in starting them with a rifle but bringing a handgun (both in 22) along. A lot of new shooters thing that a rifle has more recoil because it's bigger and has more mass while the opposite is true (if both are shooting the same round). I think it's easier for me to teach an absolute novice with a rifle because it's easier to control the muzzle for them if necessary. Bolt action/single shot makes it safer. I don't like semi-auto for this but if that's all you have, that's all you have. I'd still treat it as a single shot.
Just my $0.02.
Matt