Editor's Note: With last week's research from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) indicating that at least twenty percent of all new shooters today are young, female and urban, this feature by Tactical Wire editor Rich Grassi seemed especially relevant. It is important that we all realize that new shooters aren't an irritant, they're the future of the shooting sports. We need to welcome them with open arms, and genuine offers of assistance, not demonstrations of our personal expertise. -----

So this is what you want to use to start a new shooter? With magnum loads?

Our Publisher did an analysis of the annual Firearms Retailer Survey Report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation in our parent service The Outdoor Wire last June. His conclusions? There are more new gun buyers now making first time purchases than ever before and they're not the same as first time buyers of the past. There is an increase in the number of first-time buyers purchasing firearms and more women are frequenting gun shops and ranges. The numbers run by FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System-NICS-have been growing for more than a decade. Retailers are increasing services, holding training programs and events for women. Social media allows gun owners a way to share their sport. New gun owners = new shooters = the potential future of (1) the shooting industry, (2) continuation of our lifestyle, the gun culture, and (3) they are the best guardians of the cause of civil rights and civil liberties moving forward into the future.

The most forceful cannons may not be the best choice for a beginner.

So we see internet videos where a young lady is given a firearm that has high intensity recoil, see her feebly try to shoot it and see the gun inflict pain, injury in one case and a distinct displeasure with the Alpha-Hotel who had her shoot that gun - and, too often, it's spread to discredit the whole shooting community. We constantly hear tales of women buying that first handgun - the data seem to indicate that the first concern is defense, safety and self-sufficiency - who are sold guns that are too big, of too high-intensity caliber for a new shooter or is not otherwise practical for every day carry or even to keep in proximity while at home. Some try to go to training - a vastly expensive proposition when the class is of 3 - 4 days duration, with registration, ammo costs, time off of work, possibly travel, lodgings - and get told to "be a warrior," among other things.

Using .22 caliber trainers - like this conversion on a Glock - is a good way to ease someone into the shooting world.

Based on the foregoing, it's apparent we need to approach this new paradigm differently than the old SOP. First, if you're in firearms retail or a training provider you need to understand your new patron. The objective is to get the new shooter into the package meant for that person - not to satisfy some sales goal or ego massage. I know people who are satisfied with nothing less than a service size auto pistol with a caliber beginning in "4" that's backed up by two magazines for constant. I confess that, due to some minor infirmity as well as a "less than permissive environment," I've not met that standard. I'm still here, for now. Learn to provide service to this customer. I've had students forced into guns too large and too abrasive for their physique and skill level. They each could get to a higher level, to one extent or another, properly brought along. And for those who don't, having the gun and having confidence in one's ability to use it is more important than a "lodge pin." Next, provide mentorship. Don't be the bully or the -"here, watch this"-type as you give the light 12 gauge loaded with 3-inch magnums to a slightly built young lady who's had no instruction and has no awareness of the potential of the piece so loaded. It's not funny and just serves to make you look like a jerk. Bring the new shooter (irrespective of gender) along. Make sure that you're serious about safety, dedicated to ensure that learning occurs and allow some fun as well. We're in this fight for the long term and the enemy is pulling out all stops. Shooting ourselves in the foot as we alienate new people to the shooting lifestyle is beyond incompetent; it's stupid. We're in the unique position to co-opt potential members of the anti-gun crowd and bring them to our side. Make our side attractive to them. Think about what you're doing. --Rich Grassi