Quote:
Originally Posted by freedom790
In my experience taking females shooting, especially when it is their first time, they're often intimidated by the noise and the recoil. Good hearing protection goes a long way. Explaining safe handling is always a given, but also explaining what the gun will and won't do helps to relieve some of the intimidation factor. For example, I explain that the gun will not fire unless the trigger is pulled, will not jump out of their hand, will not hit them in the face, etc.
My biggest pet peeve is shooters, both male and female, that lean so far back when shooting pistols or hold the firearm like it's made of (insert random gross material here). If it's my student I will correct them on the spot. I'll usually end up explaining and demonstrating good form several times before the range session is complete, but once range session two comes around the shooter always has a good foundation to build on.
ETA: I just realized I am in the women's forum, I'm not a woman.
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Well, you had good intentions. Unfortunately, you may be approaching the situation in a way might not help as much as you think you're helping.
Or, to put it bluntly,
"Be careful to not make an arse of yourself."
--You SHOULD NOT walk over and just start giving tips.--
Extremely unsafe gun handling etc would be an exception, however, you should refrain from criticizing or assisting a brand new female shooter for minor things when she isn't your student, or arrive in your company.
Do not try to help them just because the way they shoot, or their posture is annoying to you.
If you feel like a lady at the range really needs help, and her company (if present) isn't trying to help, you should start by introducing yourself to the group. If you're an instructor, or have really good shooting qualifications or verifiable experience, work that into the introduction.
If they haven't asked for tips or advice by now, and you still feel like you need to bestow some knowledge, you could try some ice-breaking questions such as:
"How long have you been shooting?"
"How do you like the gun you're using?"
"Is it comfortable for you stand like that?"
DO NOT end these sentences with anything that starts with "you should" or "you could" or "why don't you try..."
After some more talking and more shooting, if they still haven't asked for your advice, you might try progressing to this kinda stuff:
"Would you like to try something different (regarding stance, hands, etc.)".
Here's the part where you STOP to let them answer AND then LISTEN to what they are saying.
If they say "No" or "No thanks," or "maybe next time" then you need to walk away.
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