What was the first firearm you ever shot?

[Alan]

I am curious to hear everyone’s stories, what was the very first firearm you ever shot and how did it go?

 

[Wadlow Palerider]

I started out shooting air rifles in 1968 or '69. I was close to 9 or 10 years old. The NRA came into the Public Grammar School. This was just North of Ft Worth TX. The school allowed them (NRA) 15 or 20 minutes per class to speak to us about gun safety. Then they passed around a list. If you were interested in learning more and your parents consented, they would put us in a gun safety class and upon completion, we could practice at a range with NRA members as our instructors - again, parental consent was required. I did all that, and the following summer while visiting relatives in North Central Arkansas - I got to shoot my first .22 single shot - bolt action rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun. The .22 went as expected. I was able to hit the Prince Albert can with moderate ease. I mean shooting a .22 short was not that far removed from some of the air rifles I was used to. The 12 gauge was a different experience. It didn't knock me off my feet but I did take a few steps backwards. I wanted to shoot it again, but the women there thought I had enough. So - how many of you can say you were visited by members of the National Rifle Association during school hours? How many think learning about gun safety at an early age is a good thing ?

 

[Alan]

I started out shooting air rifles in 1968 or '69. I was close to 9 or 10 years old. The NRA came into the Public Grammar School. This was just North of Ft Worth TX. The school allowed them (NRA) 15 or 20 minutes per class to speak to us about gun safety. Then they passed around a list. If you were interested in learning more and your parents consented, they would put us in a gun safety class and upon completion, we could practice at a range with NRA members as our instructors - again, parental consent was required. I did all that, and the following summer while visiting relatives in North Central Arkansas - I got to shoot my first .22 single shot - bolt action rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun. The .22 went as expected. I was able to hit the Prince Albert can with moderate ease. I mean shooting a .22 short was not that far removed from some of the air rifles I was used to. The 12 gauge was a different experience. It didn't knock me off my feet but I did take a few steps backwards. I wanted to shoot it again, but the women there thought I had enough. So - how many of you can say you were visited by members of the National Rifle Association during school hours? How many think learning about gun safety at an early age is a good thing ?

Early education like that goes a long way toward responsible handling and confidence