I've happend across a girlfriend within the last month who absolutly loves harleys with as much or more passion than me I don't have to ask her if she wants to go for a ride ever, she keeps asking me when are we going to ride next. Anyway she wanted to go to the local match with me and towards the end she asked if she could try it out I said hell yes and let her try my dads rifle out(an older savage anschutz) mind you she's never shot a firearm of any kind she got 4 chickens in a row and then got 3 pigs. She loved it and I am totally stoked that she wants to try it again. She did have some issues holding the rifle and looking through the scope with the right eye but she loved it. The one issue she had was eveyone was way to excited and wanting to show her the "right way" to hold the rifle. She just wants to have fun to begin with and then she may get serious about it. I have an original T-Bolt that she can use with a 6.5x20 luepy on top with a dot. Perfect I hope. If not dad has some extra rifles she can try. Finally we get to my question; the problem is she just wants me to teach her how to shoot and no one else so how do I politely tell the people at the match who want to help and get her to have fun to back off without looking like an asshole?

Uh huh. Sounds like a sand bagger to me!

Tell the youngsters she's taken? And tell the Old Farts not to act creepy?

It would be easier if she did the telling instead of you. Just have her say that she's just getting started and it's way too hard to learn from more than one teacher at a time and figure out which parts from each she can use, so you're going to teach her for now.

Beat up the first one - that should do the trick.

mordecai wrote:Beat up the first one - that should do the trick.

I like this approach best so far.

Kind of like your first day in prison.


I know what you mean and have had to deal with the same situation. Some folks can be WAAAAY to open with advice whether it be a girlfriend, son/daughter... or even yourself. I get the feeling sometimes where I just want to tell people to back off of me and let me figure things out for myself. I know they mean well but I like to learn on my own and develop my own ideas before I jump in the pool with every one. I think that you could serve your new lady friend well by taking her shooting just the two of you. Invest in a half-set of silhouette steels for $80.00 and take her to the range on a non-match day and let her just have fun. No pressure... just fun. You and her enjoying each others friendly company.

I think that it is one of the tougher things in life to tell "helpful" people to back off. I think that saying "we need a little space" in the most polite tone might go a long way, but even some of the best intentions are often lost on the pushies. Oh, and if your new girl is a "range bunny" then they may be trying to move in on your turf and I suggest employing mordecai's ass kicking approach.

As an 30+ year instructor...couple comments.
One you said she was having a problem looking out of the right eye...have her shoot dominant eye, no matter what which is dominant hand, or work with a blinder.

Second..good luck on the relationship, RARELY can that kind of relationship withstand that kind of training, similar to teaching a spouse to drive.....
i even ended up spotting for one half this last weekend to avoid having a domestic going on next to me.

Third, I encourage all new shooters (and older more experienced, as well) to listen to all opinions, because it may work for them, this can be tough, one of my youngsters Rachel Reninger had a very hard time when I was not at a match with her, despite setting her up with a great spotter/coach, he simply had a different technique.

Fourth, she may not be as uncomfortable with a female offering advice, it can be intimidating for all the sudden interest from the guys.

Last realize that not all person enjoy competition, mine loves to shoot but is simply not interested in disciplined competition.

Good luck, have fun and hope to meet her in Pe Ell.

Mary

All I can add is... Shakes it looks like your in real trouble

I agree with Jason. The general story line should be; I am getting way too many different sugestions. I need to listen to only one person to keep from getting confused. But... I'm sure she won't shut them all up. They just want to help a rookie.

I kinda like Mikes approach as well but that would be bad in front of her. Thanks for all the advice everybody and I'll tell her to maybe let people know that she doesnt need the help but appreciates the offers.

Mary, you will get to meet her at Conard this weekend. I convinced her to come with me . Maybe you can give a piece of wisdom

Matt:

I think she made a great impression at the match and you guys look very happy together.

Byron

The "Stay the H*** away from my shooter" approach has always worked for me.....To the point, leaves no room for misunderstanding....Congratulations on bringing a new shooter to the sport...getting harder and harder to do so these days...good job.

Kitty

It sounds like there may be 3 rings in your future! First the engagement ring, then the wedding ring and finally the suffering!

JB, look at the bright side, there will not be much suffering when she learns to out shoot him.

Innocent

Well test the green meter reading first...see you soon buddy!

Innocent