File:N00b with a shotgun.jpg

English: Katherine (first time shooter) with a Remington 870. She started the day with a little apprehension and ended up going through a lot of buck and slugs. The Mesa Tactical LEO Hydraulic Recoil stock made the 12-gauge shotgun shove her, not punch her. I tried to make sure she had proper stance, but since she was left-handed I missed that she was on the wrong knee here.

We're getting a lot of experience introducing n00bs to guns and shooting. Here's some advice for ensuring it goes smoothly and everyone has a good time:

1. Emphasize safety. I do that anyway, and start every fun shoot with a safety lecture and an overview of the range rules. But I have found that if you can show a nervous n00b how easy it is to be safe around firearms, she relaxes and feels a lot better about shooting. Most n00bs are frankly afraid of guns.

2. No barking. While discussing the safety and handling rules, I also emphasize that there is a lot for a n00b to learn and she will probably make mistakes. We will be watching very carefully and won't let her get into trouble. No one will yell at her, and she shouldn't feel bad if she experiences momentary lapses. We leave the R Lee Ermey impersonations at the bar; if people want to be yelled at all day long they can join the Marines.

3. Start with .22s. No recoil, little noise, a lot less threatening than centerfire rifles and handguns, .22s are ideal for n00bs. I have a .22LR version of just about everything, including two dedicated .22LR AR-15s (no bullet buttons, ra!). Once your n00b is comfortable with the .22s, she will beg you to let her at the centerfire rifles and shotguns.