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Generally, when I go to the range, I pretty much keep to myself. It's not that I'm anti-social, its just that I tend to mind my own business. If spoken to, I will certainly respond, but I just seldom start a conversation. And most people seem to avoid starting conversations with me. The wife says it's because I don't have a "friendly look."

Anyway, this morning while on the pistol end of the range, a young man was shooting in a lane adjacent to mine, and, well frankly he was doing poorly. I wanted to make a couple of suggestions to him, but just couldn't bring myself to stick my nose in his business. Well, during a "cold range" break, he said to me, "I wish I could shoot like you do." Without giving it a bit of thought, I found myself giving him a few pointers. Nothing special, just the usual "sight picture/trigger control" and a brief lecture about concentrating on what you're doing and ignoring what the people around you are doing. Darn if the young guy didn't actually start doing much better. Truthfully, I was surprised because I didn't think he would pay attention to what I was telling him.

When I picked up my gear to move down to the rifle range he actually took the time to thank me for the help.

After I set up at the rifle end, another young guy took up the lane to the left of me. This gentleman was not having too much luck either and during a break showed me his target. I watched him shoot a few rounds once the range was again declared hot, and then I suggested that he not rest the barrel of his rifle on the wooden bench top and gave him my .02 worth concerning trigger control. A few more shots and he was smiling like he'd gotten away with something. Surprisingly, he told me thanks too.

Now I'm no expert, but I will have to admit that it felt good to be able to help these too guys improve their marksmanship. So as far as I am concerned, it was a satisfying day at the range!

Y

You did good, it's always gratifying when you give advice and they listen.

My range sessions typically are 60/40. Sixty percent practicing techniques and forty percent assisting others with their techniques.

Very satisfying indeed.

R,
Bullseye

I'm coming from the other side. I would not be here (or shooting) if it wasn't for the gentleman who introduced me to bullseye shooting. I told my wife I was interested in getting a pistol. I was thinking .357 revolver. Practice with 38's and have the .357's for HD. My wife (who works in cardiac rehab.) had a patient who she knew was big into pistol shooting. He told her to give me his number and call him. Next thing I know I'm at the local indoor range trying out his High Standard .22 and Colt .45! He gave me all the basic tips and I made sure to listen. I never missed the target that first day (but I was shooting two handed also ). Two weeks later I purchased a Ruger Mark III competition target.....my very first pistol. Been having a blast and he still helps me out every Tuesday. Now I'm gearing up for the men's summer pistol league. Yesterday I had my first ever "all ten in the black" on slow fire!

Being or having a "mentor" for anything can be very satisfying. Good for you guys on helping others out.

JJ

Helping new shooters is the life blood of this sport. If experienced shooters don't help others then the sport would die on the vine rather than span generations.

R,
Bullseye

I pretty much just shoot and hope the other guys dont have too big a boomer. Im usually 22BR.

I do recall about 40 yrs ago I was at the range w/ a K22. I was having trouble hitting much. The only other fellow offered me help. Suggested I post the target with the bull not showing and just concentrate on the sight(s). I did better. He invited me back on that day next week or every week cause he always shot on Wed. I never met him again but much later found out he had looottts of experience and shot many times at Camp Perry. I was shooting at the time in Toledo. Such is life.

I remember way back when, I was a young buck at a state highpower match shooting my service rifle. This lady on my relay starts offering me little suggestions on how to refine my position. I didn't know her from Adam but she looked older than dirt. "Don"t grip that forestock so tight, loosen up your grip," she said. Me, a basic novice didn't really pay her much mind. After all, I was a good shot, I just didn't have a lot of experience under my belt. I did notice that this lady was shooting pretty well but I wasn't really tracking her scores. Later that day, someone asked me, "How'd Noma do?" I said, "Who?" He then proceeded to explain how I had one of the top woman Highpower rifle shooters in the world on my firing point. I did and she was offering me some good advice. She did win the match, not high woman, the match. But I was too naive to have noticed until the awards ceremony. That woman's name was Noma Zinsmaster and had I known who she was before the match, I'm sure I would have paid much closer attention to her advice. As is was, I spent a lot of time out on the range relearning the things that she offered me the hard way. She never pushed, just made subtle suggestions that I could take or leave. Unfortunately that day, I left a lot of them behind.

Here's a link to who I'm talking about. http://gunvideo.com/pgroup_descrip/82/6901/

R,
Bullseye

Great story, Bullseye. Ever thought about how much that free advice would have cost if you had sought her coaching?

Most of the folks I see at the range I use are friendly, interested in shooting and willing to share knowledge about their firearms and shooting. What I see is a far cry from the stereotypes you see too often about us "gun nuts." I've had a lot of help with my shooting from folks willing to offer advice and I think I've helped a few.

I agree Greener, the nuts are few and far between, but unfortunately they garner a lot of attention when they do something stupid. Most of the folks I've met over the years have been friendly and helpful. Most would literally give you the shirts off their backs. More than a few times I've shared my equipment with someone who either didn't have any or their's broke. I know, I've been beaten by my own guns a few times throughout the years. But I look at it this way, It's the spirit of competition that makes it great, not winning all the time.

I've really enjoyed the camaraderie of the competitors, especially after the match is done and everyone starts relaxing and sharing the day's firing line stories. Particularly the ones shared on "Leg" day, everyone has a sob story when they're below the cut. Hang around the "wailing wall" and just listen as folks come up to view their scores. You'll walk away with a smile, I guarantee it.

R,
Bullseye

Your post dont say what part of the USA you are from. In this parts, the nuts seem to have had good grops for many years. Maybe we can send you some.

The thing that seems to be wore are the 'range slobs' that seem to be coming out of the woodwork. Everything is shot up.

langenc, there are always the 2% who make a bad name for the rest. I live in Richmond, VA. Some of the 2% show up at the range I use, but since it's members only, they get weeded out.