[ED: We ran this post back at the beginning of the pandemic, in the days when gun stores were jammed and lockdowns had just been ordered. There were lots of first-time gun owners who couldn’t get even basic training IRL. Over two years later, we now have millions of new gun owners who can, have and are getting out there. But we’re under no illusions that everyone has the inclination, time, or disposable income to train they way the should. And in a time of rising inflation, disposable income is shrinking. So here once again is that earlier post. The tips in the videos are still just as valid and valuable. Send a link to someone you think could benefit from learning (or re-learning) the basics.]
First, the good news during a tough time. As a result of the declaration of a national emergency, America now has thousands, maybe tens of thousands of new gun owners. Not just owners of new guns…people who are brand-spanking new to gun ownership.
Whether that translates into more support for gun rights down the road is a matter of debate (see this post if you want to discuss the point). We certainly hope so.
The bad news, though, is that very few of those new gun owners can get out to shoot their new guns at a range, let alone get basic safety or marksmanship 101 type instruction. Like most of us, they’re stuck at home for the foreseeable future.
That doesn’t mean, however, that they can’t do some things to prepare themselves for success and learn some basics before they ever fire a live round.
YouTube has thousands of training videos — some good, some, well, not so much — that new gun owners can watch and begin to learn the basics. There are also plenty of at-home drills (featuring lots and lots of dry fire practice) to start learning the basics of safe gun handling, the proper grip, and good trigger finger position.
Here are five short videos to get you started, beginning with the late, great R. Lee Ermey and Team GLOCK going over the all-important Four Rules of Firearm Safety. Watch and learn these rules first before you go any further.
Once you have that down, you need to know how to properly grip your new handgun.
Getting the right grip on your gun is good, but trigger finger placement is important, too.
“Dry fire” practice is something every gun owner can and should do at home. It costs nothing and is a great way to practice and improve your draw, presentment, trigger pull and shooting from the comfort of your own home.
Finally, this one has good overall coverage of stance and other basics.
