Do you let strangers shoot your guns at the range???

DennisCA · Jul 24, 2014

I've posted this question on a couple of gun forums but I would like to see what what you folks have to say about this

I own most C&R guns, nothing extraordinary or rare but a nice collection (IMHO) never-the-less. Once and a while when I am at a (outdoor) range, someone (usually someone next to me) ask if can shoot one of my C&R rifles (that I am shooting or ones I have with me). In most cases I have said yes, although I'll load it for them and then give them a short instruction on the rifle before handing it to them and I'm very-very near by.
To me it's a great way to introduce someone who doesn't own a C&R rifle or has seen a particular rifle that may out on the range that day!
Short Story:
On one particular trip I was shooting my Steyr M95 (A.K.A. The A * * Kicker) and there were some young guys next to me shooting .223's. On one of the breaks we were talking about the guns each of us brought. One of the guys asked if he could shoot the Steyr and of course I said yes. After one clip (5 rounds) he looked at me and said "I'm done". When he got up he was moving his right shoulder a bit (I told him prior that kicks a bit but he didn't seem to believe me - before).
I'm assuming the recoil was a bit more than he was used to. :lol:

StantonCree · Jul 24, 2014

Of course! I will even be on the other end and ask. Great way to try new toys.

JB62 · Jul 24, 2014

Yep, do not have anything too crazy but people have asked and I have obliged. Someone did ask to shoot my 870 when sighting in the slug barrel. Do not think they enjoyed it after the first one. Has since been retired from that role but 3 inch slugs would kick.

Indiana Jones · Jul 24, 2014

Absolutely. Anyone who doesn't is an *******. End of story.

Sent from the Bantu Wind using Tapatalk.

Bertfish · Jul 24, 2014

Yes. I've shared firearms and had them shared with me. Bunch of guys were eyeballing my STG556 at Elk Neck and were real happy when I offered to let them shoot it. I was letting my girlfriend rent and try a bunch of 22s at Freestate one day and a gentleman offered his S&W 22A for her to try without me asking.

Shooting isn't just about guns; there is a social aspect too.

SRD · Jul 24, 2014

Yes,to an extent.

Arcamm · Jul 24, 2014

I think it's a terrible idea.
A guy let my wife shoot his 1911, she loved it and ran out and bought a Colt Gold Cup.

I was going to by an Ar with that money....

MikeTF · Jul 24, 2014

Absolutely YES! .... and if they don't like it, I'm not offended (Especially when it comes to handguns: it is a personal decision, there is no wrong answer).

Half-cocked · Jul 24, 2014

Yes, happily. Unless they creep me out for some reason, which is rare - but it happens.

GoGoGadget · Jul 24, 2014

mpdc4511 said:
Of course! I will even be on the other end and ask. Great way to try new toys.

Ditto this ^^^

Love trying out new equipment and letting people try out my gear if they're interested.

KH195 · Jul 24, 2014

I'll happily let anyone shoot anything I have at the range except for class 3 stuff, just not going to take that risk.

Uncle Duke · Jul 24, 2014

Arcamm said:
I think it's a terrible idea.
A guy let my wife shoot his 1911, she loved it and ran out and bought a Colt Gold Cup.

I was going to by an Ar with that money....

Now that's just funny!

WeaponsCollector · Jul 24, 2014

My favorite visits to the range involve shooting other people's guns and letting them shoot mine.

lx1x · Jul 24, 2014

I typically do.. Unless I find the person not being safe.

Machodoc · Jul 24, 2014

Yepper! That's one of the biggest joys of owning them. I've often taken people whom I only know casually--and especially when they have older kids who are interested in history--to the range with me, just so they can experience firing stuff that not many people have even heard about. I'll soon be taking a road trip with one of my sons to visit my favorite brother, who I don't get to see often, and we'll be taking a small arsenal of stuff that he hasn't ever shot before. It's actually a toss-up between whether I like to shoot more, or I like to introduce someone new to shooting more.

As for strangers at the range ... if they show interest in what I'm shooting, they'll be invited to try it ... unless I'm really low on that ammo, or I've seen them acting like an idiot.

BUFF7MM · Jul 24, 2014

Anybody I meet at the range is more than welcome to shoot anything I've got with me.

Robert1955 · Jul 24, 2014

I have not, besides friends and family I took to the range. But if asked and I felt ok with the person then sure. Like has been said before most of us are good people.

jwh2000 · Jul 24, 2014

Yes, I have made many friends at the range and got to try many different guns.

Straightshooter · Jul 24, 2014

I have loaned my rifle to a friend at a shooting event. He beat me withy own gun and took a ham home. The scoundrel is a member here.

Dan_G · Jul 24, 2014

I'm usually the one asking the stranger if they want to shoot my guns.

Do you let strangers shoot your guns at the range???

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Active Member

Watch your beer

Ultimate Member

Wolverine

Throw bread on me

R.I.P.

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Senior Meatbag

Deplorable Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

EXTREME GUN OWNER

Peanut Gallery

Old Guy

☠Buff➐㎣☠

Ultimate Member

Active Member

Ultimate Member

Active Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics