If you are new to the shooting sports, or haven't shot in a while and are thinking of starting up again, some great advice; go small - have fun - save money!
I'm at the range a lot and one thing I inevitably see from time to time, is a guy teaching/showing his wife/girlfriend how to shoot with his full size-full power 1911 or Smith & Wesson .357 or .44 Magnum.
After just a few shots her hands sting, her ears are ringing and she isn't hitting anything, he may even be stupidly smiling at her consternation and, based on the look on her face after he turns around to "show the little lady how it's done", she sure isn't having fun and won't be coming back again.
So unless your goal is to drive your significant other or date away from the sport (and you), try "going small" for those first few trips.
I like to start new shooters, male and female, out with a little .22 at about 20 to 25 feet. Like the Browning Buckmark or Ruger Bearcat pictured. Or choose a similar Ruger Mk III or Single Six in .22. They are all available from the rental stable at most gun ranges for around $10 for the whole session and a box of ammo for a .22 that's only about $5 - $7 for 50 rounds. I want them to not only hit the target, but have fun doing it and walk away eager for more.
Resist the temptation and leave your hand cannons at home for a first few trips and concentrate on helping them have a good time. 22s have no recoil, are relatively quiet by comparison and are easy to hit targets at a reasonable distance and are cheap to shoot. The lack of recoil helps develop a good, consistent grip and stance as well as great trigger control with no "flinching".
Afer a few fun trips, where they take home a target to show all their friends how good they are getting, ease the newcomer into a .380 or .38 special and let them decide where their comfort zone is as far as caliber and size goes.
But don't be surprised if they stay with a .22. After more than 50 years of shooting I still always bring 1 or 2 to the range with me when I go. Sometimes I even loan one to people like that couple I described above and save a blossoming relationship.
