There’s something undeniably exciting about being asked to help someone shoot a handgun for the first time. For instructors and experienced shooters, it’s a chance to share a skill we love. It’s something that has become second nature and even part of our identity. With regards brand new shooters stepping into this activity for the very first time, you can also experience a sense of pride and joy. 

But there’s also a responsibility.

When someone asks you to help them shoot for the first time, they’re placing an enormous amount of trust in you. It’s not just about showing them how to grip the gun or align the sights. You’re shaping their entire foundation. You’re actively forming so many aspects related to shooting such as their future safety habits and their confidence. You’ll also help to mold their understanding of recoil, noise and control. It all begins with you as their coach. When done correctly, you’re not just showing them how to hit a target. You’re also setting them up for a capable, safe and rewarding future with firearms. 

Everything starts with intention.

Keep It Safe, Keep It Light

The basics are non-negotiable. Eye protection, hearing protection, and strict adherence to the four basic rules of firearm safety must be in place before a single round is chambered. But how you teach those rules is just as important as what they mean.

If you come in heavy-handed by over-lecturing, overloading them with information or being too intimidating, you’re going to lose your student almost immediately. Most people retain information better when they’re having fun. It doesn’t mean that gun safety needs to be compromised, it simplys means that a good instructor should make the experience enjoyable enough to be memorable, not stressful. Let safety become part of the rhythm of the day, and not the punishment, before the fun starts.

Also, timing matters. Just because someone says, “I’d like to shoot a gun someday,” that doesn’t mean they’re ready right then. Let them come to you instead. Wait until they ask for help. When they do, be ready—not just with gear and ammo, but with patience and a plan.

Start Close, Stay Casual

There’s no need to start at 25 yards or with a man-sized silhouette target. One of the most effective ways to build confidence early is by setting up a large piece of cardboard at a closer distance and at chest height. If they can see the hole that their bullet makes—if they can see success, your students willl learn faster and feel more in control.

Don’t worry about complicated drills, reloads or multiple targets. Their first shooting experience should be simple and validating. That doesn’t mean it lacks structure. It only means every piece of structure supports their confidence, not your ego.

Stay close enough to touch them. Don’t crowd them, but remain close enough in order to step in and control the gun if they lose orientation. Keep in mind, they may not know what “flagging” is yet. That’s okay. This is why you’re there. 

Show them, guide them, correct them, and stay calm doing it.

Understand Their Goal

Before shooting, ask them: “Why are you here today?”

If they just want to feel “what it’s like to shoot a .44 Magnum,” that’s valid. In that case, for example, start them with a .38 Special revolver. This way, you can observe what their target experience, if any, is. If  your student is thinking about concealed carry, then tailor your demo firearm towards that category. Something like a compact striker-fired 9mm pistol or a snub revolver, if that’s what they’re leaning toward, would be good options. 

Understanding your student’s intent changes everything and will inform your approach to coaching them. With this understanding, you’ll know which details to emphasize, which platform to select and how to frame the experience to make it feel relevant. Shooting a gun for the first time isn’t just about taming recoil and getting used to the noise, it’s about the student feeling like they belong there. Your job as their coach is to help them belong.

One Round at a Time

Regardless of the style of firearm, load a single round first.

This gives them the full experience of loading and manipulating the gun. They’ll also have to take aim and  pull the trigger. With a single shot, there is no risk of an unintended second shot. It slows things down and gives you a chance to observe everything about their shot process: how they handle the gun, how they respond to recoil and how they reset after the shot.

The student’s first shots are also a crucial moment for spotting nerves. Most new shooters are a little nervous. That’s okay. A good experience with a single round can wipe that anxiety clean. A bad experience, especially one involving recoil, malfunction, or confusion can solidify fear. This is also why I like leaving junky guns or unreliable ammunition out of the equation. 

If they’re recoil-sensitive and want to try a .22 LR firearm, give them a rimfire firearm that runs. Just go ahead and skip that pawn shop plinker that stovepipes every eighth round. First impressions matter, and nothing is worse than turning someone off  a new activity due to needless failures.

Stay Focused on Them

Remember, you’re not there to shoot. Only your student is. Keep your gun holstered or off the line entirely. This prospective session is about them, not you. If you absolutely need to demonstrate something, please do it cleanly and return the focus to your student. Save your own practice for later.

And whatever you do, don’t overstay the moment. Let them decide when they’ve had enough. If they want to shoot three rounds and stop, that’s okay. If they light up and want to keep going, you’ll know. Some people want to cross it off their bucket list. Others are about to fall headfirst into a new passion. Either way, respect the pace they set.

Set the Environment

Be sure to minimize distractions. Kids, dogs, phones, and spectators can be disruptive of the learning process. Your student is already likely fighting against nerves, noise, and new sensations, so don’t add unnecessary variables. Provide them with an area like a bench or table to stage gear. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the shooting area is decluttered, safe and clear of distractions. 

And yes, wardrobe truly matters. Though it sounds like common sense, hot brass is sneaky. It’ll find its way down low-cut tops, inside hoodie necks, and even into open boots. There are entire YouTube compilations of “brass disasters.” Ensure that your students dress appropriately. It’ll save you both some panic.

Final Shot

Teaching someone to shoot a handgun for the first time is a big deal. It’s exciting, yes. But it’s also sacred ground. You’re not just helping them send a round downrange—you’re laying the foundation for how they’ll see firearms for the rest of their life.

Take it seriously. Keep it light. And above all, teach the person—not just the task.