Even though you might think it to be true from watching Western movies growing up, the ability to safely handle and accurately shoot a firearm isn’t embedded in the DNA of all Americans at birth. There’s a learning curve, and for many it can be a rather steep one. A good shooting mentor can help.

Finding a Shooting Mentor

Of course, quite a bit of good instruction can flatten out that learning curve quite a bit. Another way to flatten the learning curb substantially is to find a good mentor who can be right there with you on your journey, walking you through ins and outs of the various aspects of gun ownership.

A Little About Mentors

The dictionary definition of “mentor” is a wise or trusted counselor or teacher, and that’s pretty appropriate for our discussion. An inexperienced mentor uneducated in firearms and shooting likely will lead you astray. Same for one failing to earn your trust. Gun ownership, handling and shooting remain serious topics not taken lightly or left to anyone not worthy of your full faith and trust.

If a prospective mentor doesn’t constantly preach gun safety, it’s likely that person is not the mentor for you. As with all things gun, safety comes first, and good mentors will keep that aspect in the forefront. Likewise, responsibility will be a frequent topic of discussion.

Note that while mentors are typically older than their mentees, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way—especially for those acquiring their first gun later in life. I started competing in pointing dog field trials several years ago and have a mentor who is a woman nearly 30 years my junior. While that might seem a bit odd, she has the knowledge and experience, and is willing to share both fully with me because of her devotion to the sport.

Sharing the Shooting Sports

In fact, another important aspect of a shooting mentor is a willingness to share what he or she knows to help you enjoy gun ownership and shooting to its utmost. Many shooters simply don’t have the time or desire to take someone under their wing for a long-term journey, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, those folks aren’t the kind of mentor you need to become a lifelong gun enthusiast.

One other note: Mentorships take time to develop. You likely won’t find a mentor by asking someone, “Will you be my mentor?” Asking if you can tag along the next time you go to the range will allow you both to “feel each other out.” If a mentorship develops from that range trip, all the better.

Finding A Mentor

There are a couple of ways to go about finding a good mentor for your gun ownership and shooting journey, and we’ll discuss them here. Note it’s not as simple as just going to the range, seeing the first person who looks like an “expert” and asking if they’ll help you along.

Start With Family

Is Uncle Bob an avid shooter, or Cousin Roy a gun collector? If so, ask them if you can tag along on their next trip to the range. If not, they might be able to recommend another family member or friend who would be willing.

How About Your Circle of Friends?

Is there someone in your group of friends who you already care about and trust who is also a longtime, avid gun owner and shooter? If so, it never hurts to ask to go along on their next range visit. They might also have recommendations from their family and friends that could help.

Use Your Social Media

There’s no shame in making a Facebook or Instagram post mentioning that you are looking for some help getting started. If one of your friends doesn’t step forward, maybe someone in their extended circle of family and friends has the knowledge and would be willing. The power of social media is strong and shouldn’t be overlooked in a mentor search.

Ask at Your Local Gun Range

Range operators are like any other group of people—some are open, friendly and helpful, while some are assuredly not. You’ll know which you are talking to soon after beginning a conversation with whoever is managing your local range. If they’re open and helpful, mention to them that you are a beginner and want to learn from someone more experienced. They might know just the person who can help progress in your new firearms lifestyle.

Of course, there are likely other ways to find a mentor, but these should get you started. Treat those helping you along the way with respect and thank them often. And just as with all things firearms, remember that safety is king.

Find a place to shoot at NSSF.org.