First Shots hits the Mark: NSSF's intro handgun program a success!

Shooting Industry, Nov, 2007 by Bill Dunn

It was the first time she held a handgun--now she wants one. Trying to overcome a fear of guns, Phoenix resident Zino Bell attended a free "First Shots" seminar at her local range.

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"I've been really scared of guns," Zino said. "But after this, I want to try it again. I'm actually thinking about buying a gun and learning more about guns."

Zino wasn't alone. Nearly 200 from the area--women and men, young and old, all with an interest in learning more about handguns--showed up over a weekend at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.

Through "First Shots," a program launched by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, newcomers nationwide are getting welcoming introductions to their local shooting ranges and recreational handgunning.

Free seminars at their local ranges are giving first-timers a convenient, non-time-consuming way to learn the basics of gun safety, the rules and requirements of owning a handgun in their state and, most popular among attendees, a chance to give shooting a try.

"For someone who has never tried shooting or never been around guns, it can be very intimidating getting started," said Sniff's Cyndi Dalena, who directs the NSSF program nationally.

"I think what most people love about First Shots is the fact they get to learn in a friendly environment. They're surrounded by other newcomers who are in the same boat. At the same time, they're learning from experienced instructors eager to share their knowledge," Cyndi said.

Too Much Fun!

Since First Shots kicked off more than a year ago, the program has catered to thousands, attracting new shooters and eliminating many public misconceptions in the process. Alan Korwin, noted author and gun law expert, decided to drop in on a recent seminar to see what exactly these newcomers were learning. He was impressed.

"People came in naive, nervous, a little scared. They had never seen a gun, had never touched a gun, much less fired one," Alan said. "By the time they were on the line shooting, a lot of the mythology about guns sort of washed away as people found out they could operate them, they were fun and they hit the target. It was just great."

The results of these seminars have been astonishing: 92 percent of attendees say they are likely to continue in shooting after their experience, while nearly all say they increased their understanding of local handgun requirements, according to attendee surveys.

Ranges have also reported positive results. Facilities that have hosted First Shots say, on average, 35 percent of participants signed up for range memberships and 30 percent enrolled in training classes following the seminars.

"It's one of our best tools to introduce new shooters and customers to our range," Peter Boruchowski, manager of Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Mass., said of the program.

A number of manufacturers have thrown their support behind First Shots. Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger & Co. have donated loaner guns hosting ranges can use for the classes. Other companies, including FMG Publications, Crimson Trace, Gripmaster, HiViz, Megitt Defense Systems Caswell and Intermedia have also offered their support.

Others providing assistance are the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and Steel Challenge Association.

"The entire shooting sports community has really helped this program take off the way it has, and I'd encourage all handgunners out there to spread the word with their local range managers. It could be a great opportunity for your range and your community," Cindy said.

For more info, and to get involved: www.firstshots.org.