Growing up, we knew my dad had a gun, but we were never exposed to it. My first real exposure to any type of gun occurred as with most kids - a BB gun (this always makes me think of "You'll shoot your eye out . . . Lol). I did not pick up a real firearm until I was an adult, when my husband purchased a carry/conceal gun. It was at that time that I became interested in educating myself about guns because, to be honest with you, I was terrified of them. My first time at a gun range was approximately five years ago and the gun I fired was a Smith and Wesson, Bodyguard 380. Not for the faint of heart and definitely not for the first time user. While it is small, it is very powerful and intimidating, and quite frankly hurt my hand to fire off more than a few rounds.
So, where to start . . . hmm, for me it was low caliber. I wanted something easy to use while educating myself generally about guns and gun safety (I am a huge proponent of education and gun safety). My first gun was purchased two years ago and it is a .22 caliber Ruger. This caliber was absolutely perfect for me, the true first time firearms owner. I practiced with that little gun in my living room, unloaded, learning eye dominance, stance, comfort level with grip, aiming, dry firing, etc., and when I felt comfortable enough, my husband and I went to one of the local gun stores/ranges to practice. The first few times firing, even with a low caliber gun, did startle me a little. I can even remember my hand shaking, but over time, my comfort level grew. Fear of a firearm is not a bad thing . . . I know it makes me very aware and super vigilant of my handling of a firearm.
My advice to any first timers out there, start low caliber and work your way up. I would even go so far as to recommend that you go to a gun store that has a range and rents out different types of guns. That way, you can try out a variety of them before sinking real money into the purchase of one. My other bit of advice - - take a gun safety course. I have taken a couple of them now and they were very informative and helpful. Would love to hear from others out there about their first time experience.
