Snowflakes in Hell

Today brings news that the fishing & boating industry group is taking another big step in their outreach to recruit young anglers as part of the Take Me Fishing campaign. They have worked with the Boy Scouts to offer up new merit badges for taking lessons in boating and fishing.

About the Scouting Patch Program -

* Passport Patch – Cub Scouts and Scouts aged 6 to 11 earn this patch by completing an introductory six-step program that teaches various skills to be knowledgeable, safe and confident while boating and fishing. The Passport to Fishing and Boating Program has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America for excellence in aquatic education.
* First Catch Patch – Cub Scouts and Scouts aged 6 to 11 earn this patch by organizing a real-life fishing trip using the resources found on TakeMeFishing.org.
* Mentor Patch – Scouts aged 12 to 17 earn this patch by organizing a fishing trip for newcomers to the sport. The Mentor Patch develops leadership qualities and introduces someone new to boating and fishing.

These are obviously branded patches, but I have to admit that it will be interesting to see what comes of it – particularly the Mentor Patch. At that point, you go far beyond the basic fishing patch into actually encouraging kids to organize fishing trips for others.

I find this interesting because of how many shooters I know who cite the Boy Scouts as their first foray into the gun culture. It’s not surprising since there are two different badge categories for shooting (rifle & shotgun). It is interesting though that there is no hunting badge or anything that going to a range that only allows handguns would earn.

RBFF research reveals “90 percent of adult outdoor enthusiasts were introduced to nature-based activities between the ages of five and 18.” In that spirit, as part of a year-end donation, we called up the NRA Foundation and made a donation to youth programs. A few people come to shooting as an adult (I did in college), but an overwhelming number of people I’ve met who not only shoot, but actively do something to advance our movement (political or sporting) have been shooters since they were children.

If you’ve taken enough new shooters to the range, you’ll run across one who becomes less frightened/disturbed/bothered by firearms, but they still don’t quite get why people enjoy shooting.  It’s not that they have a bad time, they just don’t get as into it, and they are legitimately curious about people who do enjoy it.  What do you tell those people when they ask why you are a gun owner and shooter?

One LA Times columnist wants to know before she writes her next column.

Cemetery has a great photo of classic ladies learning to use firearms courtesy of Officer Friendly.

Joe takes a new shooter to the range, and it seems she wants to buy a gun now:

In in parking lot I asked her about why she wanted a gun. The answer was the economy is probably going to get worse and Obama may make it difficult to get a gun. She wanted a gun to be able to protect herself and her youngest daughter who lives with her. She asked how much a gun costs and if a .22 would be okay for her needs. I suggested she should practice some more and try to get the strength to be able to shoot something a little bigger. But, the most important selection criteria was that she feel comfortable shooting it. If that means a .22 then that would be best for her.

For new shooters, I think Joe is asking the right questions.  A gun you’re comfortable with and take to the range is going to be more effective when the SHTF than the one that stays in a drawer and you never practice with.  I’ll take the stopping power of a well placed .22LR round over a .45ACP round that misses any day of the week.

Scott Bach and the rest of the crew at ANJRPC appear to have put on quite an event this weekend. They taught about 300 women how to shoot everything from handguns to ARs.

Women’s Day at the Range has been a tradition at the Cherry Ridge Range off Canistear Road in Vernon for about 10 years, said Scott Bach, president of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs.

The event is one of several outreach programs the association hosts to promote shooting sports and the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Organizers said they initiated the free program to give women a fun day without male interference, especially since women are taking up shooting sports at a record pace.

Everyone has a different reason for attending the program, Bach said.

“Shooting is fun,” he said, adding, “It’s a skill that can save your life.”

A mother and daughter team in Ohio offer basic safety classes to women who want their concealed carry licenses. While they do teach men, they do something a little different and offer all women’s classes to help some get over the intimidation factor.

One of my proudest moments was after teaching a woman to shoot a handgun, taking a break to watch her learn how to shoot rifles ranging from high-end competition .22s to a beat up AK-47 and then hearing her brag about how many clays she busted on the shotgun range. But that wasn’t particularly noteworthy at this all female event. What was noteworthy was when she came up to ask me how to join the club, if there were more women involved other than just me and that this was a first step she was taking after losing two family members to tragedies involving firearms. (IIRC, one was suicide and the other an act of violence.) That was pretty amazing.

Back to the article, one of the women specifically cites getting involved, taking the class, and getting her carry permit as a direct response to Obama’s gun positions. Again, so much for the Brady argument that it’s all seasoned shooters buying up the guns.

Mike W. manages to take his mom shooting.

I’ve only been here a few hours, but so far:

• It’s friggin hot, but it’s not uncomfortable.  Of course, it hasn’t topped 100 yet, which it’s supposed to.
• It’s a dry heat.  I’ll take 90 here over 80 degrees and humid like I get at home any day of the week.
• Cactus!  There’s cactus!  I am a big fan of cactus.  I’m having to resist being all touristy and taking pictures of cacti.
• Few people here would seem to have a need for a lawnmower.
• I really want to spend some time in the desert, but I don’t think I’ll have time.

It is always refreshing to see not just one, but two stories in the mainstream media about teaching kids to shoot that doesn’t include full-scale panic.  Considering one of them comes out of Maryland, it’s a very pleasant surprise.

NSSF has asked us to make at least one New Years resolution to take a new shooter to the range, and Caleb takes it one step further.

Arizona Rifleman gets a few more newbs out to the range.  Must be nice living in the desert.  These days it’s either too cold or too wet to get people out to shoot.

The Arizona Rifleman has some pretty excellent advice on how to deal with new shooters.  I would agree with this advice, and I would think when you see who he gets to take the range, you’ll agree too.

I’ve heard this particular criticism in more than a few quarters, and not just in regards to Appleseed:

The arrogance of thinking that any program that does not teach the way you do is “out of line” is just so bizarre, it is hard to fathom. Especially when we have such a high rate of success and happiness with the program.

I might poke fun at the people who are saying that Appleseed is a black helicopter program and is painfull,.. ouch!, or that we are fanatical and scary…or that we are not doing it right because we are not using their methods, but;

I would never diss another program for getting new shooters on the line, telling them about the history of their country and letting them know they are needed to help spread the 2A rights message.

How is this wrong by any stretch of the imagination? One or two guys maybe not completely thrilled, out of forty , with the rest really happy about their new rifle skills and willing to join in and defend the 2Amendment. This is a bad thing?

It’s not that there’s only one, true way to teach.  In fact, the vibe I initially got from Appleseed was quite a lot of the “one true way.”  That’s not what I’m saying at all.  But I am saying that it takes more than good intentions.  My original criticism centered around my initial belief that Appleseed was for newbie shooters.  A lot of people came on to tell me that I was wrong in this impression, and that it was intended for people who’ve already had exposure to firearms and the gun culture.  Fair enough.  But then I see people saying stuff like this:

For the host to say this is not for beginners is sadly laughable.  After half a day of instruction, my nephew is shooting in sitting position and scoring all shots on the 300 yard prone target, when he accidentally shot the wrong one.

I have no doubt that many will benefit from learning marksmanship.  But is it for newbie shooters, or for novice shooters that already have exposure to guns?  That’s a pretty key question.  If it’s for the latter, then a strenuous program I think is fine, but if it’s for the former, then I return to many of my original criticisms. I am not criticizing just for the sake of criticizing, or because I want to trivialize people’s hard work.  The ideas behind Appleseed; getting people into shooting, teaching marksmanship, and teaching history, are all worthwhile endeavors.  I don’t question the intention or the value of what’s behind it.  But I think results are more important than intentions.  I’m open to the idea that Appleseed is delivering those, but I don’t think that’s above question, nor above criticism. Does Appleseed hand out surveys to participants to gauge how they felt about the various aspects of the program, along with asking for suggestions on how it might possibly be improved?  If I were running a program, whether for newbie, novice, or expert shooters, I would certainly want this kind of feedback.  If that’s not being done, what would be the objection to doing it?

Getting new people into the community is vitally important.  Arguably the most important thing we can do.  I don’t blame anyone for wanting to get involved in something like that, and applaud them for doing so.  But I think it’s so important that those doing so be open to criticism and suggestion from the broader community, because ultimately this issue is about a lot more than just Appleseed, and it’s certainly about a lot more than “Fred”.  If we’re failing in a key aspect of outreach, we all suffer for that.  It’s important, critically important, to get it right.

I was very interested to read Breda’s coverage of her Appleseed experience here, here and here.  Bitter and I have collectively introduced quite a number of people into the shooting world, so I think have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t.  The good thing about Appleseed is that they are trying to recruit people into shooting, and teaching marksmanship.  Both are very worthwhile endeavors.  The bad part about Appleseed is they are selling shooting in a way that is more than likely going to scare of newbie shooters:

We were told to go downrange, put up our target and load up our magazines. The first target of an Appleseed shoot is highly symbolic – the initial 13 rounds serve as a reminder of the original American colonies and the red (as in redcoat) silhouettes allude to how riflemen won our freedom during the Revolutionary War.

Are they learning to shoot, or being indoctrinated into a cult?  I mean, yeah, I understand what they are trying to do here, which is connect the history of this country to the rifleman.  That’s understandable.  But thirteen shots at the lobsterbacks?  Eh… that’s a hard sell for someone just starting out.  I generally frown on the use of silhouette targets for newbie shooters.  Newbie shooters should be learning two things — first is that shooting is a lot of fun, and second is the fundamentals of competently and safely shooting a firearm.  We can save the history lessons for later.

With a few kind words, I had been given a glimmer of hope – but an Appleseed is like that. The instructors are encouraging, knowledgeable and remarkably patient. Their love for rifleshooting translates into hours of consistent positivity and tireless assistance, even for someone as inexperienced as me.

It seems like the folks involved in this Appleseed event were good instructors, and it sounds like it was good instruction.  But why follow with this:

The instructors at an Appleseed attempt to teach you to shoot accurately enough to score “expert” on the Army Qualification Course. Until you can do that, you’re considered a “Cook,” unprepared and unqualified to carry a rifle on the firing line of freedom.

Way to encourage new shooters guy!  Keep practicing, or you’re just a lowly cook?  If you teach people that shooting is a lot of fun, they will keep practicing, and they will get better.  You’re only job is to teach the fundamentals, correct mistakes, and send the shooter off with a feeling that if they practice those, they’ll have a lot of fun, and will turn themselves into better shooters.  Appleseed is a great idea, but I’m not sure I like the packaging.  I would concentrate more on having a good time, and encouraging new shooters.  We can connect them to the history of our shooting culture once we actually get them into it.

Looks like the NSSF is running some ads in DC.  The Bradys will no doubt spin this as the gun industry trying to peddle their wares on people who will just use them to shoot loved ones and commit suicide.  Well, it’s a free country, and guns are legal.  So even if NSSF is out to market their legal product, I have no problem.

But I think, and I would hope the Brady Campaign would agree, that if Washington D.C. residents can legally purchase an keep arms, that they ought to get involved with the shooting community and learn how to be responsible with them.  Kudos to the NSSF for reaching out to people who might be thinking about buying a firearm, and helping them get the training they need.

I had the pleasure of introducing a newbie to the joys of shooting today.  My former girlfriends’ younger brother was only 9 or so when I first met him, but he recently graduated from high school, and was out visiting his sister.  He wanted to go shooting, so I decided to take him to the club’s plinking range.

I still stand by the AR-15 as a great rifle for the introduction of enthusiastic beginners.  For people more timid about shooting, the .22LR is a better choice.  I loaded up 50 rounds for Jason, and we went through all of them.  We went through 30 more rounds with the AK-74, and a few rounds with my Mk.II and Glock.

His mom is going to want to kill me, because I know she doesn’t like guns, and now he wants to buy a rifle.  Hopefully he can find a range or club in Iowa that can help him get started.

Nope, neither of them look very trashy to me.

Syd has an excellent take on the video circulating of the girl smacking herself int he face with a recoiling Desert Eagle.

Take them to the range.

Take them too the range.  In my experience, if you can get them to go, you have a good chance of changing their minds.  You might not make a gun rights activist out of them, but they will at least see both sides of the coin.

Over at Breda Fallacy, she took one of her coworkers to the range. We all have to be evangelists for this sport if we’re going to win long term. And I for one, support bringing more women into the sport, especially attractive ones:

Monica met us at the range today, looking a little nervous. (Jimmy, the range manager, said to me, “You brought another one? I’m a little afraid to go to the library now.”) I let her handle all the pistols before they were loaded so she could feel what they were like since she had never handled a firearm before. I helped her with her grip, showed her how to load, put the gun in her hand and said, “Now. You’re ready. Loaded. Aim and shoot.”

And she did.

Good show Breda.

Reader, blogger and NRA certified instructor Brian is offering to take newbies shooting in the Hampton Roads, VA area, and add any other instructors to the list if they want to add their name.

The other Sebastian takes an anti-gun person shooting. It takes quite a leap to go from activist on the other side to the shooting range, and I have to hand it to Sebastian, that was quite a feat. His entire post is a must read, but here’s a quick excerpt:

The more interesting part of the evening was the drive home. Becky’s first time firing a gun had been a success, and she clearly had had a good time. I joked that much like Luke Skywalker playing with the laser droid thing…she’d taken her first step into a larger world. Becky remarked that since she’d left the gun control lobbying world, she’d realized that we gunnies aren’t a bunch of crazed maniacs trying to arm criminals for kicks; she further remarked that she thought the rhetoric was too heated all the way around, and that yes, much of what the Brady Bunch and the VPC promulgated was hysterics designed to provoke a reaction, not really anything that was meant to be factually accurate or sound grist for the public policy mill.

Sebastian’s new shooter-fu is clearly much better than mine.

Robb Allen shows the importance of getting new people out to the range:

I am proud. It goes to show that a calm, reasoned approach has a much better chance at bringing people over to our side. It is also proof that we are winning the war on guns and that the Brady’s and the VPC’s of the world are simply money pits with near zero ROI.

One day, they’re a hoplophobic teacher, the next they’re producing massive fireballs with a vintage Russian carbine.

Yep. I think it’s the only way to win long term.

UPDATE: Robb says it’s mostly Greg’s work

Tom King says that some of the best shooters he knows are soccer moms, and stresses the importance of outreach.   I couldn’t agree more:

When the hand that rocks the cradle pulls the trigger on the range also the fight will be over.

I think that’s very true, and I’ve seen more than a few women take to shooting like a duck to water when introduced to it for the first time, even after being initially wary.

Bitter didn’t get her start in the gun issue until she hit college, but once she tried it, there was no going back for her.  Some of the most vocal advocates on our side of the issue did not grow up raised as shooters or hunters, but came into it through circumstance.