New hunters and recoil, try this.

[SmilinBob]

Since this topic keeps coming up both here and in conversation as hunting approaches, I thought I would share what I use as a successful tool in teaching new shooters.

Take the drama out of the caliber. If you make a big deal out of it, "felt recoil" will be a huge issue, if you just introduce the gun and tell the shooter its going to make a bang and have some recoil, reassuring them that they are in control of the gun and having them follow good shooting techniques I can guarentee it will not be a big ordeal. The problem arises when someone introduces the drama of a larger caliber and the mental factor takes over. I will say this with the caveat of leaving out some of the bigger magnums, but anything from .17 to 30-06 when introduced correctly should be a non-issue to any new shooter. Again, take the focus OFF the caliber and teach "this is a brand xyz gun in 123 caliber, now take up a good, solid shooting position, acquire your sight picture, remember your breathing techniques, focus on the target, imagine your shot, and squeeze the trigger focusing on your target some more." You will see the response after the shot being "I hit it!" not "that gun kicks!" I have introduced a fair number of new shooters and this technique works and leads to "lets do it again". And start them shooting now, not during the hectic last weeks before hunting and crowded ranges of sight in days, the bad vibes and multiple opinions coming out of those will be picked up and carried in a young mind for a long time.

[BobT]

I agree. I personally feel that the recoil felt is more hype than reality. The truth is that it is over so quick that in most cases it's nothing but a memory in seconds. Beteween television programs that exaggerate and the exaggerated hype from other hunters it's a wonder some kids ever attempt to take that first shot.

I remember when I got my first handgun. I bought a .44mag revolver and I was expecting to take a beating when I shot that thing. It was all hype. I gripped that thing white-knuckled with both hands expecting it to just about jump out of my hands or flip backward and drill me in the forehead if I didn't. The reality is that I can shoot it one-handed as easily as I can a .22. What recoil there is is over so quick I barely notice it at all.

[mainbutter]

My first rifle experience outside of .22s was shooting my 300 win mag. I knew it was going to have some recoil and be loud. My first shot, I wore ear plugs, snugged up, concentrated and made my shot. bang. hit

I didn't think it was a big deal at all.

I completely agree that being caliber-shy is 100% the way you mentally approach it.. I'm NOT a big guy at a bit over 5'7''.

[lakevet]

11 yr old was banging ducks today, first time with magnum loads. Told him they were about the same as trap loads. After shooting at ducks today, he said the magnum loads have almost no recoil and are lot quieter than trap loads with ear muffs on. He was really focused on the target! Also now has no problem with heavier loads.

lakevet

[MrCrappie]

It's all in your head.

[bos]

Sounds like some great tips, I will try them with my boys. Thanks

[BLACKJACK]

Since this topic keeps coming up both here and in conversation as hunting approaches, I thought I would share what I use as a successful tool in teaching new shooters.

Take the drama out of the caliber. If you make a big deal out of it, "felt recoil" will be a huge issue, if you just introduce the gun and tell the shooter its going to make a bang and have some recoil, reassuring them that they are in control of the gun and having them follow good shooting techniques I can guarentee it will not be a big ordeal. The problem arises when someone introduces the drama of a larger caliber and the mental factor takes over. I will say this with the caveat of leaving out some of the bigger magnums, but anything from .17 to 30-06 when introduced correctly should be a non-issue to any new shooter. Again, take the focus OFF the caliber and teach "this is a brand xyz gun in 123 caliber, now take up a good, solid shooting position, acquire your sight picture, remember your breathing techniques, focus on the target, imagine your shot, and squeeze the trigger focusing on your target some more." You will see the response after the shot being "I hit it!" not "that gun kicks!" I have introduced a fair number of new shooters and this technique works and leads to "lets do it again". And start them shooting now, not during the hectic last weeks before hunting and crowded ranges of sight in days, the bad vibes and multiple opinions coming out of those will be picked up and carried in a young mind for a long time.

Shaking my head as I read this post. Dumb. No matter what you tell someone, the recoil is still there, your shoulder is still going to hurt. I hate shooting my 12 gauge slug gun when I'm sighting it in before season but never feel it when I'm shooting at a deer. Past experience tells me its going to hurt when I'm shooting at the range. Same when shooting the 30.06. I hated that gun so bad I finally traded it in this summer.

[SmilinBob]

"I hate shooting my 12 gauge slug gun when I'm sighting it in before season but never feel it when I'm shooting at a deer"

You just proved my point. Why do you feel it at the range? Because you are thinking about it and now it is the focus of your shooting that gun. Does the recoil go away just because there is an animal in from of the gun? No, you are now focused on your shooting fundamentals, sight picture, and placing a good shot. The main point of this was to help introduce new shooters and for people to stop adding the drama of caliber or gauge just because of the number. Its all relative, teach someone to shoot with a 44 mag and to them its not that bad, take someone out who has only heard "that 44 is terrible, its going to kick the daylights out of you," and guess what, they will have a terrible experience. Same applies to rifles and shotguns. Helping to make the hunting and shooting sports a positive, fun experience is what is going to keep it from going away, lets not let bad experience keep people from the tradition.

[BLACKJACK]

My point is there is alot of difference between looking at a paper target and a running deer. The adrenaline rush of shooting at a deer overrides any kick you may get. Adrenaline rush on a paper target?? NOT!! After about the third shot from a slug gun at paper, you're going to be thinking about your shoulder. Who are you trying to kid?? But if it works for you, fine, just mark me down as a non-believer.

[TooTallTom]

I think Bob's point is to just not build up the recoil as some kind of huge obstacle to be overcome, especially when dealing with a new shooter. Just be nonchalont about it and let the new shooter develop their own opinions.

The distinction you make between shooting in a hunting situation versus a range situation is exactly the point. I don't think anyone's saying the recoil magically goes away when hunting or if you just say the right words to a new shooter. It's more a case of perceived recoil being partly mental, so try not to make the head game any harder than it has to be for each shooter.