What to Consider When Giving Firearms Advice To Strangers
People love to give advice, but be careful about giving advice on guns as it can be difficult. Most people in the firearms community want to appear knowledgeable, welcoming and acceptable. However, there are those that can be perceived as insulting or too know-it-all.
If you are put in a position of giving someone advices on firearms, handle it gently. Use your best people skills to help someone choose a firearm or learn something new about the sport. You may even make a friend along the way.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that the advice you give is actually called for. So much about firearms is just user preference, so if there is a differing point of view it might be a good idea to just agree to respect each others’ right to their own views.
Next, after you have decided that your advice is called for, you need to consider the best way to bring it up to the person. Basic rules of etiquette should apply-Respect that person and be polite. Get their thoughts and ask questions-don’t just tell them what to do. Example: “Hey, I’m just curious about why you’re doing _________? Really? Cool—have you considered XYZ instead? I’ve gotten great results with it.” You and they will learn in the process.
Be particularly mindful of those new to the world of guns. You don’t want to turn them off to the sport by lecturing them, seeming better than they are or forcing your opinion on them about this gun or that accessory.
Women,for example, can be easily insulted by some guy trying to tell them what to do or hitting on them under the guise of giving advice. Be careful to provide your advice as helpful and sincere.
Involve others in your conversation as much as possible so it becomes a friendly sharing experience. Tell a joke or a story, ask them what their thoughts on the subject are and be sure to be a good listener. Try to remember what it was like for you when you were just beginning shooter. Even newbies have something to contribute.
If someone asks you specifically for your advice on something, the situation may be a little different. Many of the same principles apply though.
Be grateful and flattered that this person saught you out for your knowledge and felt comfortable enough to approach you. As a new member of the community or someone junior to you, that is huge!
Don’t get all puffed up about what you know and your particular method of doing things. Try not to lecture. Good, sound advice is what they want from you. If you aren’t the right person to answer their questions, help them find someone else that is. Be a guide to them.
Some topics or questions are not just a matter of personal opinion or your own method. Shooting range rules and gun safety rules are there for everyone’s protection. If someone breaks those rules, it is your duty to step in. Tactfully inform them of the dangers and advice them of the rule and the correct way to do it.
Meeting new people and sharing your interest in firearms with them can be exhilarating. The opportunity to exchange stories, ideas and knowledge can be beneficial for everyone. Be sure to consult others of different ability levels and utilize the online firearms community to get answers to your most puzzling questions. More than likely someone else has had to find the answer to that same question at one time or another be seeking advice from someone in the community.
Learn more about talking about guns HERE.
