Shooting without a licence

[John Flynn]

Members
Brand new member so please excuse if my question is a little dumb.
For her birthday, October 10, my wife wants to be able to shoot a gun.
She has never shot anything before.
My question is can this be done in Massachusetts, or anyplace in New England? She does not have any training or any licences. If yes, where?
Thanks for your help.

 

[milktree]

She can shoot under the supervision of a licensed person.

 

[milktree]

There are also multiple places that will rent to unlicensed people.

Where are you? (Roughly)

 

[xtry51]

You can go to a range in a different state, like NH. Where licenses don't exist.

 

[Brewer]

If you're in MA check out Mass Firearms | Shooting Sports Center in Holliston, MA. Get her a gun rental and a license class for her birthday.

 

[DarthRevan]

Granite State in Hudson if you’re near NH.
Go Green!

 

[mac1911]

Also look to local clubs for intro to shooting, ladies nights, there is a club down the cape doing a “date” night.

Most of these events are focused on getting new shooters ahooting.

 

[MisterHappy]

OP: are YOU licensed?

If you are, and have a venue, you can take her.

If you are, whomever ran your course should have told you about this.

If you are not, see above.

If she's really new, don't throw her into the Deep End of the Caliber Pool - start off with .22 cal, and, if she's happy and safe, maybe a light .38. The Earth-shattering kaboom of a "fun" pistol can be a bit much for a newbie.

Good luck.

 

[Deleted member 67409]

RI also does not require licensure for the act of shooting if you live in southern Mass rather than northern Mass. There's plenty (four, minimum) of public rental ranges in RI.

 

[enbloc]

No advice except Happy Birthday to your wife and Welcome to NES.

 

[Uzi2]

The license issue has been addressed.

Before you take her anywhere, I suggest you make sure she understands the safety rules of gun handling. Finger off the trigger, muzzle down range etc.

Taking a first time adult shooting is no different than taking a young kid.....you have to watch them closely.

Also agree with the above about starting with a .22 LR.......and I'd start her with a rifle so there is less chance of her sweeping anyone or herself. Then move to a handgun. I started new shooters with a .22 revolver after a bolt action rifle.

 

[BrianWilson]

If you do have your own gun and a solid backstop (i.e basement wall) after checking it's clear a couple or five times maybe show her how it works, where the empty mag goes, align the sights type of thing, and dry fire it before hand.

 

[VetteGirlMA]

I've taken people shooting (other women) and generally when we get to the range I talk about a specific weapon, handling it, the 4 rules of gun safety, and range safety. Safety is something of a must with me and I have yet to take someone who doesn't go away understanding the importance of good safety. There is only so much one can learn in the classroom and there is nothing like being at the range to make the learning make sense.

ps: Give her something nice and easy to start with. Most newcomers I have taken start off with my Ruger SR-22.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

In Mass they frown on you shooting machine guns without the green card. Jack.

 

[FPrice]

.

 

[Dadstoys]

It's already been said but it's worth repeating , focus on the safety part first , before she ever fires a shot.
Then get ready to increase your ammo budget by a lot.
We don't leave the range till it's all gone with mine.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

It's already been said but it's worth repeating , focus on the safety part first , before she ever fires a shot.
Then get ready to increase your ammo budget by a lot.
We don't leave the range till it's all gone with mine.

I feel for you, but how would you like to have grandkids that can't get enough of full auto? Talk about going thru ammo. Jack.

 

[DPR]

Where are you located? There are Women on Target events at different clubs throughout the year. They are excellent for what you are looking to to do. The link below is the only upcoming on that I know of. It's worth the trip.

https://mobeach2.homestead.com/Woman_On_Target_Flyer_2019.pdf

 

[Dadstoys]

I feel for you, but how would you like to have grandkids that can't get enough of full auto? Talk about going thru ammo. Jack.

They're lucky they got such a cool Grandpa .

 

[JayMcB]

Another option.... promotions | Manchester Firing Line

 

[xtry51]

I like this style methodology for new shooters. Yes, the video is about an anti, but the idea of small steps and fostering safety/comfort is critical to whether they want to go again.


View: https://youtu.be/2W-eSxR5gIc

 

[enbloc]

OP, as far as I'm concerned... both of you are licensed.

Keep a copy on you at all times...

 

[Horrible]

Excellent advise (as always) from the many folks in the NES community! I am continuously amazed at the level of knowledge here at NES!

 

[Koolmoose]

Or, if you’re closer to the Cape, Cape Gun Works in Hyannis has ladies and couples nights, as well as ladies LTC courses. They rent guns. The receptionist at my audiologist went to that course and raved about it.

 

[enbloc]

I'm no expert, but this video looks more like they were on a "first date".

The follow-up video was "John takes an anti-gunner out to dinner..."

 

[GaryO]

My wife took a Womens only class in Millis and loved it, really set the hook in her.

 

[swatgig]

People go shooting in the Main South area of Worcester without a license all the time. Nobody seems to mind.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

They're lucky they got such a cool Grandpa .

Next step is to mount the 550 in Little Jack's basement. He has a couple of the subguns already and will have to become self reliant. Jack.

 

[fshalor]

She can shoot under the supervision of a licensed person.

Is she a prohibited person?

 

[IPSC_DRL]

Is she a prohibited person? and or Hot?