Last Saturday, we took two of our friends out shooting for the first time.

When first time gun users go out there, it never seems to be quite what they expect, even those of open minds. People who aren’t as keen about the idea of others being armed tend to appreciate the amount of safety that is gone over, repeatedly.

When introducing people to guns for the first time, it’s a good idea to go over the weapons in some private, quiet place away from the range so that there are less distractions and people can focus on the particulars of each gun.

It also helps that we now have a nice selection of weapons to let people try out, so that they can immediately see that there are different kinds so if you don’t like the first one, it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t like to shoot at all.

I was sharing a lane with one of the new people and I was a bit embarrassed that there didn’t seem to be much of a difference in our groupings. Turns out it’s not me—she’s a natural! She has such a naturally calm and easygoing nature that she can follow instructions without being distracted by pressure to perform or anything.

It is ironic that tools designed for use in the most stressful circumstances are better used with increasing calm.

I can see how some people are naturally good at this. I also know that I’m a pretty high-strung and nervous person. But like many activities, learning to enter a calm state leads to obvious rewards.