[–] lord_nougat 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
NO! Have them try that first! Everything will feel nice and easy to shoot after that, provided the bones in their hands and/or wrists didn't all break!
[–] v0a7 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Try everything. You might be surprised by what you like. Guns are meant to be shot and as long as proper precautions are taken, anything the range has should be good to go. It would not be a bad idea to work your way up the ladder so to speak. Start with .22 lr then move up. Also keep in mind that heavier guns manage the recoil of the round better. Biggest things as far as what to watch out for is make sure the 4 rules are followed and if shooting a revolver, keep your hands away from the cylinder barrel gap. Hickok45 has a video on how not to shoot a revolver that would be a good watch to understand what I am talking about.
[–] [deleted] 3 points -3 points 0 points (+0|-3) ago
[–] lord_nougat 1 point -1 points 0 points (+0|-1) ago
But what if they're a little bit incontinent?
[–] chryseos-geckota 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
If they want to shoot some larger energy guns, work their way up to it. Don't go straight to the Dirty Harry hand cannon.
I'd start with something comfortable, but more powerful than a .22LR. Something Beretta 92 is probably good. I dealt with several first-timers, and nobody was traumatized by the excess recoil. That said, watch like a hawk for silly things like crossing the support thumb over: getting slide-bitten is going to ruin the fun. Also! It's super important to have comfortable, reliable ear protection, especially for novices. Finally, find a gun range where the RSOs are not overzealous - that can spook beginners.
I have a number of semi auto hand guns but my favorite is my Smith and Wesson model 22A 22 cal rim fire. It is sweet shooting, cheap to shoot, (doesn't care about what kind of ammo, Gallery loads won't cycle it though). Next up the chain is my concealed carry weapon, a Hungarian FEG PA-63 in 9X18 Russian. (It is a clone of the famous Walther PPK but has enough weight to meet import regulation). Out of the box it had quite a snap to it but stronger wolf recoil and firing pin springs tamed it right down. Oh and it is accurate as all get out. Off of a machine rest that puppy shoots a .75 in group and 35 yds.
[–] lord_nougat 1 point 6 points 7 points (+7|-1) ago
Try everything. Avoid any guns which have barrel obstructions.