Learning how to shoot from a well-meaning family member isn’t a bad thing.
But it’s also not the most effective way to build strong fundamentals or long-term confidence.
There are often unspoken dynamics at play—especially between parent and child. Performance pressure, anxiety, expectations, and communication gaps can all get in the way of effective learning. Add the teenage years into the mix, and taking direction from a parent becomes… complicated.
That said, there are exceptions.
If you grow up immersed in shooting culture—spending weekends at the range with experienced, disciplined mentors—that’s a different kind of apprenticeship. A great example is Lena Miculek, who developed elite-level skills through deep family involvement in the sport.
My Experience Learning to Shoot
My path was somewhere in between.
I learned from both my father and stepfather. My dad was a Sheriff’s deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, carrying a firearm as part of his daily life. My stepfather was a firearms collector and a dedicated re-loader—someone who even made his own ammunition.
Both took me to the range regularly and introduced me to shooting in the classic father-son way:
“Here you go, here’s how it works… now go have fun.”
And while that approach isn’t wrong—it’s just not structured training.
Why Fundamentals Matter in Shooting
What I’ve learned as an instructor is simple:
The better someone learns to shoot in the beginning, the more accurate—and more enjoyable—it becomes.
If you learn halfway, you’ll plateau quickly.
It gets frustrating. It gets boring. And most people eventually walk away.
That’s why I teach shooting fundamentals first—every single time.
The Foundations of Shooting: What Beginners Actually Need
In my classes, we build skills from the ground up:
- Stance
Feet shoulder-width apart, squared to the target, weight slightly forward to manage recoil. - Shooting Styles
- Isosceles stance – stable and ideal for accuracy
- Weaver stance – more dynamic, often used in tactical contexts
- Grip
- Sight picture & sight alignment
- Focal point (where your eyes should be)
- Trigger control
- Breathing
- Follow-through
Follow-through is one of the most overlooked fundamentals. Like a golf swing or baseball bat, you don’t stop at impact—you continue through the motion. Shooting works the same way.
Shooting as a Discipline (Not Just a Skill)
Shooting is something almost anyone can learn. But beyond the mechanics, it offers something deeper:
- Focus
- Discipline
- Control
- Even a kind of “Zen” mindset
For me, sport shooting became my sport. Traditional team sports like baseball or basketball didn’t click—but competitive shooting did.
From Competitive Shooting to Professional Instruction
At 15, I began competing in USPSA matches with the South West Pistol League (SWPL).
By 25, I was working in the film industry as a “Gun Wrangler”—handling firearms for productions, choreographing scenes, and ensuring safety on set.
Now, after:
- 40+ years of shooting
- 30+ years working professionally with firearms
…I’ve committed to teaching a better way to learn.
Learn to Shoot the Right Way
My Pistol Foundations course is designed for:
- Complete beginners
- “Gun-curious” individuals
- Self-taught shooters looking to improve
The goal is simple:
Build confidence through proper fundamentals—not intimidation or guesswork.
I teach my Pistol Foundations class 3–4 times per month in Los Angeles.
To check out the schedule and sign up, visit:
https://livefirelearning.us/