That sucks that that was your first experience with firearms. I grew with my Dad, Uncles and Grandfather teaching me from a young age. BB and pellet guns first, then by age 5 shooting a .22lr. 12 gauge by 12. Family were all hunters and had property up north. Bought my first firearm on my 18th birthday and had my CPL at 21. Rem Express 12 gauge. Still get turkey with the same gun. I take range time very serious and especially with a new shooter. Teaching new shooters the basics and common sense rules from the get go is very important. No chance to learn bad habits. I'm no saint, I've learned some lessons the hard way along the way. Scope eye, powder burns, hammer bite, etc...