First experience with the 2nd Amendment...

 

If you're a five year old, you can worry about the recoil. :) Haha don't worry about anything, you'll do fine.
 

 

If you are of decent size/build, you'll notice the recoil on the shotgun the first time you should but your body mass will keep you in place just fine.

First, have fun!

Second - ear protection. They'll probably have headsets which are fine, but double up with foam plugs under the headset. Also remember eye protection.

As for recoil, pull the gun into your shoulder. You do not want it loose or a little in front of you. It'll kick back and give you a bruise. Pull in and you'll be fine. You'll get a little sore, but it's comparable to doing three or four sets of lifting weights.

Good to know you're a lefty, like me. Semi-auto and pump shotguns will eject the round across your field of vision. It won't hit you and you'll get used to it, but be mindful that the cartridge will kick across right where you're looking.

Tell the rangemaster you're a virgin. There are a lot of basics you need to learn, like keeping it pointed downrange, what to do in case of a jam, how to use the safety, and the various rules of that range. Take it all as gospel and do what you're told. It'll all be common sense stuff.

Also, give other types of shooting some thought. Handguns and rifles are a different experience. I'd recommend renting a handgun at a range and putting some holes in paper. That's lots of fun, too.

This so much, good earplugs are really great, turns a painfully loud noise into a quiet thud, the stock actually means that the sound is only really heard in one ear.... anyway.

With the holding the stock inwards, this is a must really, First time I fired a shotgun, was with heavy rounds (friends gun, he likes the heavier rounds for some reason) I listened to exactly what he told me to do, and it was fine, other friend, had the gund hovering infront of his shoulder, and ended up with a massive bruise, sore arm for a week, and a bruised jaw, as the kickback hit him in the jaw.
Actually, now I think about it, keep the side of your face planted firmly on the stock too, that way you'll aim better, and more steadily, and you won't get kickback to the jaw, which really hurts (I have done this before)

 

12 gauge packs more punch.

Everything Uncle Erik said.  It should be a lot of fun.  The recoil of a shotgun will be larger than most other types of firearms so if its not too much for you then rifles should be no problem at all.  Safety is the most important thing though.  The instructor will inform you of everything you need to know.

I wish i lived in the USA .

I find that either outer or inner hearing protection is sufficient but if you want to be extra cautious you could do both.  If can't hurt.  Shotguns also aren't as loud as high powered rifles or pistols.  Yes a 12 gauge has more recoil.
 

 

I shoot trap & sporting clays. 

First, and they show you how to hold the gun properly....

Use the 12 ga. You'll be throwing more lead out there. Every little bit helps is my philosophy. 

Keep both eyes open, don't try to aim it like you would a rifle, instead you point the gun where you want to shoot. It's kind of an instinctual thing. (Use the force Luke) 

You will have to lead the birds if the are crossing in front of you. How far depends on the angle and speed of the target. if not too severe of an angle, try 1 barrel width ahead. 

Same with dropping or rising birds, be above or below them and shoot where it's going to be, not where it was. 

Follow through on your swing, don't stop the gun when you pull the trigger. Just like golf. 

Have fun. 

 

Oh yeah, earplugs with over the ear protectors can't hurt. No fun being a deaf audiophile. 

Edited by Todd R - 11/3/11 at 3:33pm

just get use to being comfortable with the firearm. shooting is a love for me. i have been shooting benchrest matches for over 10 years now. im left handed also

 

Yes, double up on the ear protection. Foamies are only a dollar or so and there are no drawbacks to having them and a headset on. There won't be much talking and nothing you really need to hear.

Also, once you hear a gun go off near you, you'll realize just how loud they are.