I went to the range last night and in the lane next to me were two college age women, one had just purchased a Glock 43 for defense. The RO gave them some basic advice, but they were two magazines in and the flinching was already getting worse.
I see this play out over and over, and as much joy it brings me to intervene to help, I want to shake the sales people who dosen't tell them that they need to learn on a 22lr.
I did the same thing with these ladies, that I have done dozens of times. I ask if they would like a little help, give a few instructions and put a 22lr with red dot in their hands. Instantly they go from fear and frustration to having fun.
So, here is what the sales person should tell new shooters.
You have to learn to handle recoil by working your way up to it.
Once you make flinching a habit, it is hard to break.
Flinching is caused by more recoil / noise than you are ready for.
The smaller the cartridge, the less the recoil and noise.
The heavier the gun the less the recoil.
A full sized gun you can get a good grip on, has less felt recoil.
A 22lr pistol like the Ruger MkIV or Browning Buckmark is the quietest and least recoil you can get.
Red Dot sights are fantastic for getting first time shooters into the center of the target. This builds confidence and quickly gets them trying to get their groups smaller.
Once you have mastered the 22lr and know what you are capable of, it is time to practice dry firing your normal pistol. It is important to practice building muscle memory and focusing on not shaking the pistol. I have people put a spent 22lr case on top of the slide and try to not, knock it off. The focus is for two reasons, it does teach trigger control, but more importantly it gives the mind a habit of focusing on the trigger and sights rather than recoil.
Then it is finally time to go to the range with your centerfire pistol. This is not only the difference between becoming a good shooter or not. It is the difference between leaving the range frustrated and afraid of your pistol or happy and confident. The frustrated person may never come back.
Many ranges rent 22lr pistols, ammo is 1/5 the cost of 9mm or equivalent. Remember that the most expensive part of being a shooter is the ammo, not the firearm. I shoot about 200-300 rounds each range trip. When I shoot 22lr instead of centerfire, I save about $100.
Last advice is get coaching, you can pay for, but I have always found that experienced shooters are happy to share if asked. Just look around to see who the best shooters are and make friends.
You can also look into Project Appleseed which has started doing pistol events this year. If you don't know them, they are a not for profit that teaches marksmanship with volunteers and is very cheap for the quality of instruction. They are mostly known for their 22lr rifle events.
Understand that there is a lot to being a good shooter, being acclimated to you pistol is the beginning. Now you can learn how to shoot without distraction.
Why every new shooter needs a 22lr
1Old School
The best upgrade for you firearm is always instruction and practice.
The best upgrade for you firearm is always instruction and practice.