Childs first trip to the range - The Firearms Forum

AngelDeville · 11-07-2007, 08:55 AM

While on a visit to my local money pit (gun shop), an encounter with a youth sized drop-block Stevens got me thinking....

My son already knows enough about firearms not to touch them and to tell me if he finds one.

But at what age should his first shooting experience be?

What have you all done with your children?

Of course he will learn to clean/dissassemble the firearm before the first shot is ever taken....

rosierita · 11-07-2007, 09:37 AM

ah man, that's like grooming a horse for a few wks before getting to ride them! how old is he? if he's able to comfortably handle a 22 (jr rifle or cricket), i'd take him on out & let him shoot!

after he's had some fun w/ those paper targets, then show him how to clean that gun...

Pistolenschutze · 11-07-2007, 09:52 AM

That's a very pertinent question, Angel. I think it depends largely on the personality of the child involved. By that I mean, has the child shown any interest in firearms up to this point? Some kids do so from a very early age (me, for example, about age 7 or 8

), and others not until a few years later. I started shooting .22s at 7, and was shooting large caliber rifles, pistols, and 12 gauge shotguns at 10. With my own kids, I started my son shooting at 8 with .22s, and had him shooting large caliber rifles, pistols, and shotguns regularly at 12. My daughters though, really didn't show much more than a passing interest in firearms until their early teens, at which point I gladly taught them how to shoot. With them, the interest focused mostly on handguns, and that is true to this day.

Marlin · 11-07-2007, 10:01 AM

My Dad started me with a small .22 calibre at the age of five.

I've been shooting and hunting ever since. [presently 72 years young!]

Jay · 11-07-2007, 11:56 AM

My parents and grandparents always had firearms around, so I did my sons/grandsons the same way. I took a disabled/non-functional pistol and rifle and left them out in plain sight. Before long, a question was posed and I answered it. When the questions stopped, I didn't push it, and eventually, more questions surfaced until the questions evolved into a range outing. It's worked out well. One son likes to hunt and shoot, and the other one could care less. All three grandsons (12, 12, and 5years old) like to shoot, and do very well. I'm of the opinion that it's easier if the kids let you know when they're ready, rather than if you decide that today's the day, and start a class they're not ready for. All they need is something safe to ask about.

Oneida Steve · 11-07-2007, 12:12 PM

I like to start kids shooting .22 rifles at age eight. Kids younger than that should start with airsoft guns.

AngelDeville · 11-07-2007, 02:14 PM

Good advice Thanks.

His 5th Birthday is in a few days, and he has a marked interest in all things that make noise and can be taken apart.

The Stevens was gone when I went back to the shop, but a new Marlin single shot bolt action is reasonably priced, and that and a couple boxes of .22 shorts might make a good b-day present, if not this year then next.

catfish83861 · 11-07-2007, 02:57 PM

For me personally I agree with Jay and also Marlin. I developed an interest in firearms at a very early age and my Dad was more than willing to teach me how to handle the weapons he had. I did my four children the same way,the oldest daughter started shooting when she was five and the middle daughter didn't start until she was 16, my son started when he was five also the other daughter didn't develop a fondness for firearms until she was about 19 or so, just goes to show that not all children are the same. catfish

berto64 · 11-07-2007, 03:12 PM

It.s been the tradition in my family start shooting around 7-8 years and if the child is still interested at age 10, they get their own bolt 22 and are taught to clean & maintain and keep it safe.

Pistolenschutze · 11-07-2007, 03:20 PM

Only way to fly, Berto. The cleaning and maintenance is just as important as the shooting IMHO.

southernshooter · 11-07-2007, 04:46 PM

I bought my little brother his first gun for his 5th christmas, I bought him a 22/410 combo. That was the age I learned to shoot at.

blackhawkkid308 · 11-07-2007, 04:59 PM

at the age of 5 i had my own pistol that i was responsible for in my room in my care. have been shooting since i was 4. again it really has to do with the state of mind of the youngster.
bhk308

Pat Hurley · 11-07-2007, 06:40 PM

My son started shooting at 6 years old (the same year he took his Florida Hunter's Education Course). By 7 years old he shot his first wild boar... with a .22 no less (moving target at 30 yards). That's my boy!

AngelDeville · 11-08-2007, 02:03 PM

I think he's ready, but now what to buy?

The Marlin is nice and simple, but a few other Stevens are around and they are a little "cooler", but the Marlin is more practical

and then .243, or 22/250 for the next one...

maybe he'd like an officers 1911, or a '87 Winchester....

Ohh wait those last two are me....

rosierita · 11-08-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelDeville

I think he's ready, but now what to buy?

The Marlin is nice and simple, but a few other Stevens are around and they are a little "cooler", but the Marlin is more practical

and then .243, or 22/250 for the next one...

maybe he'd like an officers 1911, or a '87 Winchester....

Ohh wait those last two are me....

ha! ha! any excuse will do.

358 winchester · 11-08-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelDeville

I think he's ready, but now what to buy?

The Marlin is nice and simple, but a few other Stevens are around and they are a little "cooler", but the Marlin is more practical

and then .243, or 22/250 for the next one...

maybe he'd like an officers 1911, or a '87 Winchester....

Ohh wait those last two are me....

That is the way to do it I buy my guns for the boys and their sons BUT they don't get them till I die or have my back turned and they take them home with them, has happened more than once.

AngelDeville · 11-08-2007, 09:10 PM

He already knows that if he wants my 1911 after I'm gone he's gonna need a shovel....

AngelDeville · 11-10-2007, 10:34 PM

I don't think I can wait until Christmas....

Stevens Little Scout .22

noslolo · 11-12-2007, 03:39 AM

My duaghter was four and my son was five when I took them to the range to show them the damage that a .22lr can do, to a couple pieces of fruit and some cans of coke. I then set them up on the bench rest and let them shoot a couple of rounds off. Both my kids (now 6&8 years old) will tell you a gun is a tool, not a toy, and you don't play with tools, some one always gets hurt.

pickenup · 11-12-2007, 03:14 PM

So he is getting the Scout?
Post a pic of the target. (if it's ok)

My son was 6 when he first shot, now he shoots competition with me. One of these days he is going to show the old man up.

Hasn't yet.

AngelDeville · 11-12-2007, 03:50 PM

The Stevens is already purchased, and of course I took it out to the range today for a safety check, no signs of any leakage around the rolling block with shorts or standard velocity long rifles. I put a bout 75 rounds through it today with zero defects.

He is getting it on Christmas morning, with his first trip to the range shortly thereafter.

I'm sooooooooo excited!

rosierita · 11-13-2007, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelDeville

The Stevens is already purchased, and of course I took it out to the range today for a safety check, no signs of any leakage around the rolling block with shorts or standard velocity long rifles. I put a bout 75 rounds through it today with zero defects.

He is getting it on Christmas morning, with his first trip to the range shortly thereafter.

I'm sooooooooo excited!

have a camera handy & get some pics!!

SouthernMoss · 11-14-2007, 11:51 AM

That's great! I second Rosie's post... we want pics!

AngelDeville · 12-26-2007, 03:18 PM

I'l post up some pics of the first range trip!

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=41904

11-07-2007, 08:55 AM	#1
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Childs first trip to the range While on a visit to my local money pit (gun shop), an encounter with a youth sized drop-block Stevens got me thinking.... My son already knows enough about firearms not to touch them and to tell me if he finds one. But at what age should his first shooting experience be? What have you all done with your children? Of course he will learn to clean/dissassemble the firearm before the first shot is ever taken.... -->

11-07-2007, 09:37 AM	#2
rosierita Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,218	Re: Childs first trip to the range ah man, that's like grooming a horse for a few wks before getting to ride them! how old is he? if he's able to comfortably handle a 22 (jr rifle or cricket), i'd take him on out & let him shoot! after he's had some fun w/ those paper targets, then show him how to clean that gun... __________________

11-07-2007, 09:52 AM	#3
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Childs first trip to the range That's a very pertinent question, Angel. I think it depends largely on the personality of the child involved. By that I mean, has the child shown any interest in firearms up to this point? Some kids do so from a very early age (me, for example, about age 7 or 8 ), and others not until a few years later. I started shooting .22s at 7, and was shooting large caliber rifles, pistols, and 12 gauge shotguns at 10. With my own kids, I started my son shooting at 8 with .22s, and had him shooting large caliber rifles, pistols, and shotguns regularly at 12. My daughters though, really didn't show much more than a passing interest in firearms until their early teens, at which point I gladly taught them how to shoot. With them, the interest focused mostly on handguns, and that is true to this day. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

11-07-2007, 10:01 AM	#4
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Childs first trip to the range My Dad started me with a small .22 calibre at the age of five. I've been shooting and hunting ever since. [presently 72 years young!] __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

11-07-2007, 11:56 AM	#5
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: Childs first trip to the range My parents and grandparents always had firearms around, so I did my sons/grandsons the same way. I took a disabled/non-functional pistol and rifle and left them out in plain sight. Before long, a question was posed and I answered it. When the questions stopped, I didn't push it, and eventually, more questions surfaced until the questions evolved into a range outing. It's worked out well. One son likes to hunt and shoot, and the other one could care less. All three grandsons (12, 12, and 5years old) like to shoot, and do very well. I'm of the opinion that it's easier if the kids let you know when they're ready, rather than if you decide that today's the day, and start a class they're not ready for. All they need is something safe to ask about. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

11-07-2007, 12:12 PM	#6
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,028	Re: Childs first trip to the range I like to start kids shooting .22 rifles at age eight. Kids younger than that should start with airsoft guns.

11-07-2007, 02:14 PM	#7
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Childs first trip to the range Good advice Thanks. His 5th Birthday is in a few days, and he has a marked interest in all things that make noise and can be taken apart. The Stevens was gone when I went back to the shop, but a new Marlin single shot bolt action is reasonably priced, and that and a couple boxes of .22 shorts might make a good b-day present, if not this year then next.

11-07-2007, 02:57 PM	#8
catfish83861 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North Idaho Posts: 2,018	Re: Childs first trip to the range For me personally I agree with Jay and also Marlin. I developed an interest in firearms at a very early age and my Dad was more than willing to teach me how to handle the weapons he had. I did my four children the same way,the oldest daughter started shooting when she was five and the middle daughter didn't start until she was 16, my son started when he was five also the other daughter didn't develop a fondness for firearms until she was about 19 or so, just goes to show that not all children are the same. catfish

11-07-2007, 03:12 PM	#9
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: Childs first trip to the range It.s been the tradition in my family start shooting around 7-8 years and if the child is still interested at age 10, they get their own bolt 22 and are taught to clean & maintain and keep it safe. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

11-07-2007, 03:20 PM	#10
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Childs first trip to the range Only way to fly, Berto. The cleaning and maintenance is just as important as the shooting IMHO. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

11-07-2007, 04:46 PM	#11
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Childs first trip to the range I bought my little brother his first gun for his 5th christmas, I bought him a 22/410 combo. That was the age I learned to shoot at. __________________ Only you can see this

11-07-2007, 04:59 PM	#12
blackhawkkid308 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: pensacola florida Posts: 871	Re: Childs first trip to the range at the age of 5 i had my own pistol that i was responsible for in my room in my care. have been shooting since i was 4. again it really has to do with the state of mind of the youngster. bhk308 __________________ 9-11-01 lest we forget AMEN

11-07-2007, 06:40 PM	#13
Pat Hurley Former Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 987	Re: Childs first trip to the range My son started shooting at 6 years old (the same year he took his Florida Hunter's Education Course). By 7 years old he shot his first wild boar... with a .22 no less (moving target at 30 yards). That's my boy!

11-08-2007, 02:03 PM	#14
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Childs first trip to the range I think he's ready, but now what to buy? The Marlin is nice and simple, but a few other Stevens are around and they are a little "cooler", but the Marlin is more practical and then .243, or 22/250 for the next one... maybe he'd like an officers 1911, or a '87 Winchester.... Ohh wait those last two are me....

11-08-2007, 09:10 PM	#17
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Childs first trip to the range He already knows that if he wants my 1911 after I'm gone he's gonna need a shovel....

11-10-2007, 10:34 PM	#18
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Childs first trip to the range I don't think I can wait until Christmas.... Stevens Little Scout .22

11-12-2007, 03:39 AM	#19
noslolo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Johnstown PA Posts: 1,558	Re: Childs first trip to the range My duaghter was four and my son was five when I took them to the range to show them the damage that a .22lr can do, to a couple pieces of fruit and some cans of coke. I then set them up on the bench rest and let them shoot a couple of rounds off. Both my kids (now 6&8 years old) will tell you a gun is a tool, not a toy, and you don't play with tools, some one always gets hurt. __________________ I'm a heck of a "obesito illegitimo"

11-12-2007, 03:14 PM	#20
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,837	Re: Childs first trip to the range So he is getting the Scout? Post a pic of the target. (if it's ok) My son was 6 when he first shot, now he shoots competition with me. One of these days he is going to show the old man up. Hasn't yet. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

11-12-2007, 03:50 PM	#21
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Childs first trip to the range The Stevens is already purchased, and of course I took it out to the range today for a safety check, no signs of any leakage around the rolling block with shorts or standard velocity long rifles. I put a bout 75 rounds through it today with zero defects. He is getting it on Christmas morning, with his first trip to the range shortly thereafter. I'm sooooooooo excited!

11-14-2007, 11:51 AM	#23
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Re: Childs first trip to the range That's great! I second Rosie's post... we want pics! __________________ My Second protects your First "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." - Susan B Anthony

12-26-2007, 03:18 PM	#24
AngelDeville Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ABQ Posts: 644	Re: Childs first trip to the range I'l post up some pics of the first range trip! http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=41904