Teach'em young...but get a .410, maybe...!
- Thread starter Harold Mayo
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deciple-of-keith
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I've started my 11yr old step son Off the same way that I 7 probarly every kid of my age started .22 single shot ,410 single barrel , .22 single six .22 Hornet (on occation) & a 310 cadet .Hey theres plenty of time for the hard hitters .But one step at a time
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
Sometimes these things work for me; this one wouldn't download and play.
So, to treat it straight, the .410 isn't the best choice for a young learner. The guns are typically full choke, which leads to a lot of frustration beyond what a kid should have to tolerate. It will work better, of course, if the parent cuts the stock to a proper fit, and has a gunsmith ream the muzzle to Improved Cylinder. Then, work with targets at fairly close range.
The whole idea is to build confidence by providing a challenge, but a challenge which can be met.
Art
So, to treat it straight, the .410 isn't the best choice for a young learner. The guns are typically full choke, which leads to a lot of frustration beyond what a kid should have to tolerate. It will work better, of course, if the parent cuts the stock to a proper fit, and has a gunsmith ream the muzzle to Improved Cylinder. Then, work with targets at fairly close range.
The whole idea is to build confidence by providing a challenge, but a challenge which can be met.
Art
shermacman
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First gun I ever fired was a 12 gauge shot gun with double ought buck shot. I was 10 years old and didn't weigh 90 pounds. My uncle but a coffee can on a fence post and simply told me to hit it. No safety lessons, no nothing other than fire when ready! The blast sent me and the gun flying.
To this day, I love guns.
As I remember, they were drinking tall boys...
To this day, I love guns.
As I remember, they were drinking tall boys...
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
Leaving out for the moment the issue of what a parent can afford: If a kid shows serious interest in shooting, beginning with his first Daisy Red Ryder, buy the kid decent stuff!
Shotguns, make it a 28-gauge or a 20-gauge with skeet loads, but a decent-quality shottygun!
Same for a .22 rifle. If the kid has any affinity, and Pop can afford it, forget the Chipmunk. At least a Marlin, if not an Anschutz.
And better a Smith kit gun with a 4" barrel than an Iver Johnson.
My uncle got me started in reloading when I was but 16 years old. That is probably what gave me more interest in serious "gunnery" than almost any other aspect of shooting. That, and decent "real" guns...
, Art
Shotguns, make it a 28-gauge or a 20-gauge with skeet loads, but a decent-quality shottygun!
Same for a .22 rifle. If the kid has any affinity, and Pop can afford it, forget the Chipmunk. At least a Marlin, if not an Anschutz.
And better a Smith kit gun with a 4" barrel than an Iver Johnson.
My uncle got me started in reloading when I was but 16 years old. That is probably what gave me more interest in serious "gunnery" than almost any other aspect of shooting. That, and decent "real" guns...
, Artwaterhouse
Member
Like most I was started on a .22 (single shot marlin, which I'm pleased to say has been passed on to teach my nephew).
I think I got my first shotgun around 8 or 9, and I was pretty small for my age. Ithica 37 featherweight in 20 ga. I don't recall noticing a kick ever, and it was light enough that I could keep up with the big guys on long walks. It's still my favorite gun for quail (and dove if I'm walking a long ways), and if my nephew wants one he can go buy his own
I'm a much better shot now than I was then, and I still have trouble hitting much with a .410. At least for me, 20 ga. was the way to go.
I think I got my first shotgun around 8 or 9, and I was pretty small for my age. Ithica 37 featherweight in 20 ga. I don't recall noticing a kick ever, and it was light enough that I could keep up with the big guys on long walks. It's still my favorite gun for quail (and dove if I'm walking a long ways), and if my nephew wants one he can go buy his own
I'm a much better shot now than I was then, and I still have trouble hitting much with a .410. At least for me, 20 ga. was the way to go.
Somewhat OT, but the mention of kids and shotguns got me to think of several news stories in my neighbourhood last christmas.
It seems that christmas tree hunting is getting increasingly popular in parts of Norway. (I think the weather does something to our sense of humor. If you don't believe me, do a search for posts by Spiff and Wild, our Alaskan Katzenjammer Kids, they live in a comparable climate.) Anyway, it works like this: The whole family goes out to find a suitable tree, then they walk around it singing christmas carols - before dad shoots the tree down and they take it home. 12 gauge seems to the preferred tool, it's fast, efficient and usually gives a clean one shot kill...
I remembered this because one guy who was on the news showing how his family did this, mentioned that next year he would bring a .410 so his oldest kid could shoot a "calf" to keep in his room.
It seems that christmas tree hunting is getting increasingly popular in parts of Norway. (I think the weather does something to our sense of humor. If you don't believe me, do a search for posts by Spiff and Wild, our Alaskan Katzenjammer Kids, they live in a comparable climate.) Anyway, it works like this: The whole family goes out to find a suitable tree, then they walk around it singing christmas carols - before dad shoots the tree down and they take it home. 12 gauge seems to the preferred tool, it's fast, efficient and usually gives a clean one shot kill...
I remembered this because one guy who was on the news showing how his family did this, mentioned that next year he would bring a .410 so his oldest kid could shoot a "calf" to keep in his room.
Harold Mayo
Member
No, no, no...! Don't play it straight! Watch the video! I still break down in laughter after watching it a dozen times or so. 
sm
member
I couldnt' get this one either...
Agree with Art's post.
Right partial to that 28 ga for a beginning shottie in case you haven't heard...
28 ga shoots better than it is supposed to. Kids felling game/ targets...that is what we want...being a bigger kid - I still do.
Bolt gun for the .22 rifle, Revo for .22 handgun. Correct Basic fundamentals with quality firearms properly fit to them- will keep kids interested. Then it is easy to transition to the larger gauges/ calibers...
Agree with Art's post.
Right partial to that 28 ga for a beginning shottie in case you haven't heard...
28 ga shoots better than it is supposed to. Kids felling game/ targets...that is what we want...being a bigger kid - I still do.
Bolt gun for the .22 rifle, Revo for .22 handgun. Correct Basic fundamentals with quality firearms properly fit to them- will keep kids interested. Then it is easy to transition to the larger gauges/ calibers...
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