When to let kids begin shooting?

[dairycreek]

When they can reliably listen and follow directions and........

that varies by individual child. I had five children and a couple could listen and reliably follow directions as early as 4. Most did okay at 8-9 but one not until 10. Started with a BB gun first and then worked up.

 

[jsalcedo]

When to let kids begin shooting?

When they can see the blue helmet.

 

[newfalguy101]

It depends on the kid.

My daughter first went with me when she was 5 or 6 and had fun, she still likes to go and beginning next year she will get to carry a highpower rifle during deer season for the first time

I have also seen kids at the range that were so out of control and unsafe that I said a prayer for their safety, packed up and went home.

I have also seen kids that will just sit and wait patiently while dad shoots a few rounds and then leaves.

I have also seen adults wouldnt be safe around a butter knife let alone a firearm.

In summary, take the kids when YOU think they are ready to listen, pay attention and have fun.

You might even try a tag-along trip for them, just to see if they really are ready.

And lastly be SURE to use and be adimant that they use eye and ear protection, those two little items will go along way towards a fun and safe shooting adventure.

Have fun

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

My son started at age eight, my girls didn't have much interest at that time. The safety rules were something all three of them grew up with, sine my wife and I shot handgun silhouette when they were little.

Here's something I haven't seen mentioned though. When my kids were all old enough to understand cause and effect, I took them to the range and let them watch me shoot a watermelon with a 12 ga.

My youngest is 27 now and she still remembers the lesson.