Approriate age to let kids shoot .22's

[walletclan]

I go to my local range quite a bit and bring my handguns and occasionally my AR. My daughter always asks to come with me but I tell her she can when she is a little older, mainly because I don't have a gun she can handle.

She is almost 6 years old, very tall for her age (so I think she could hold a 10/22) and very bright. I think she would love to shoot and I would love to teach her to shoot, as well as how to be comfortable and safe around firearms.

I would pick up a 10/22 or Mark III

When is a good age to introduce small caliber firearms to kids? I welcome any comments or recommendations. Thanks

[stalker]

I was 5 when I started to shoot a .22. I think around the age of 5 is when most kids start being able to focus and retain the info given to them, it also depends on their upbringing One of my friends kids wants to learn how to shoot he is 12 and doesn't listen or respect anyone there is no way I am going to take responsibility for this kid.

The sooner you teach them how to properly handle a gun the better

[morrcarr67]

Let's see.

I have a friend who started shooting a 44 Special at age 5.

I have a friend that got his girl shooting 22lr at 6. She is 7 now and already shooting 38 Special.

[Turo]

I learned at 3 or 4, but I was a good kid that took instruction well.

Assuming your daughter is as smart as you say she is, you should take her shooting as soon as possible. Drill safety as much as possible. It sounds like you're on the right track, getting a .22lr rifle and starting her out young.

[DVSmith]

Stalker pretty much hit the high points:
1) Can the child follow instructions?
2) Can they physically control the firearm without stress?
3) Do you believe they are responsible enough to handle a firearm?
4) Will they have VERY close adult supervision?

As NRA Instructors are taught, the shooter should be able to develope the Knowledge, Skills and Attitude necessary to safely use a firearm. I always add, in an age appropriate manner.

All that being said, I started shooting with my sons at about the age of 6. I bought them single shot bolt action Marlin youth rifles. They were light weight and easy to manage for them. They couldn't get off a second shot unexpectedly. And I was ALWAYS right behind them ready to take control of the firearm should their focus shift off the task at hand.

[gunsnrovers]

My son was 6 in Cub Scouts and started with their air rifles. I also worked with him at home. When I was OK with his safety, I asked my wife to chaperone the boys at the range and she came home and said she was happy with his safety as well.

Went out and bought him a Cricket Rifle. Perfect for him. Single shot bolt action. Easy to use. He used it for two years before he grew and moved on to a 10/22 and my Rossi pump .22 which he loves.

Having worked with Cub Scouts for a while, each child is different. Age and size are no indicator of the right time. The maturity and ability to focus are things I look for. I have Tigers (6) whom I have no issue at the range with and Webelos (11 year olds) I don't anywhere near a water pistol.

[walletclan]

I have a Mosin that I can let her try...! Turners has 10/22 for $199! I would get a nice wood one that can stay in the family.

[Ricky-Ray]

Age and size are no indicator of the right time. The maturity and ability to focus are things I look for.

I agree!

[walletclan]

All very good points. My daughter is quite mature and very responsible. As a matter of safety, a bolt action would be a good start. I remember shooting bolt action .22's as a young boy scout.

[maschronic]

Age and size are no indicator of the right time. The maturity and ability to focus are things I look for.

+1!!! that is a fact. my son is only 18 months old and i will judge it by his ability to follow directions and maturity level.

[rb765]

I learned at about 6 yrs old with a rifle and revolver. My son however, was not ready until he was about 12. Now he has taken to it and can almost outshoot me. He is 14 now and I will be getting an SR22 pistol for him as soon as he can bring his grades out of the gutter (Freshman laziness syndrome). I also highly recommend Appleseed for new shooters.

[bigcasino]

My best friends son is 8yrs old almost 9 now. we started him shooting a BB gun in my backyard so now he knows safety and has shown he can control and understand what to do. Soon he will be at the range with us. I have a old .22 single shot bolt gun to start him with and then maybe my 10/22 or Mark I whatever his father feels is best. I would like to see him try some clays but the smallest I have is a old bolt 20G I need to find a .410 for him to start with.

[AragornElessar86]

Bring her. She's plenty old enough. Only you can tell whether she's mature enough.

[evolution1974]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=536418

TC Hot Shot, Crickett, CZ Scout (top to bottom)



Springfield M6 Scout, CZ 452 Scout and Taurus 62 (top to bottom)


Ruger 10/22 with ATI stock


Smith and Wesson 63


Ruger 22/45 and Phoenix Arms HP22A

[walletclan]

^ this is great. Thank you. I can get the Crickett for $99 on cheaper than dirt. However, I would really like a 10/22 for my own collection. Turners has them for $199 right now.

I would prefer that my daughter learn on a bolt action, but I could always only load 1 round in the 10/22 mag, since I would plan on having multiple mags anyway....

Decisions, decisions...