Shooting age

[Angrysnarf]

How old should I start my kids shooting? My son is now 6 and is showing interest and his fear of loud noises is gone.

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[Mr. Beretta]

12...

[9Cal_OC]

Shooting long guns or pistols?
7-8 isn’t bad to start off with .22

[enegue]

Whatever age they are mature enough at.

[tabascoz28]

Depends on if they are at an age where they can take instruction and not point the gun irresponsibly at others at the range. If you are at your own home, do what you want.

[swruger]

5/6 for our girls. Bolt action 22 LRs. They all still shoot today. One outshoots me in trap (not that that takes a lot hahahahaha )

[BillSmith]

Age not factor as much as focus.

As others have alluded, attention span and attention to detail more important that age of shooter.

Hadn't though of this before, but a good metric might be,

"Hates baseball because it is too slow? Suggest a delayed introduction to firearms."

Is the above a once-size-fits all statement. No. But...prudent parents would understand my sentiments.

Signed,

Just a dad and coach for 49 years.

[ja308]

Depends on if they are at an age where they can take instruction and not point the gun irresponsibly at others at the range. If you are at your own home, do what you want.

Good answer!

[Dan_Eastvale]

Here in Utah, there is no minimum age at ranges and simply require responsible adult supervision. Pretty sure it was like also that in CA when I was there. Age 7 is fine as long as THEY want to.. I wouldn't insist they do it.

[Angrysnarf]

Rifle

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[Half Cocked]

Why not start them off with a BB gun or pellet gun? They can learn to safely handle a gun (e.g. trigger discipline, always point gun in safe direction, etc.) along with shooting positions, use of open sights, and how to squeeze a trigger. Just basic gun stuff that will transfer to real firearms.

[NoHeavyHitter]

The main factor to consider is how mature the child is as opposed to age. If your kid minds and understands that guns can kill when used carelessly, then it's time to consider teaching them.

A .22 single-shot rifle is good to start with. For people who have children that they know will continue shooting as they age, a "gallery-pump" style .22 is a great choice. Galley pumps are small enough for a youth but still big enough to enjoy as an adult.

[L4D]

[NorCalFocus]

12...

[Oldmandan]

As others have said, it depends on maturity level.

My son was 9 when I first took him shooting, my nephew is 11 and wants to go... but I don’t think he’ll be ready fo awhile. So he’ll have to wait.