Minors at a range....

[Mssr. Eleganté]

...I think it's 16?? to own a long gun.

Nope. You can own a long gun the second you are born. You have to be at least 18 to buy one though. In California a one year old can own a long gun if it was given to them by their parent or by their grandparent with the parents permission.

[CSACANNONEER]

Nope. You can own a long gun the second you are born. You have to be at least 18 to buy one though. In California a one year old can own a long gun if it was given to them by their parent or by their grandparent with the parents permission.

Thanks for the correction. I knew that was the case when I was younger but, due to some FUD I heard, I thought things had changed.

[jeffreyliu838]

Old thread, but I've still got questions. So legally, I can own a rifle? I am 17. But since there are no rifle registries, there will be no evidence of my ownership? Doesn't that make ownership sort of meaningless...?

Another note, anyone know how burro canyon works with minors? My buddy (he's 18) wants to take me shooting with him, but I don't wanna break any laws. I've always gone shooting with my uncle. And you can buy and possess ammo as an 18 year old, right?

Thanks.

[VegasND]

The crap you guys have to put up with continues to amaze me.

Off topic but I was told you had to be 18 to shoot a RAW, truth or FUD?

True

I've given him a print of it to take to school to show his friends, but I'm told it's a bad idea ...

[Pthfndr]

The reasons most ranges don't allow minors on their own is because of the liability waiver they have you sign. It's a legally binding contract and minors can't be held to it. It's not just a CA thing, it's a too many lawyers thing.

[AAShooter]

Here is Livermore Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club's rules for their rifle/pistol range:


Livermore Pleasanton Rod and Gun Club has adopted the following age requirements and rules.

All shooters and Adult supervision must pay associated fees regardless of whether you are shooting or not.

One shooting bench will be assigned to one Adult with minor or minors.

Minors under 6 years of age are not allowed on range.

All Minors will be under direct supervision of a parent, grandparent or guardian the entire time that the Minor is using a firearm. Minors are not allowed to roam the Range area without Adult supervision (no exceptions will be allowed).

Age for use of firearms listed next (no exceptions will be allowed).

6 to 8 years of age…..…BB rifle only
8 to 10 years of age……Rimfire Rifle only (17hmr or 22)
11 to 14 years of age........Rimfire or Centerfire Rifle (see note 1)
15 to 17 years of age...….Rifles (see note 2) or Handguns (see note 3)
18 to 20 years of age…....Rifles (no restrictions), Handguns (see note 2)
21 and older….................No restrictions

Note 1: Proof of Hunter Education, NRA Training or similar training must be presented in order to shoot Centerfire Rifle.

Note 2: Minor and Adult must be on same or adjacent shooting station. One Adult can supervise no more than two shooting stations.

Note 3: Proof of Hunter Education, NRA Training or similar training must be presented in order to shoot Centerfire Handgun.

Minors that are handling firearms unsupervised will be asked, along with the Adult to leave the range, no refund will be given.


Part of the issue between handguns and long guns is how easily a supervising adult can intervene if the shooter does something unsafe. Their policy doesn't allow adults with handguns under 21 to shoot without supervision, regardless of whether they own the handgun or not.

[sixtus]

Thread necromancy!

It's also a safety issue, to make sure a minor doesn't hurt themselves while on the range, which would make for very bad press. Also, someone really should be there to teach the youngster how to shoot properly instead of learning by themselves.