How young is too young?

[kaligaran]

Well would you guys agree that a male and female differ?

I think a lot depends on the kid. However, there are lots of studies out there (if you are interested in reading) that suggest that different segments of the brain develop differently between the genders which isn't too surprising.

Just google 'brain development by gender' and you'll see a lot of articles, studies and other interesting reading material.

[essjay]

Well would you guys agree that a male and female differ?

[Condorguns]

Well would you guys agree that a male and female differ?

Not as much as you would think. At pre teen ages the size difference is small. I have actually had an easier time teaching young girls than young boys. The girls just seem to focus and listen better at that age. I have found the girls to be more sensitive to the noise, so good ear protection is a must.

[Librarian]

If you can be satisfied that the child understands the seriousness of any gun at all, then the hand size and ability to operate and control the gun is more important than an age.

[mosinnagantm9130]

Depends on the child.

My niece first shot a 1911 (with my dad's help, no, we didn't just hand her a 1911) at age 7. She liked the .22's better.

[Your ad here]

I would start once they can tell me hearing protection is working. I would then start with a 22 and go up as they get familiar.

[Darklyte27]

If they can show muzzle and trigger discipline, highest degree of safety and have enough arm, hand strength to manage recoil then they are GTG.

[anothergunnut]

How about a 3 year old? Too young?

Seriously? Please tell me you're just trolling.

[GMG]

What do you mean?

It sounds like a question a 3 year old would ask.

[Erion929]

Seriously? Please tell me you're just trolling.

He's one of the biggest trollers on the forum. Some kinda weird posts come from his way....

[SoCalEnthusiast]

How about a 12 gauge shoddy?

[joemama]

What's a shoddy?

[NorCalNative]

Their hands need to be big enough to grip the pistol and pull the trigger in a controlled way.

[CSACANNONEER]

Well would you guys agree that a male and female differ?

No, they are exactly the same.

Of course they differ but, when it comes to shooting, maturity matters more than gender or age. However, I feel that a child should learn to shoot a rifle first. Putting any handgun in the hands of a child who hasn't proven that he or she knows and follows all the firearms safety rules would be plain STUPID. A 3-5 year old MIGHT be mature enough to shoot a firearm but, I strongly advise you to have them shoot a .22lr rifle that is properly fitted to them instead of being a class A DB and giving a little kid a .45acp.

[CK_32]

I go off of personality not their age.

I have a 13 year old cousin I wouldn't let near my guns, and a 7 year old I would trust to shoot one him self.

Haven't taken either of them shooting but again I base it off personality and maturity not their age.

As for caliber, I'd work them up and see where they start losing control. No reason to start full 100mph wih a bit caliber. Look at the little girl with the F/A 9mm. Things can go south QUICK. Keep them in their comfort zone.