Best way to train a 9 year old

[geoint]

So I've been dating a single mom who has a son. Has had absolutely no exposure to guns in his life but he gets excited when we talk about them. I think teaching him to shoot (assuming the relationship with his mom lasts) would be a great way to bond with him. With that said, what are some tips you guys would have for me?

Im open to ideas on calipers/guns, techniques or anything else you think would be helpful in teaching the kid. Obviously I'm leaning towards something in 22lr but I'm willing to try other stuff if I think there's a good reason to do so


PS I've got two daughters of my own (still in diapers) so even if things don't workout with the kid I'd like to know this stuff for my own girls.

[Dano3467]

Airsoft, really you know nothing about how this young boy's mind works.

IMO if guns are the first thing you want to teach him maybe start there.

Personally I'd take him fishing & camping, firearms could be later when you know him better (have some bonding time) , but that's just me.

[hermosabeach]

Does Appleseed exist in your area?

[Garv]

Many comments I have read here are bolt action single shot .22.
Cricket was often mentioned.
Work on safety and rules before going.
Fun targets if going outdoors.

SA pistol maybe for a second trip.

Bigger calibers later.

[hermosabeach]

I would look for both Appleseed
and do take a hunters education class...... Good info and safety practices

http://appleseedinfo.org/

[diveRN]

1.) Learn and practice the 4 rules with a toy gun.
2.) Practice the rules further with a BB gun or airsoft. Introduce eye protection and marksmanship basics.
3.) Schedule a range day when he can adequately display items 1 and 2 to your satisfaction.

Edit to add: .22s only, at least for awhile. If the kid is a natural, introduce other guns as his skill merits.

[njineermike]

1.) Learn and practice the 4 rules with a toy gun.
2.) Practice the rules further with a BB gun or airsoft. Introduce eye protection and marksmanship basics.
3.) Schedule a range day when he can adequately display items 1 and 2 to your satisfaction.

Edit to add: .22s only, at least for awhile. If the kid is a natural, introduce other guns as his skill merits.

This is sound advice. Taking the hunter safety course together is also sound advice. Whatever you do, good luck. As long as the mom supports it, it's a great way to bond.

[NaClAddict]

Use archery, air soft, pellet, .22, etc as different levels/rewards. Make him recite and explain the 4 rules before any firearms training. Also the *5th rule added for youngsters, if you find a gun or a friend wants to show you one, leave and tell an adult. I personally think it's okay to allow youngsters to see and touch firearms supervised.

[NorCalFocus]

As others have stated, safety first. Make sure he understands the major safety points before you take him out. I make my 8yo repeat them to me on the way to shoot every time we go out.

After that, its about having fun. Take him outdoors, an indoor range is loud and scary for a first timer. Make sure you have easy to hit reactive targets. Steel plates, balloons, something that lets him know he made a hit.

[readysetgo]

Best way to train a 9 year old

Either treats or...

Swift punch to the neck.

[Ron-Solo]

With my children and grandchildren, I started with safety rules until they understood them. Having them memorize is good, but understanding is better.

Before they touched a gun I did a demonstration showing them the destructive power. A cantaloupe, pumpkin, or watermelon was sacrificed for the demo. When they see it explode, it drives a point home.

Start them off with a basic single shot .22 rifle. No handguns at this point. Too many variables and things that can go wrong at this age. I am a fan of the Crickett. They make a quality rifle and as they grow, you can get adult stocks for them. The guns are accurate and you can accessorize them with scopes and bi-pods, etc. My three oldest Grandkid's each have their own Crickett, as well as a 10/22 when they get big enough. They are 8, 10, and 12 now. The oldest has just started shooting his 10/22 recently. He's starting to outgrow the stock on the Crickett, so it will get an adult stock soon. He still loves shooting the Crickett. Here are a few photos:

These are my Grandkids Crickett rifles, junior sniper version. With the birth of my newest Granddaughter last month, I'm going to have to build another pink one, or maybe a purple laminate stock.





They all have their own 10/22 rifle for when they are big enough.

The other day I took my 8 year old Grandson and 6 year old Granddaughter out shooting. My Grandson has been shooting for 3 years now, but this was the first time out for my Granddaughter. She had a great time and is already asking when we can go out again. She was really excited to shoot her pink Crickett rifle.



Her results at about 25 yards:



My Grandson has it figured out:



I started her off shooting at some baloons and once she figured things out she really had a blast. The baloons give instant feedback. By the end of the day, she was loading and cocking the rifle herself, and did not want, or need, much help from Grandpa.

The Crickett rifles are great for young shooters. There is another one in my safe for their little brother, who isn't ready yet.

I also have 10/22 rifles waiting for them when they get bigger. The 8 year old has fired his, but it is still too big for him and he prefers his Crickett still. I was able to get three with consecutive serial numbers and put a pink Hogue Overmold stock on my Granddaughters rifle.

When we were done, we filled two trash bags with other people's trash, even though our trash wou8ld have fit in a quart zip lock baggie. Teach them young, treach them right.

It was a GREAT day at the range.

[Sunday]

Thanks for what you are doing. Spending the time is a good thing.

[geoint]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'm gonna buy a 22 like the savage rascal to start with. I'll focus on gun safety and then basic operation of the weapon before I ever take him to the range. I'll also break in the safety myself (thanks for the tip).

After we finally go shooting I'll show him how to clean it and then back into MY safe it goes. I might buy him a nerf gun or something just to randomly have him show me proper trigger discipline/muzzle awareness...etc. if he ever does want to see "his gun" I'll bring it over unloaded and let him get all his gun curiosity out of his system as often as he likes.

What do you guys think?

[ifilef]

...

Personally I'd take him fishing & camping, firearms could be later when you know him better (have some bonding time) , but that's just me.

Excellent idea!

[jarhead714]

You ever heard of incentive training?