how old is old enough to start shooting?

[gomatty]

I just started with my youngest daughter. She's six and has a savage rascal which I highly recommend over the cricket. Good luck and have fun!

[radgokart]

If it's old enough to crawl, its in the right position (prone shooting)

[Son of BAR7]

Let's all just not confuse 'old enough to shoot' with 'old enough to be left unsupervised with a loaded rifle'.

[angrytroll]

I started my oldest at 11 and my youngest earlier this year at the time she was 7. It all depends on the kid. Mine are complete opposites and have had my challenges with each. My oldest is more cautious and took time to get her comfortable with positioning and aim. My youngest is very confident and more stubborn to listen but was quicker to get settled and on target allot faster. Just start off with the safety basics and see how he handles that first then move on from there.

[Germz]

According to Doomsday Preppers on NatGeo, most experts agree 10 and older, however YMMV with your child. It is up to you to determine when your child can cognitavely understand the responsibility of firearm use.

[rock3ralex]

Any age really as long as they understand safety and you are there to be a parent and not let them run loose.

[09rubicon]

My daughters 4th Bday is today. She will be getting a bolt action single shot .22 cricket. As well as shooting glasses and hearing protection. I will work with her slowly before we ever put a round in it. My thought is start her young, wether she grows to embrace or hate firearms she will know how to operate and respect them.

[radgokart]

My daughters 4th Bday is today. She will be getting a bolt action single shot .22 cricket. As well as shooting glasses and hearing protection. I will work with her slowly before we ever put a round in it. My thought is start her young, wether she grows to embrace or hate firearms she will know how to operate and respect them.

When I went to the hunter safety class at Raahauge's, one of the instructors told us he did this to his daughter as a child and she grew to love guns as an adult... But she ended up marrying a “bunny hugger" lol.

[catmman]

BBgun from 8-10 years old. I think 10 for first 22 rifle and pistol. That way they look forward to it a little and are mature enough. At 11 I would buy their first rifle and make them lifetime NRA at 12.