Minors and firearms?

[Dubby]

At what age can a kid handle a firearm at a range?

 

[Dubby]

ooo nevermind just read on the rcmp site you have to be 12-17 to get a minors license. So I guess under 12 you cannot use a firearm. Was just wondering at what age my daughter could start coming to the range with me.

 

[mzonta]

At what age can a child handle a firearm at a range?

IMO it's a matter of maturity. My son's first time shooting was when he was 6, he's now 7 and comes to the range regularly with us. I feel he is quite mature for his age.

He shoots a .22 semi auto pistol, .22 semi auto rifle and a .22 bolt action rifle. He is familiar with ACTS and knows how to PROVE each of the 3 guns he uses (with my help obviously, but he knows the basics). He understands as fun as guns are they will also create a world of pain for a lot of people of misused, and he takes this seriously.

Like any kid his age, he does forget and make mistakes. That's where my job comes in, it's up to me to supervise him and make sure he is doing everything safely and responsibly. If I see he is starting to fall out of line all it takes is a gentle reminder and he's back to business.

Usually though when I see he is starting to get bored and lose focus that is when we pack up to leave. It means some short range visits sometimes but that's ok, as long as he has fun.

I think as long as they are mature enough to have fun while understanding that guns are not something to fool around with, and are capable of handling it safely, then they are old enough in my books. Keeping a close eye is the key, muzzles can go a bad direction in a damn hurry with some kids.

All that being said, there are some older kids I wouldn't let come any near a range... it all comes down to the individual.

 

[mzonta]

ooo nevermind just read on the rcmp site you have to be 12-17 to get a minors license. So I guess under 12 you cannot use a firearm. Was just wondering at what age my daughter could start coming to the range with me.

They don't need a license to come to the range with you to shoot. As long as they are under your direct supervision at all times (and you have your PAL etc etc), you are good to go. May I ask how old she is?

 

[alexD92]

There is no legal age limit for someone to shoot/manipulate a firearm. Where you might find a problem is with your clubs insurance policy, one of the clubs I went to required that shooters be 12 years or older.

I was 7 when I went shooting for the first time, my brother and sister were much younger though.

 

[mzonta]

There is no legal age limit for someone to shoot/manipulate a firearm. Where you might find a problem is with your clubs insurance policy, one of the clubs I went to required that shooters be 12 years or older.

Good point. My club doesn't have any age restrictions as long as all youngsters are properly supervised. In fact my club encourages kids to get into shooting, providing they can do it safely.

 

[SpongyMonster]

IMO it's a matter of maturity. My son's first time shooting was when he was 6, he's now 7 and comes to the range regularly with us. I feel he is quite mature for his age.

He shoots a .22 semi auto pistol, .22 semi auto rifle and a .22 bolt action rifle. He is familiar with ACTS and knows how to PROVE each of the 3 guns he uses (with my help obviously, but he knows the basics). He understands as fun as guns are they will also create a world of pain for a lot of people of misused, and he takes this seriously.

Like any kid his age, he does forget and make mistakes. That's where my job comes in, it's up to me to supervise him and make sure he is doing everything safely and responsibly. If I see he is starting to fall out of line all it takes is a gentle reminder and he's back to business.

Usually though when I see he is starting to get bored and lose focus that is when we pack up to leave. It means some short range visits sometimes but that's ok, as long as he has fun.

I think as long as they are mature enough to have fun while understanding that guns are not something to fool around with, and are capable of handling it safely, then they are old enough in my books. Keeping a close eye is the key, muzzles can go a bad direction in a damn hurry with some kids.

All that being said, there are some older kids I wouldn't let come any near a range... it all comes down to the individual.

Exactly ! My 8yr old daughter comes to the range with me all the time. Has her own air rifle and .22 rifle.

 

[@simple]

Exactly ! My 8yr old daughter comes to the range with me all the time. Has her own air rifle and .22 rifle.

There are no legal age limit if directly supervised. My son is 10yr old and he comes to the range with me, but before (last year) he attended local junior rifle club.