kids shooting
- Thread starter biggssw6
- Start date
You have to judge each kid on their own merits. A minimum level of maturity is necessary in order to stay safe. My 12 yr old daughter started when she was 8. My 10 yr. old son started at about 8, too, but I've stopped offering to take him hunting and to the range because I'm worried that he can't remain focussed - I don't like the idea of someone with a loaded gun getting distracted to the point they forget what they're doing.
I've taken them both to the Strathcona range here in Edmonton and set an ATA trap to throw only straight away shots - they need to have some early success if they're to enjoy shooting. They shoot from the center station at first, graduating to a variety of stations and eventually to a variety of presentations, as they get better at it.
If your local range isn't suited to a similar experience, I'd buy a cheap hand flinger and take them to a piece of private land until they're ready to shoot all presentations from all stations at the range.
IMHO, if you can provide a 20 ga. with stock dimensions for kids, that is ideal. Any larger and the recoil might be a turn-off. A .410 isn't the best either, because you need to be a much better shot with such a reduced load.
SS
I've taken them both to the Strathcona range here in Edmonton and set an ATA trap to throw only straight away shots - they need to have some early success if they're to enjoy shooting. They shoot from the center station at first, graduating to a variety of stations and eventually to a variety of presentations, as they get better at it.
If your local range isn't suited to a similar experience, I'd buy a cheap hand flinger and take them to a piece of private land until they're ready to shoot all presentations from all stations at the range.
IMHO, if you can provide a 20 ga. with stock dimensions for kids, that is ideal. Any larger and the recoil might be a turn-off. A .410 isn't the best either, because you need to be a much better shot with such a reduced load.
SS
I noticed after posting that you asked about models. After checking around, I ended up buying an N.E.F. Pardner in 20 gauge. The Pardner is built solid, yet doesn't weigh too much. It's a single shot (no worries about the kid turning around to celebrate a hit and blowing your butt off with the second shot). 20 ga. ammo is easy to find, affordable, and a good load for beginners.
Best of all, the gun costs less than $200.00, GST included and comes with a lifetime warranty.
SIDE NOTE: Even though the Pardner is way too small for me, I've taken it into the field. The fit sucks, but it was so light, it was a pleasure to carry all day. Didn't miss any shots because of the fit, so I didn't regret shooting with it.
SS
edited to add comment about 20 ga. ammo
Best of all, the gun costs less than $200.00, GST included and comes with a lifetime warranty.
SIDE NOTE: Even though the Pardner is way too small for me, I've taken it into the field. The fit sucks, but it was so light, it was a pleasure to carry all day. Didn't miss any shots because of the fit, so I didn't regret shooting with it.
SS
edited to add comment about 20 ga. ammo
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beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Quite a number of good young shooters, boys and girls alike ( as well as a number of ladies) were given a good start at Skeet with a Remington 20 ga. auto-loader.A 28 would have even been better. Fit is all important ... a too long stock is very akward. Most important is for them to start hitting targets almost immediately, and comfortably... say low house sevens ... great confidence builder. Most youngsters I've taught started around 10-12 for clay targets, and yes, you do need to judge their maturity level, and instill the safety lessons right up front before they ever pull a trigger. Also had 5 & 6 year olds shooting .22 from the bench under close supervision .. but most at that age don't have the strength to hold a 22 up freehand.
Both my kids 12 and 9 love shooting 22's from the bench. I tried the eldest with a 20 gauge youth 1187 shooting clays. He could handle the size of the gun well but not the recoil. I am going to try him with a 28 gauge semi and see if we can bring him along slowly. I won't push him so he ends up hating it. If he says it hurts and doesn't want to do it then the gun goes away until he gets stronger and wants to try. He really wants to shoot clays and hunt but the recoil was really bothering him. Once he feels good with the 28 we can move to the 20 if he wants. I have basically decided that this has to be on his terms when he feels he is ready.
my six year old has been shooting his .22 for a couple years now and also loves to shoot my .223, he can consistantly hit the 400M turkey and the 500M sheep from the bench. He has had safety drilled into his head 365 days a year since he could walk as we shoot all year round between the guns and bows. I would love to get him into shotgunning and have found a couple of options for .410's out there built for kids but i wonder about the recoil...too much for a 6 year old?...he's pretty stout. Is there any "light" loads for the .410 that he can start with?
Straightshooter...could you possibly post a picture of your young'un with the pardner? I would like to get a better idea of its actual size in relation to a kid...so hard to judge from the website.
Thanks
Chris
Straightshooter...could you possibly post a picture of your young'un with the pardner? I would like to get a better idea of its actual size in relation to a kid...so hard to judge from the website.
Thanks
Chris
willyqbc said:
Sure can. This isn't the best picture (a little fuzzy), but I'm packing for a grouse hunt and my son wanted to get back to the T.V. (He's 11 now, btw, in case that helps judge size). I measured the LOP at 12 5/8", if that helps. If you would like a better picture (or pictures), don't hesitate to say so - I'll have more time next week, so they won't be rushed.
Cheers,
SS
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thanks very much....looks a bit big for my little guy just yet, the other option was a tiny little backpack .410 i saw in a shop a while back....forget the manufacturers name. I worry how he would handle the recoil? he has also shot my savage 99C in 243 from the bench with varmint rounds so not too bad a kick there...might have to wait a year for the 410 I think.
Chris
Chris
Chris, I have a pardner .410 he's welcome to try, I won't be using it this season. the little backpacker .410 is made by stoger and has guite a bit more recoil and seriously more muzzle blast then a standard length .410. I wouldn't go there.
willyqbc said:
I wouldn't discourage your boy from shooting of any kind, if he wants to try. But, I would advise against a .410 at first, unless shooting at stationary targets. IMHO it's extremely important that any beginner enjoy themselves and have some early success when shooting for the first several times. Not unlike any sport or activity, you tend to enjoy them more and come back for more if you are at least half decent at your first attempts.
The .410 requires much better marksmanship at moving targets than even a 20 ga.
SS
Both my six year old son and ten year old daughter shoot various .22's. Henry Arms makes a junior bolt action that is good for beginners. The Walther P22 fits kids hands real well also. They both love the Ruger 10/22 converted Krinker Plinker with the 50rnd magazine. A 223 yields a little too much recoil, but my son will still shoot a few rounds. Most important is that kids know how to handle a firearm safely and are closely supervised.
