Firearms: Selecting and Training for Children

[Sam1911]

but with practice, we'll get it together.

Might sound strange, but as soon as he's able, I'd suggest some clay bird shooting. The rush to get on a bird tends to speed up the "unlearning" process, and the high number of repeated gun mounts helps to reinforce the right habits.

As important as it is in developing the very basic principles, shooting from a bench is actually kind of poor practice. You learn a lot more, faster, in more dynamic shooting, IMHO.

Good luck! Sounds like you're on the right path.

 

[xfyrfiter]

I still own the .22 that I learned on 55 years ago. It taught my father and uncle . It is an old cut down single shot that has probably had 50,000 rounds down the tube. Still shoots like it did when I was a kid. Open sights and pull to cock bolt. Still the easiest to teach or learn with.

 

[LemmyCaution]

As important as it is in developing the very basic principles, shooting from a bench is actually kind of poor practice.

I agree. We're starting straight away with formal position shooting, mostly seated, with a little off hand and a little prone mixed in. Also, we don't even have a bench at our home range.

Might sound strange, but as soon as he's able, I'd suggest some clay bird shooting.

This sounds wise to me. We've got an H&R youth 20ga lined up for him, but it's still too big. I'd hate for him to get beaten up by the gun and develop a flinch (like I did when I was a kid). Maybe this summer, if he feels up to it. I'm also going to replace the stock with a plastic one with a recoil pad and add some shot to it to tame the recoil.

Alternately, I could cut down the wood stock on it (no beauty) and add a grind to fit pad. The Choate synthetic stocks are only $32, so I can pick one of those up later for him to grow into.

 

[Sam1911]

20ga lined up for him, but it's still too big. I'd hate for him to get beaten up by the gun and develop a flinch (like I did when I was a kid).

As did I. My first post-.22 experience was with an Ithaca 37 20 ga. (boy would I like to have it NOW), seated, firing at static detergent bottles. That pump gun with hard butt-plate just beat my skinny 7-year-old self to bits. I never lost enthusiasm for shooting, but I was very gun shy for a while.

Hate to see that happen these days when we should know better. Sounds like you're on the right path.

 

[bobby68]

1. I also lean to adjustablity for growth

2. Option of single shot and then magazine.

3. We considered airsoft for trigger and safety rule practice, but not sure if they make triggers light enOugh for her little fingers, not to mention LOP and overall size.

Thanks for the various rifle suggestions. We will look at any suggestions put forward.