First Time Shooter

[RioShooter]

While I was at the range today a father was teaching his son how to shoot. The boy was using a single shot .22 rifle. The father explained what to do, but let his son do everything himself.

I watched him break open the rifle, insert the cartridge, close the gun, and pull back the hammer with two thumbs. Cocking the hammer was the most challenging task for him.

He used a rest to support the barrel. The father told the boy to hold the butt tight against his shoulder. He aimed and pulled the trigger. BULLSEYE!

I asked the father the age of his son. He replied, "Seven." Today was the first time his mother would let him go shooting. The boy had a big smile on his face.

 

[SASS#23149]

he'll remember that first shot for a looooooooooong time.

Way to go there,Dad!

 

[Taurus 66]

Here's to many many more outings at the range or out in the field. I really hope the kid takes it to the level of hunting or a competition sport. When he has his own family, he can instill into his children the importance of gun ownership.

 

[Lupinus]

there was a guy at the range today in the lane next to me letting his ten year old fire a full auto (gotta love full auto friendly ranges )

but when a 10 year old lets a full auto rip next to you it makes you keep an eye on him

 

[carnaby]

Sweet

My boy just turned five yesterday. We got some nerf dart guns and we blasted the heck out of each other. Then I shot the poor kid in the eye

He's tough though and shook it off. Reminds me of my dad shooting me in the eye during rubber band gun fights.

I can hardly wait to take him to the range. Seven sounds like a good age. Thanks for the story.

 

[FLORES425]

Getting kids into the shooting sport is great now adays. My father who was is the Marine Corps taught me how to shoot when I was only five. I learned how to handle a firearm the right way and how take care of a firearm. I think if you start early there well not be any problems in the future with careless handling of a firearm. Some people think that you should'nt start to early but imo it is never to early. Start in the backyard with a Daisy BB gun and go from there. My Girlfriend and I just had a baby girl 5days ago and I can wait to share my knowledge of weapons to her.

 

[Oldtimer]

Great story for both the shooting aspect AND the father/son bonding aspect! That young boy will have a fond memory of that day at the range, and about his dad!

I was 5 when my dad started me shooting. If it had been up to me, that first tin can that I shot would be in a "trophy case", for I was very proud that I had hit it! I became the proud owner of a .22 rifle when I had my 6th birthday....and that was almost 54 years ago! I still have that Winchester model 69A bolt-action .22 rifle, and it's as accurate as it was when it was "born"!

I don't think that all kids are mature or responsible enough to start shooting at age 5 or 6, but if you're a GOOD parent, you SHOULD know when they're ready to start. I really feel sorry for kids that have anti-gun parents!

 

[mordechaianiliewicz]

I saw the same thing a couple of weeks ago at the range. Kid that was 10 or so. Never been shooting with dad. They shot for about an hour, and the kid was impressed with my Ruger and my Beretta and I let the kid hold them, and gave him a spent 9mm casing (with dad's approval).

This is how we will win. Our kids.