Introducing an 11-year-old boy to shooting for his birthday

[Templar223]

Girlfriend and I took the girlfriend's nephew out shooting at a nearby indoor range for his 11th birthday.

Found out he is cross dominant about ten minutes into it.

He very much enjoyed the Walther P22 .22 pistol and the Ruger 10/22 rifle.

He wasn't sure what to expect with the pistol - he was expecting some vicious recoil, but (as we know) it was very pleasant to shoot. And just the right size for 11-year-old hands. The rifle was a bit heavy for him.

A birthday present we're sure that he won't forget for many years to come.

The best part was introducing another African-American youth to the shooting sports - something we don't have enough of IMHO.

John

 

[High Planes Drifter]

Great work. If his parents were/are ok with it and it fits your schedule, maybe you and your girlfriend can make a set plan of it. Something to look forward to. Maybe one Saturday a month or something like that.?

 

[ScottsGT]

The best part was introducing another African-American youth to the shooting sports - something we don't have enough of IMHO.

I think you hit the nail on the head. Usually, I wouldn't comment about this, but this past Saturday I was contracted out do do some video work at a local Rap Concert. Thank the lord I didn't have to hear all the vulgar "music" since I was way backstage in the video control room. But it was an enlightening experience for this really white boy. Apparently the dance you do to rap is to wave your hand in the air in the shape of a pistol as if "you are cappin' someone" Unfortunately, this "Gangsta rapper" culture is all that the youth are exposed to, so they see guns as a tool to use improperly, to show them respect. I think IDPA needs a Tiger Woods!
BTW, I was NOT carrying, never felt like I needed to carry, and besides, I couldn't carry due to it being on University property. I did get wanded as I came in, so I had to go back to the car to leave my Ken Onion Whirlwind in the car. Not that I "armed" myself for the event, I just carry it everywhere I go.

 

[El Tejon]

Way to go, Templar!

 

[Missashot]

I think it is great that you got a kid interested in shooting the correct way. Maybe if more people took kids to the range and let them shoot. There would be less accidents involving kids playing with guns. Because there wouldn't be the big mystery surrounding the guns.
I LOVE to see the kids shooting at the range when they are being safe about it.

 

['Card]

The best part was introducing another African-American youth to the shooting sports - something we don't have enough of IMHO.

+1.

 

[Hoppy590]

you should keep an eye out at pawn shops and the like for a small light weight 22 that can be "his" rifle that you keep at your house. wont upset any anti's in the family and will make him happy.

 

[Eyesac]

That's a great story. I need to start planning on how to get my nephew out shooting in about 5 years...

 

[jfanzen]

i took my 13 year old brother shooting a month ago.. he loved it..he was just waiting for me to reload to shoot.. hes a little guy so he couldnt put the bullets in the mag.. so i did it for him..

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Congrats, sounds like a fun time!

My Dad got me one of these when I was 8 or so http://www.roguerifle.com/Rifles.htm
It fits little frames great and since it's single shot you concentrate on accuracy and safety rather than firepower or follow-up shots.

 

[whatbrick]

I did something similar with my nephew for his 12th birthday. He's a flincher but that just means we get the opportunity to go out more for practice.

We took a 1911 with a .22 conversion kit but at the end I put the original slide back on and let him try some .45acp. He handled it fine, so don't be afraid to let the younger ones try a larger caliber the first time out, they might surprise you. Heck I was eight when I started shooting a .45 (ACP and LC) as was my brother.

A side-story to this is that a couple of weeks later my 10yr. old niece (sister of the previously mentioned nephew) asked me "You own guns don't you?" I, of course, immediately responded with "Yes I do, would you like to learn?" I never got an answer but she did have this look on her face that said "Hmmm, me with a gun" and I swore I saw a smile. She can get a little hyper so I'm still judging her maturity level.

Teaching (certain) kids is fun, isn't it?

 

[Justin]

An excellent opportunity. Thank you for introducing someone new to the shooting sports.

Also, let's leave the semantic debates at the doorway, mmkay?