Introducing your kids to firearms and the consequences

[smurf hunter]

Thank you all so much for sharing. I've got some homework assignments now

 

[mcdonl]

Ranger, more good points. On top of that caliber choice to start them out is also very important. Both of my kids started on .22 shorts and worked their way up. Neither of them ever had an unpleasant experience.

My wife, when she was a kid was handed a single shot 12g and she to this day will only shoot pistols.

 

[Black Butte]

It is better that kids receive their firearms introduction from responsible law-abiding parents rather than from violent profit-orientated video game and movie producers.

 

[kkairplane]

When it comes to your kids safety never assume other parents will do the right thing.

I just read a series of articles on this very subject. They were quite informative. Link below:

http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx#Kids

The first 5 articles under kids and guns are pertinent to this discussion. Dissarming kids curiousity and the modified eddie eagle rules quoted on the website are fantastic imho.

 

[super b_AK]

I think taking away the mystery and the OHH factor is very important. I have taught my boys that guns are just dangerous tools. If they want to go shooting we go shooting. If one of their friends was showing off a gun I think they would be the first to say put it away.

Every range session starts with a safety briefing, only one person fires at a time. I am usually right behind my younger boys. My teenager is capable of shooting without direct supervision.

We practice range safety, I have had my kids correct friends of mine while out target practicing.

Whenever someone shoots a new gun there is only 1 round loaded. I don't press my kids to shoot anything they don't want to.

I would say talk to your neighbor in a friendly way, shooting with kids is great common ground for a conversation. It shouldn't be too hard to pick his brain, and see if your views line up. Just because he posted one possibly irresponsible picture is no need to panic.