Isn't it great bringing a youngster into the world of firearms?

[Exposure]

Yesterday my friend brought his son to the range with him. His boy is 12 years old and has been itching to shoot a high powered rifle. He had come along once before and got a real kick out of shooting my scoped 10/22.

This trip I brought my Mini-14, M1 Garand, and SKS. After a lengthy safety tutorial we started out with 1 round at a time in the Mini-14. The look on his face after the first round made me feel great! Within a half hour he was loading the magazine by himself and blazing away under careful scrutiny from his dad and I. He was extremely cautious and never made so much as a single error in the safety department! I was so impressed. He later went on to fire the SKS for a full magazine, and even took a crack at the Garand which was a little more than he was able to handle but I had taken the first 7 seven rounds so he got the satisfaction of the "CLANG!" as the en bloc ejected. His marksmanship was excellent by the way. I wish I had 12 year old eyes again!

All in all he fired about 150 rounds of .223 through the Mini and had an absolute blast. His dad and I shot hardly a dozen rounds each we were having so much fun watching him.

My personal take is that if more children were taught early on that firearms can be quite enjoyable if used safely, and responsibly then we would not have such an anti gun culture forming in this country.

Upon leaving the range he was so excited that I think he was three feet off the ground. He solemnly shook my hand and asked that we go again real soon! I don't know who enjoyed the trip more, me, his dad, or him!

All in all it was great day. I would gladly take more kids to the range if only I could get their parents to agree to it!

 

[Standing Wolf]

My personal take is that if more children were taught early on that firearms can be quite enjoyable if used safely, and responsibly then we would not have such an anti gun culture forming in this country.

Yep, and we'd have a lot fewer criminals, too.

 

[azimuth]

My father started shooting with me when I was six. He was an expert shooter and taught me quite a bit throughout my formative years. I've owned a gun since I was ten (though it stayed in my father's care until we were at the range). My sons and I began shooting together when they were six (Ruger 10/22). They not only used the weapon, but they watched me clean and maintain them. Now several years later, they shoot the m1 carbine and my ar15 and know how to clean them. When they are old/big enough, they will shoot the bigger guns and are anticipating that day patiently.

I'm certain that they will teach thier children to shoot. It is a tradition and a responsibility. I is a source of pride to see them take the mantle so willingly and capably.

 

[Pilgrim]

I have taught five granddaughters to shoot. It's an experience I wouldn't trade for any other.

Pilgrim

 

[MAUSER88]

Ha, that kid could have been me at 12 years old!

 

[entropy]

Good to hear! My 11 year old son went with WH and I yesterday; Normally he likes shooting one of my Mosins, but really had a great time with WH's Marlin 795 .22 and my Star BM. He also shot some slugs through his 20 ga. 870, getting ready for his first deer hunt this fall. I'm limiting him to 50 yards or so on deer, but any deer he shoots at in fifty yards will be venison for the table!

 

[san408]

I can honestly say that I could (well, have) spent a whole day at the range with my 9 yr old daughter without shooting any rounds.

We just got her 10/22 fixed up for her (short stock, and 4 power scope) and I got to spend my entire day packing rounds into mags for her. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got her off the bench and worked on sitting (the 10/22 is still just a tad on the heavy side), and using her knees for support for her elbows.

Of course it doesn't hurt that you can get 1100 rds of .22 lr at Wally's for about $18.