Quick story and a question.

[Gurnard]

I’m fairly new to this but really enjoy shooting so I took my sons (14 & 16) to an indoor range. I was giving them the “safety speech” before going in, both so that they could hear me and so I could point out a couple things not easily seen when you’re between the walls. Just the standard range rules they used to use when I was in the Navy.

Anyway, as I’m talking I’m watching a couple guys through the window. They’re in the same lane, taking turns shooting the target from about 3ft, quick-draw style…not two seconds after I finish the “always pointed downrange…” part of the speech – Guy #1 finishes his turn, re-holsters, turns around to Guy #2 and draws on him, aiming at his stomach, then they both laughed it up. I stopped mid-sentence, stunned. Said to the boys “There’s a good example of what not to do, let’s come back later.”

Came back a couple hours later, the doofus’ had left & we had a blast (pun intended) they fired about 200rds each, can’t wait to take ‘em back.

Now the question. One of the boys shot consistently low. I think he was anticipating the recoil and dipping the barrel slightly before the shot. Opinions? This is a .40. Maybe too much? If they show interest in going again I may pick up a .22 for plinking.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes a major stupid doofus moment at the range.

Yes, I think a .22 would be worth the money to bring the boys along. I still have an occasional flinch due to starting out with a 9mm, and that over 40 years ago.

 

[shermacman]

Good for you for taking your kids.
Good for you for leaving when you did.
Definitely go with the .22 it will teach them everything they need to know about shooting, without the cost or the recoil!

 

[Old Fuff]

What particular .40 caliber pistol were you shooting? It's possible that a .22 conversion unit is available for it.

 

[Mot45acp]

My Favorite

My .02 is a Ruger 22/45 with bull barrel My 8yo daughter consistantly slaughters poor innocent cans with it. Good job bringing new members to our community

 

[Bill2k1]

Maybe he is having trouble lining the sights up, when I first started, I shot low cause no one ever explained how to align the sights. If he was jerking, it would be off to one side and low. I think he might be "pushing" if I remember right.

 

[Standing Wolf]

There’s a good example of what not to do, let’s come back later.

Good for you! It's good to tell youngsters about safety; it's even better to show them.

 

[Gurnard]

Hey, thanks for the replies!

Old Fuff: We're shooting a Sig P239.

Bill2k1: Yes, "pushing" is a better description. I think he's anticipating the recoil and bracing against it a split-second before the shot. The shots were mostly centered up but low. I gave both boys the same instructions on aiming, but the results were different. Practice, practice, practice.


Mot45acp: I'll have to look into that, being new I have no idea what that is but I'd sure like to see an 8yo shooting. I was just getting a BB gun at 8 & called ahead to see if 14 & 16 was old enough.

 

[loumarch]

Next time you go try loading a snap cap somewhere in the magazine and see what happens when he "fires" it.

I did this with one of my boys and was able to correct his anticipation.