Many years ago my wife's 13 year old brother was killed in a handgun accident caused by another 13 year old. It scarred her family forever. When she and I got together I gave up shooting even though I had enjoyed it a great deal up till then.
A while ago my young adult son came to me and told me he was going to learn to shoot, with the goal of buying a handgun. I went to my wife and, as gently as I could, told her that if he was going to handle firearms I was going to teach him so I could be sure he learned properly and so I was sure he learned safely. There was no discussion....it's my responsibility and I should have done it sooner.
I started him off with my dad's old single shot .22, teaching him safe handling and range techniques, sight picture, trigger control, etc., just as I had been taught (only with much more patience. My dad thought a slap up the back of the head was a good way to remind me about range safety and muzzle control).
My son scoffed when he first saw me check and clear a gun that had just been checked and cleared by the guy that handed it to me but I explained that before we were done it would be just as habitual to him as it was to me.
We've been shooting together for awhile now, we go to the range every couple of weeks, and he's coming right along. His safety habits are excellent and I'm right proud of him.
My father-in-law, who has since passed away, used to wave his old shotgun around like it was a toy and though I would never say it to my wife I can't help but believe that if he had taught his children that firearms are not toys to be brandished around in mock threats her brother would probably still be alive.
I cherish the time he and I spend on the range and look forward to our time together shooting. I like to think he does too.
