Where do you draw the line for your kids and shooting

[Korkt]

Everyone will know of the accident in the US recently where the 9 year old girl accidentally shot the instructor.

(If somehow you don't, FYI at a range in Arizona a young girl was shooting an Uzi with a range instructor and between the recoil and muzzle rise the buttpad comes off her shoulder and the SMG turned/rised into the instructor and he's killed.)

This has come up with work and obviously the usual anti-gun rhetoric comes out. "Kids have no business shooting guns", "they should all be banned", blah blah blah. The usual.

But I'm wondering what fellow shooters views on this are.

I'm completely for kids learning to shoot. It's a rewarding hobby and can be a valuable skill depending on your lifestyle. I think law However... Personally I think the above situation wasn't appropriate.

If you put a learner driver in a car for the first time into a Ferrari I don't think it would surprise anyone if they had an accident. Without any experience they obviously can't anticipate what will happen and won't have the skill to respond accordingly. I think most would agree a Ferrari is the wrong 'tool' to teach driving with.

I'm by no means an expert on the use of automatic weapons but I've fired a few in different calibres including an Uzi, 7.62mm etc. and know a little of what it is to handle them and the control required. I don't think a 9 year of this girls statue is up to the task to do this in complete safety.

By complete safety I mean compare the driving analogy to introducing someone or having your kids regularly shoot a bolt action repeater or other manual loading firearm. After the trigger is pulled it doesn't matter what happens. The then unloaded rifle could go sailing out of her arms or off the bench without any risk. I think this is the right 'tool' for it.

Before anyone responds... This is just my opinion. If you don't agree with it fine. I'm not trying to change anyone's view, I'm not having a go at anyone who feels differently, and I'm not interesting arguing and trying to be convinced otherwise. I'm just interested in hearing the spread of views from people actually involved with shooting who know what they're talking about and not the normal sheeple responses.

So... Where do you draw the line for your kids and shooting?

[1sikxt]

I was started at a young age and it was with a 22 with no billets to start had to carry the gun and when it was safe to shoot my dad would give me the magazine done it like that till he was confident I could carry a firearm safely and it's the same way I will teach my kids when I have them

[petemacsydney]

i have no issues introducing my kids to the sport, but as you say, safety is key.

[FuzzyM]

When I have kids I plan to introduce them to shooting when they are legal if they want too.

I think if they are something you have in the home, it is far better to have them out and seen as the tools that they are, than a novel secret locked away.

However I certainly don't think a semi auto machine pistol is a good thing to put in a small child's hands.

[Combat_Wombat]

Completely agree with you on this one

He starts her off with it set on single shot and if it stayed that way he would be alive

And also should have at least had hands supporting her arms or the weapon

[Westy]

Well my parents would be called irresponsible in todays nanny state society, but back in the day kids toting air rifles and single shot Annie's wasn't even thought to be strange!!!! Local farmers would pay us X amount (minimal) $$$ to rid there crops of pests like cockatoo's and other bird life hares wallaby and my all time favourite flying foxes. Much better than any bloody play station ever was or will be. I have a 11 yr. old and she is always supervised and when we hunt I carry she shoots under my instruction, we both have a great time and she's the only kid in he class that hunts/Shoots comp and no ones giving her any crap!!!! If she continues to shoot like her old man great if not there's no pressure from me to do so.

[Rippah]

Pistol or rifle makes no difference to me.

Anything not self loading in a calibre they can handle.

[halberg]

Without any experience they obviously can't anticipate what will happen and won't have the skill to respond accordingly.

Agreed. Plenty of this on youtube...

There is one with a woman who's given an AK, judging by her stance, grip etc. I would say she's never done any shooting.

The guy gives her the rifle and steps back a few metres and says go for it.

She pulls the trigger and loses control immediately and sprays the whole clip up and to the side over the heads of 20 other people at the range.

Careless to say the least.

[jennageit]

This is something I'm considering a lot at the moment.

Mum running off to the range every Wednesday night has been noticed, and they all want to come and have a go.

I have some serious reservations about them learning to shoot, but I want them to know how to handle a firearm and remain safe.

At this stage, my 15 yo girl is interested, but not seriously. My 18yo son is itching to come with me, but I worry about his attitude, and my 20yo stepson I'm not even considering at the moment. The only other is my 5 year old who seems fascinated by the idea and is horrified to learn she needs to wait another 7 years before she can come with me to the range.

I say teach them how to use, respect and stay safe around firearms from whatever age is appropriate to that child, and teach them well. If you can't teach them yourself, find someone who can.

We were brought up with the "look but don't touch" way of things, until we were about ten or eleven, when we were supervised. We had to carry an empty gun (bolt had been removed) before we were allowed to even think about shooting.

Jenna

[Lorgar]

The guy gives her the rifle and steps back a few metres and says go for it.

I don't disagree with any of the above, starting the girl out with an Uzi... Foolish IMO too. I'd note that not all ranges are that lax of course though.

I went to the Las Vegas Gun Garage when I was there and the RO's were very focused.

They had you put through 3/4 of your first mag on single-shot then empty the last few rounds on auto in a small burst. When firing to start with they also helped brace smaller shooters, standing behind them with 1 hand on the shoulder and that kind of thing. 1 RO per booth too.

There are plenty of places highly focused on safety I'm sure.

[Grated]

We were brought up with the "look but don't touch" way of things

We all know how good kids are at following that instruction

Education's always best, not prohibition. IMO.

[Norton]

I have some serious reservations about them learning to shoot, but I want them to know how to handle a firearm and remain safe.

You know the drill now though.

They could handle a .22 recoil as you've recently discovered yourself. Single feed them a few rounds while supervising them on a bench... Safe as houses

[MeccaOz]

When I started shooting, kids with guns ( air rifles or .22's ) wasnt an odd sight at all. BUT we were drilled HARD on the do's and donts and if anyone even heard of a kid messing up with one, that would be the end of that usually followed by a hell of an arse kicking. lol and living in a small town it wouldnt matter who caught the kid out, same rules applied. I had my first air rifle when I was about 9 and first .22 a couple years later. It was more about having to prove yourself as responsible every step of the way.

[brett1868]

I was born in Sydney's inner west in the days before child care so every school holidays from age 6 I was shipped off to the relatives up bush. My uncles farm was 30km from town and as a licensed mechanic he had a full workshop on the farm. As a reward for all the work I did he gave me a .177 air rifle and a big box of slugs. It was well used but together we rebuilt it, replaced spring, seals and gave it a good clean up. I was then given the safety lecture and cut loose down the old creek. I spent every school holidays for 10 years up the farm, working during the day and hunting in the early mornings and evenings. At 8 years old I was given a single shot Lithgow arms .22LR then at 9 a double barrel Bentley 12Ga. I must have fired thousands of shells through that old Bentley keeping the Galahs off the sunflower crops over the years. By 12 I was shooting a Parker Hale 22-250 knocking Roos over out to 300 yards and a few years later a .257 Weatherby Magnum.
I had to prove myself with each firearm over a period of a couple years before being allowed to move up. I was also taught a lot about reloading along the way cause the rule was that if you fire it then you reload it. Point I'm trying to make is that kids can be taught the proper way to handle firearms from a young age provided they are well supervised and not given too much power too soon.
I suspect in the case of this young girl that maybe the instructor thought it'd be funny to see the poor kid crap herself on full auto, unfortunately there are now 2 victims of this stupidity as the poor kids will have this to deal with for the rest of her life.

[Westy]

I suspect in the case of this young girl that maybe the instructor thought it'd be funny to see the poor kid crap herself on full auto, unfortunately there are now 2 victims of this stupidity as the poor kids will have this to deal with for the rest of her life.
brett1868 New South Wales



Sadly Ain't that the truth!!!!Bloody mindedness and a whole lot of fun has caused her a life time of Pain!!!!!

[bigfellascott]

My eldest Daughter (14) has her Junior Firearms Permit - I wouldn't let her out on her own at this stage, she's got a lot of learning to do so I'd rather her learn how to hunt properly and safely before I feel confident and comfortable in letting her go off on her own.

She's demonstrating good firearms handling practices for the most part which is pleasing to see but I'd still rather be there with her for a while longer just to make sure everythings ok, mind you I like going out with her and seeing her go through all the procedures to achieve a clean humane kill anyway.

[bigfellascott]

I suspect in the case of this young girl that maybe the instructor thought it'd be funny to see the poor kid crap herself on full auto, unfortunately there are now 2 victims of this stupidity as the poor kids will have this to deal with for the rest of her life.
brett1868 New South Wales



Sadly Ain't that the truth!!!!Bloody mindedness and a whole lot of fun has caused her a life time of Pain!!!!!

Yes definitely a lapse in good common sense displayed there and now people are suffering because of it, very sad indeed.

[wrenchman]

i would not let my kids do it at 9 and both started shooting at 5 most adults would have a hard time when my kids started it was one round at a time.
i didnt let my son shoot a semi till they were 14 shooting lots of rounds dont make you a better shot and i want them to hit what they are shooting at and as a parent i want to know they are safe and a bolt action or a pump are a lot easyer for me to control when they are starting out

[tom604]

took my girl to the range,fired a 22 and my 308,liked the 308 better before i took her out hunting she had to shoot within a 3inch circle all the time, cost me a value box first time bunny hunting=2 down,head shot i did get her to use shooting sticks as a rest, she did well in the gutting and skinning dept as well

[jennageit]

My eldest Daughter (14) has her Junior Firearms Permit - I wouldn't let her out on her own at this stage, she's got a lot of learning to do so I'd rather her learn how to hunt properly and safely before I feel confident and comfortable in letting her go off on her own.

She's demonstrating good firearms handling practices for the most part which is pleasing to see but I'd still rather be there with her for a while longer just to make sure everythings ok, mind you I like going out with her and seeing her go through all the procedures to achieve a clean humane kill anyway.

I'm thinking I might do the same with my daughter, but I'll start her down at the range with the guys supervising and teaching. I'll eventually let her shoot at home (or on my mates place) but under strict supervision. If she takes a liking to it, maybe she'll get her junior license.

As for the boys, no idea what I'm going to do. Both are otherwise preoccupied at the moment anyway. One with cars, the other with his girlfriend lol

Jenna

[wrenchman]

any person that you can get into the out doors shooting sports is great the more the better it puts a monetary value on our sport.
video most likely hurt us the most evvery one thinks they are great shots and can do it all after all i did it on call of duty.

[MeccaOz]

any person that you can get into the out doors shooting sports is great the more the better it puts a monetary value on our sport.
video most likely hurt us the most evvery one thinks they are great shots and can do it all after all i did it on call of duty.

Yup I think you nailed it in one mate

[bigfellascott]

My eldest Daughter (14) has her Junior Firearms Permit - I wouldn't let her out on her own at this stage, she's got a lot of learning to do so I'd rather her learn how to hunt properly and safely before I feel confident and comfortable in letting her go off on her own.

She's demonstrating good firearms handling practices for the most part which is pleasing to see but I'd still rather be there with her for a while longer just to make sure everythings ok, mind you I like going out with her and seeing her go through all the procedures to achieve a clean humane kill anyway.

I'm thinking I might do the same with my daughter, but I'll start her down at the range with the guys supervising and teaching. I'll eventually let her shoot at home (or on my mates place) but under strict supervision. If she takes a liking to it, maybe she'll get her junior license.

As for the boys, no idea what I'm going to do. Both are otherwise preoccupied at the moment anyway. One with cars, the other with his girlfriend lol

Jenna

Yeah Jenna if your not confident in teaching her the ins and outs I'd say find someone with a good sound knowledge of firearms handling/safety and get them to run her through it until she feels confident in knowing what to do. I taught the Daughter myself and part of that was taking her to the range a few times to get her used to firearms and the rules that apply to using it safely and how to shoot in general, she's pretty good at it too, first time out she shot a 10c piece group with her new to her (second hand) Savage Mk2 so she was obviously paying attention!

I also have some spinner targets and pieces of clay targets that she shoots at too to help keep the eye in and to also build confidence. I've taken her out a few times shooting bunnies in the day and spotlighting now and she's doing consistent headshots on them which is pleasing to see.

I just keep reinforcing the message about safety constantly (muzzle direction, trigger,control etc) and I make it clear that she's only allowed to chamber a round when we've found a rabbit to shoot, I also make her aware of the potential dangers if she doesn't concentrate on what she's doing and to also check the background before taking a shot just incase stock have wandered into the danger zone etc.

Anyway good luck with it all.

[scrolllock]

I'm thinking I might do the same with my daughter, but I'll start her down at the range with the guys supervising and teaching. I'll eventually let her shoot at home (or on my mates place) but under strict supervision. If she takes a liking to it, maybe she'll get her junior license.

Don't forget she can shoot at the range without a licence, but to shoot on your private property though or in state forest she needs her junior license before she can do that.

Just so you don't do it cart before horse and get anyone in trouble.

[jennageit]

I guess eventually she'll shoot at home (as will the others), but I want them going to the range and under the supervision of the guys before anything else.

I still have concerns with one of my kids getting their license, but I think my daughter will be okay.

I plan on doing everything the right way around. I relented and bought my safe. I'm counting on my license coming through without issue. I wont buy anything else gun related (targets, lock boxes, bean bags etc) until it comes back and a I have it in my hot little hands.

Jenna

[FuzzyM]

FYI I am pretty sure juniors have to have a license, even to shoot at a range under instruction.

[jennageit]

I'll look into that on Wednesday night Fuzzy, or ring LRD if need be. I don't want to get anyone, including me, into trouble lol

[Westy]

I'm thinking I might do the same with my daughter, but I'll start her down at the range with the guys supervising and teaching. I'll eventually let her shoot at home (or on my mates place) but under strict supervision. If she takes a liking to it, maybe she'll get her junior license.

Don't forget she can shoot at the range without a licence, but to shoot on your private property though or in state forest she needs her junior license before she can do that.

Just so you don't do it cart before horse and get anyone in trouble.

Not here in Queensland

[scrolllock]

FYI I am pretty sure juniors have to have a license, even to shoot at a range under instruction.

This is what I've got from the SSAA Springvale website.

You do not need a license to shoot for the first time as long as you are supervised by an individual who is licensed to use a firearm.

ARE JUNIORS ALLOWED TO USE FIREARMS?
Yes. A junior must be 12 years of age or over to use firearms or apply for a firearm license. A junior can only use or carry firearms under the immediate supervision of an adult licensed person... Juniors without a licence must also be accompanied by their parent/guardian.

Obviously I'm not asking about license but there are often kids at Springvale range which is my local. The amount I see there I'd be really surprised if they all had licenses and weren't just visiting...

Maybe it's change though or SSAA website is out of date?

Dunno, that's the info I've got.