We have many different responsibilities as gun owners. For those of us who have children, our kids will always be our number one priority. So as gun owners we ask ourselves when do we introduce firearms into our kids' lives and when to allow them to start shooting.
These questions are answered both in the child and the parent. There are no set rules. However, my advice as a gun owner and parent is to first instill to a very young child that
firearms can be dangerous and to always tell an adult if you see one. Yes, as a responsible gun owner your firearms should be properly stored in a safe place with locks, but if a firearm is in the house, no matter the precautions taken, firearms safety needs to be taught to everyone.
As a parent you will have to judge your child's ability to listen to directions. This is just like the toy kitchens where you play like you cooking and you tell your child to be careful when turning on the stove. The toy kitchen is plastic, but you act it out so your kid learns not to burn themselves. There are many examples I can use, but the point is to start that process of learning firearm safety as soon as you think they are capable of learning it.
I cannot and will not list out a set age in which a parent can take their kid shooting. Again that is up to the parent's decision on the assessment of their child's capability. I would advise that 7 years old would be the earliest I would consider. I can however give some advice to better the experience. After all this is an American pastime. Many fathers and sons; moms and daughters have some of their fondest memories learning how to shoot. My advice is to start with a .22. It may look cute that your little boy is holding your 12 gauge shotgun, but after he shoots it, he may not want to shoot anymore. You do not want their first experience to be a negative one.
You should always start with thorough safety instruction first. But make it fun and simple for them. Use a light recoil rifle like a .22 rifle and let them enjoy hitting that bull’s eye. Only
let your child shoot when they are ready. There is no rush.
Shooting has been a part of our history for a long time and it is an enjoyable experience that can produce the best memories. That being said a firearm is a tool, and a tool that can be dangerous. Safety should always be number one; especially, our children's safety. This is why Patriot Arms Gunsmithing offers a free gun safety lesson for children. With the right introduction and proper safety habits, shooting can be the best memories your child will have.
Safe Shooting,
Jonathan Davis
CEO & Founder
These questions are answered both in the child and the parent. There are no set rules. However, my advice as a gun owner and parent is to first instill to a very young child that
firearms can be dangerous and to always tell an adult if you see one. Yes, as a responsible gun owner your firearms should be properly stored in a safe place with locks, but if a firearm is in the house, no matter the precautions taken, firearms safety needs to be taught to everyone.
As a parent you will have to judge your child's ability to listen to directions. This is just like the toy kitchens where you play like you cooking and you tell your child to be careful when turning on the stove. The toy kitchen is plastic, but you act it out so your kid learns not to burn themselves. There are many examples I can use, but the point is to start that process of learning firearm safety as soon as you think they are capable of learning it.
I cannot and will not list out a set age in which a parent can take their kid shooting. Again that is up to the parent's decision on the assessment of their child's capability. I would advise that 7 years old would be the earliest I would consider. I can however give some advice to better the experience. After all this is an American pastime. Many fathers and sons; moms and daughters have some of their fondest memories learning how to shoot. My advice is to start with a .22. It may look cute that your little boy is holding your 12 gauge shotgun, but after he shoots it, he may not want to shoot anymore. You do not want their first experience to be a negative one.
You should always start with thorough safety instruction first. But make it fun and simple for them. Use a light recoil rifle like a .22 rifle and let them enjoy hitting that bull’s eye. Only
let your child shoot when they are ready. There is no rush.
Shooting has been a part of our history for a long time and it is an enjoyable experience that can produce the best memories. That being said a firearm is a tool, and a tool that can be dangerous. Safety should always be number one; especially, our children's safety. This is why Patriot Arms Gunsmithing offers a free gun safety lesson for children. With the right introduction and proper safety habits, shooting can be the best memories your child will have.
Safe Shooting,
Jonathan Davis
CEO & Founder
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