Question for a new shooter

[DoubleHelix]

Not me of course, I can't remember the first time my father put a gun in my hands. This is in regards to my 5 year old nephew.

My brother and I took him out shooting the other day with a single shot, lever action BB gun. Right now were just stressing fundamentals to him (aiming, keeping the weapon downrange, etc.) But I was just wondering when might be a good time to move him up to a "real" gun. We were thinking specifically of a single shot .22 rifle that we were taught on.

So anyone have any advice or tips they can shoot my way?

BTW, he shoots southpaw just like his grandpa.

[HairyEyeball]

That has to be a judgment call, but there are some indicators that can help you make the call: When he practices safe gun handling without being prompted; when he can tell you what 'the rules' are and why they are important, when he acts responsibly in other areas...we don't expect deep philosophical insights from five year olds, but if he has been well-taught, he should be able to explain a basic understanding of responsible gun handling and the consequences of irresponsible behavior with firearms.

When your brother is comfortable with his comprehension and behavior, he can take the youngster out, hand him the rifle and one round at a time, with the understanding that he neither touches a firearm or 'shows it' to friends without a responsible adult's presence and permission.

Not to imply there's anything wrong with asking, but the fact that a responsible adult has to seek this kind of advice should be - at least from my perspective - an indication of how 'group approval' has replaced sound individual judgment in our society.

[DoubleHelix]

No sir, I understand how it may look but I was not seeking group approval. Merely any tips or advice someone may have gained from similar experience. The truth is, if we still had my father around to ask, this question never would've made it here. But thank you for the advice.

[HairyEyeball]

Not suggesting you 'need approval', merely pointing out that at one time, the wisdom your father - and society - passed along to you and your brother would have been 'adequate' and passed along as a matter of course, rather than being 'open to public discussion'. Indeed, at one time failing to instruct our youth in the safe handling of firearms would be cause for condemnatory comment. No criticism or questioning of your motives or competence was implied, merely a comment on the 'values' of society in general.

[reddog]

I applaud your efforts to teach the 'little man' the safe handling of firearms. That can't be stressed enough. Keep it fun for him and shoot reactive targets, ballons, cans etc. The .22 is the perfect caliber for him when he reaches the age, but you are going to be hard-pressed finding one short enough to fit him, unless you cut the stock. Don't make the 'little man' shoot a rifle with the stock under his arm pit, it'll soon get heavy for him and he won't hit much, thus losing interest in a hurry. Keep it safe, keep it fun, but for now I'd stick with the BB gun.
Reddog...

[HairyEyeball]

Good points, dog. Look for a 'Chipmunk' - a single-shot .22 made for kids (we move a few every year at our Friends of the NRA dinner), and keep the targets close enough for him to hit. Nothing builds enthusiasm like doing well.

[Murray B]

So anyone have any advice or tips they can shoot my way?

He will be ready when the women in his life tell him "you'll shoot your eye out". They only say that when it is reasonably probable that he will obtain a BB gun which means he is ready for one.

[AFCadetSteel]

http://www.crickett.com/CrickettRifle/crickettrifle.html

My friends little 7 year old cousin has one of these. It fits him pretty well, and he is a pretty good shot with it already.

I learned through a red rider bb gun i've had since I was 9. Then moved up to a pump air pellet gun, then .22, then everything else.

Just keep his spirits up and as everyone else said, make it fun, but safe.

[Woody]

I'd think 5 would be a bit young to shoot even .22 ,but,depends on child just make sure they have good ear defenders .You only get one set of ears.
Fortunatly my daughters joined the cadets (even if its Royal Marine volunter cadets :o)so she will get taught to shoot otherwise no real chance of shooting .