Kids and Guns - Talking, Teaching - HOW TO's and what AGES

im4flight

im4flight

New member
Alrighty, I didn’t grow up with access to real guns, other than going out to shoot with my uncle/grandfather about 4 times between the ages of 5-18.

My wife and I don’t have kids yet, my nieces and nephews are getting to the age where they are asking questions, and I also want to take them out and teach them about shooting, safety and hunting at some point.

I am a CHL holder, and carry most of the time, so I am also getting questions from them about that, they are all between ages 2-5.
They are asking me about why I carry, about the guns etc...

My family's (wife’s and mine) all support my gun/hunting enthusiast lifestyle, but don’t understand it all at the same point. So while I am trying to figure out at what ages to share, and what to share, I am also trying to take is slower than I would with my kids out of respect for the family too.

So a multi part questions, please feel free to chime in on all or part of it. I would love to hear about what conversations you have had with your kids, about hunting, why you carry, guns, safety, whatever, and what ages they were... I am assuming this will be an on-going conversation. Also, what ages did you have them out shooting, and what where they shooting/hunting.

Thanks,
 
All good questions. I come from a family of hunting (my mom and dad's side - my uncles) from the Kentucky/Tenn area so they are naturally hunters. Interesting their off spring I would say 75% do not hunt as they moved away from home and got jobs and bought houses in the "city".

My kids have shot shotguns albeit longer than they can handle. My son is 9 years old but will be 10 years old this June. Three weeks ago I picked up a youth 870 with spacers for him to grow with the rifle. He wanted the camo version so I got him that. Took him to the range and he fired about 100 or 125 target Winchester loads and hit about 60% of them clay targets. Not bad for a first time. About 3 years ago I got him the C Z Scout 22RF and he is working on this now since last fall but when he was 7 years old the rifle was a little too long for him. It fits him well now and I am telling him to become a crack shot so maybe I can take him squirrel hunting this fall. He has not fired a centerfire yet but I will have to find him one eventually but I want him to become good with the 22RF first.

You do not have kids yet so I guess you can wait a bit. I mean if you get a good deal on a pump that someone is trying to unload you may as well as buy it as they are not going to get any more cheaper. and maybe your wife can enjoy shooting some clays. Some people think these are not sporting at all...I dunno why but when I see shooting competition on TV I try to get my wife to see these a bit. (Her family all do not shoot and are from the NJ state which does not allow CHP at all). I plan to get my wife and daughter (11 y/o) to go shooting with my boy and get them more involved.

Also I think if you keep your eyes out you can probably get a CZ Scout 22RF and hold on to it as I think CZ have risen price wise in the last 5 years as folks find these are accurate little buggers. I am LH but when I go hunting I often just bring the Scout with me and shoot squirrels for a neighbor and they are fun to shoot.

BTW I see some guys say their sons at 10 y/o have shot 223Rem or 22-250/7-08 and kill deer with them. I do not know how they can shoot that accurate at that age but I guess everyone is a bit different. Living on a farm certainly helps develop shooters at a young age. But my son has shown a keen interest in guns so I am going to indulge him but teaching him that shooting is just not shooting but hitting where you aim.

Also just a FYI...I initially wanted to get a Youth Rem 1100 but they are no longer made and hard to find. So if you come across one in 20ga. may be good idea to pick one up for your son as they are hard to find. For me personally I rather teach on a pump first as we are at a public range and a pump requires you to eject a round to shoot the next round. But again if I find one of those Youth 1100 I would have bought it and taught him to shoot one round at a time but I just could not find one so I got him this pump.

Good luck in your quest to involve your family in shooting!
 
I started my grandson on airsoft & BBs in the back yard when he was 3. Got him a bow & arrows for Christmas when he was 4. For this Christmas, he got a Savage Rascal in blue which is his favorite color. All of this was done with his parent's OK and constant supervision and safety training. Arizona is an open carry state so he has always seen his TaTa wearing a 1911 AND he's shot it a few times. He loves shooting that Rascal, just wish we could find some ammo for it

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Originally Posted By: im4flightAlrighty, I didn’t grow up with access to real guns, other than going out to shoot with my uncle/grandfather about 4 times between the ages of 5-18.

My wife and I don’t have kids yet, my nieces and nephews are getting to the age where they are asking questions, and I also want to take them out and teach them about shooting, safety and hunting at some point.

I am a CHL holder, and carry most of the time, so I am also getting questions from them about that, they are all between ages 2-5.
They are asking me about why I carry, about the guns etc...

My family's (wife’s and mine) all support my gun/hunting enthusiast lifestyle, but don’t understand it all at the same point. So while I am trying to figure out at what ages to share, and what to share, I am also trying to take is slower than I would with my kids out of respect for the family too.

So a multi part questions, please feel free to chime in on all or part of it. I would love to hear about what conversations you have had with your kids, about hunting, why you carry, guns, safety, whatever, and what ages they were... I am assuming this will be an on-going conversation. Also, what ages did you have them out shooting, and what where they shooting/hunting.

Thanks,


My stance in regards to CC is to simply ask a person if they would feel better if I were sitting next to their child in the theatre in a situation like Aurora, CO, or would they feel worse. They will reply they would feel better. If they don't, they're idiots and aren't worth your time.

Can't pinpoint an age at which a child is ready. Because I have met 15 year olds that I wouldn't be able to teach how to swing a 9 iron, much less shoot.

My son started at age 5 with Colibris. Just a matter of time and he was a life taker and a heartbreaker. He might look like he just shot the Maneaters of Tsvao in this pic, but it is in fact just a gopher:

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My little female on the other hand is a bit nuts, so she will likely be put on hold until she's ready.

As far as hunting, the earlier the exposure, the better. They won't think anything of it. It's just humans doing what humans do as far as they're concerned.

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Travis
 
My boys were started early. They both got their first 22 at five. That is not when they shot first but when they got their first rifle. Take them often. As far as a kid not being able to shoot accurate at a young age is like anything else. Practice and make it fun. I dont know what being raised on a farm has to do with it. There is not much farm country in Wyoming. Here is some proof.

My youngest I think he is 3 or 4 in this picture shooting a 223.
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My oldest shooting my 223. I think he is 8 or 9 in the picture. The first target is what he shot at 300 yards and the second is 500 yards.
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Haydens first coyote at age 9 shot with his 223.
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Haydens first antelope.
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Haydens first elk taken at 450 yards. Range finder confirmed.
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My boys have had constant exposure to firearms since he was old enough to know what they were. I started teaching him safety as early as I felt he could understand it. Muzzle up, don't point it at people, know your target and whats behind it, keep your finger off the trigger until your ready to fire etc.... When I bought him his Savage cub at 5years old it was then pretty easy.

When the boys see me strapping on the holster before we all head to town they know that I do it for the protection of my family members and the simple fact that I can. They see the news about school and theatre shootings and know that's why I do it. They know that it's legal and I have a permit to do it, they also know not to be a big mouth in public about dad having a gun.

I remember being a kid and courious about guns so I don't hide the firearms from my boys. They are locked in the vault but there's a few here and there in the house. I have always maintained an open "inspection policy" with my kids and firearms. Meaning.. I'll let them look at anything they want at any time they want to look at it to satisfy their curiosity. I don't want them feeling like that have to sneak around to see something because I believe that's when accidents happen. If they see a firearm and want to look at it all they have to do is ask and I will show it to them. That goes for anything locked up or leaning in a corner somewhere. There's only simple rule to follow, do not touch it without me being there. You have to stand by your own rule to keep your kids trust. It doesn't matter what your doing, if they ask to see something you drop what your doing and show them. Its worked real well after 7 years I've never had a problem with the boys and handling firearms when I'm not around. When I do show them, I'm sure to show them how to check and see if it's loaded, how to open the action, drop magazines etc...
 
Great info. here so far guys, keep it coming!!

I have a few follow up questions too,

Do you enforce basic safety standards with toy guns?

Also, for CHL/CCW guys, my 5 year old niece is asking me about why I carry. Her mother, my sister protects her from the news, she doesn't hear about the school shootings or any of that, she is very protective of what she watches on TV as a rule. I am struggling to tell to be safe, because she doesn't have the background to understand it, and my sister doesnt want me to give her that background. But I hate the "I'll explain to you when you get older" statement too.
 

My children grew up in a home where guns were and still are a way of life. I talked to them constantly from the time they were very young, in diapers actually, about guns, safety, hunting etc. It's been a natural part of their life.

My oldest son was shooting a 30-30 when he was 5 years old. I had to hold the forearm up for him, but he rested the stock against his shoulder and squeezed the trigger, then asked for more over and over.

By the time he was 8, he was consistently taking groundhogs at over 100 yards with a .223, and was shooting my S&W model 29 .44 Mag, hitting his target regularly.

When he was 13, I took him to Wyoming for mule deer and antelope. My buddy who had been to Wyoming every year for about 25 years, commented that my son shot better than 95% men who had ever gone with him - his words.

Start 'em young, teach 'em young, and enjoy it all with 'em.


Age 2+, he only held the pistol for a photo here, but he shot it when I was sitting beside him, one round.

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Age 8, He shot 7 groundhogs straight at over 100 yards without missing a shot.

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Age 13, Wyoming Mule Deer, 5x5 with 7mm08, 150+ yards

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Age 14, Wild Boar with Marlin .444

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My daughter was shooting my Kimber .45 when she was 11 years old.

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Age 4

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Age 8. He was with me when I took this cat

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Originally Posted By: im4flight

Also, for CHL/CCW guys, my 5 year old niece is asking me about why I carry. Her mother, my sister protects her from the news, she doesn't hear about the school shootings or any of that, she is very protective of what she watches on TV as a rule. I am struggling to tell to be safe, because she doesn't have the background to understand it, and my sister doesnt want me to give her that background. But I hate the "I'll explain to you when you get older" statement too.



Whenever a child asks why you have a gun, you simply reply "In case I have to shoot something." They'll laugh, and they will be one step closer to not being stupid.


Travis
 
To each his own guys, you are the ones that have to live with yourself if something goes wrong. I have 17 years as a Firearms safety instructor, and Everyone does what they feel is right for there kids, But My kids were 10 before they shot any of my guns. Kids in Minnesota must be 12 by the first of November to attend our classes. I have 2 grandsons 1 & 3 and the 3 year old rides with when hunting yotes and he likes it, but he will be around that 10 mark before he shoots a real gun. meaning a 22 or larger.

I know some 50 year old guys that are not muture enough to shoot a gun without supervision yet, but that is a story for another day.
 
Having been a LEO for most of my kids life, firearms in the home were standard, with very strict rules...I have a handicapped daughter that when she was 16, she was developed like most 21 year olds wished they were...My son was 9 when I taught him to shoot a Browning 9mm and a Colt .45acp, as well as how to protect his sister in the event my wife and I had to be gone from the house...

After learning basic safety and marksmanship skills, I had him shoot and kill a rabbit to impress on him the results of what a round does to living things...He had to skin and eat that rabbit and it was not one of his better memories...He loved to go squirrel hunting a little later...

As to your question, I think you really have to evaluate the degree of emotional maturity of each child...Not all are the same and some will listen, absorb, and react properly, and some will maintain a degree of immaturity for many years....Give them some toy guns at an early age, teach them firearm safety and then watch to see there normal actions when handling them...especially around friends or other kids when playing...If you observe them being careless, don't correct them in front of their peers, but pull them aside later and discuss the actions with them, without yelling...
 
Originally Posted By: OldTurtleHaving been a LEO for most of my kids life, firearms in the home were standard, with very strict rules...I have a handicapped daughter that when she was 16, she was developed like most 21 year olds wished they were...My son was 9 when I taught him to shoot a Browning 9mm and a Colt .45acp, as well as how to protect his sister in the event my wife and I had to be gone from the house...

After learning basic safety and marksmanship skills, I had him shoot and kill a rabbit to impress on him the results of what a round does to living things...He had to skin and eat that rabbit and it was not one of his better memories...


Sounds like a great time, shared by all...


Travis
 

I to am a Hunter's Safety instructor, as well as a NRA
certified Pistol and Personal Protection Instructor. My
opinion on this topic is start when the child shows interest
in firearms. I start by talking about safety, and demonstrate
what a firearm can do to a water jug, or a melon. Even at a
young age, they get indoctrinated by video games that shooting
someone/something isn't a messy and permanent business. When
a 22 RF causes a water bottle to explode, the visual quickly
impresses the youngster with the violence accompanying a
firearm. Start talking about what to do if they find one, or
a playmate finds one. And discuss why we as adults have and
use them. THEN let them know if they want to try shooting a
firearm, you will instruct them in one's use...CLOSELY
supervised. Anytime they want to shoot, just ask. And never
do something stupid like offer up a firearm that has recoil
for a new student, at any age.

As for the age to start children, I advocate the sooner
the better, and as soon as the child is interested. My
grandson shot a 22 RF rifle at age 5, and a 22 RF hand gun
at age 6. He was all fired up to do it, but now that he
has, it is old hat, and no longer some forbidden fruit
mystery.

Squeeze
 
I have 2 girls that are 5 and 7. I started them with the Cricket (pink of course lol ) and i took them to the desert, and let them try shooting. They love it and as long as you tell them in a clear manner they will think that it's normal.
My kids don't think it's strange to hunt and shoot, they think it's neat, mostly because they are brought up around it and haven't been corrupted.
Kids love shooting, and as long as you show them safely they are going to be new lifetime gunowners.
 
Quote:He was all fired up to do it, but now that he
has, it is old hat, and no longer some forbidden fruit
mystery. ...I agree that this is an important point to get across...That's one of the reasons that we, as officers, were encouraged to spend time in the elementary schools and interact with the students...While they always wanted to see the various tools we carried, we were stressing that they were just tools for specific purposes and only removed from the belt when necessary...After a couple of sessions, their questions moved onto other topics..
 
Originally Posted By: Squeeze
I to am a Hunter's Safety instructor, as well as a NRA
certified Pistol and Personal Protection Instructor. My
opinion on this topic is start when the child shows interest
in firearms. I start by talking about safety, and demonstrate
what a firearm can do to a water jug, or a melon. Even at a
young age, they get indoctrinated by video games that shooting
someone/something isn't a messy and permanent business. When
a 22 RF causes a water bottle to explode, the visual quickly
impresses the youngster with the violence accompanying a
firearm. Start talking about what to do if they find one, or
a playmate finds one. And discuss why we as adults have and
use them. THEN let them know if they want to try shooting a
firearm, you will instruct them in one's use...CLOSELY
supervised. Anytime they want to shoot, just ask. And never
do something stupid like offer up a firearm that has recoil
for a new student, at any age.

As for the age to start children, I advocate the sooner
the better, and as soon as the child is interested. My
grandson shot a 22 RF rifle at age 5, and a 22 RF hand gun
at age 6. He was all fired up to do it, but now that he
has, it is old hat, and no longer some forbidden fruit
mystery.

Squeeze


Pretty well sums it up. I would stress the open door policy that has been mentioned. Anytime they want to look at them we will, it takes the curiosity/mystique out of it. They become tools to respect with no mystery.
 
There are a lot of reasons I have firearms or carry a firearm that I don't think are appropriate for young kids to hear. Frankly, I don't want to have to explain to my 4yr old nephew that there are bad people out in the world that I might have to defend my own life from. I also don't want to have to explain to him that we live in a country ran by idiots and that I carry to support my right that was fought and died for by our founding fathers. He's 4, he should be concerned with playing and learning how to read and count.

That said, I do think kids should have a healthy respect and be familiar with the dangers of firearms.

I have my first one on the way, a son, and I've put a lot of thought into how I'll teach him to be safe with firearms, and how my dad taught me how to be safe.

My dad's philosophy was that kids are smart, and that teaching them to respect firearms at an early age is the best policy.

I may not necessarily agree with how he did it, but I remember VIVIDLY how he proved to me how dangerous firearms can be, and it left a lasting impression on me that I don't know simple words could have made.

When I was 4, I found my dad's .44mag Marlin levergun in his closet, and asked him about it. He showed it to me, took me out and showed me that it was very dangerous by giving me a hammer and let me beat the heck out of a 1/4" piece of steel, then letting me shoot the rifle at it, which blew a hole clean through it. It also let me feel just how hard a rifle would kick on the user end. We run a lot of cows, so the next time he had to put down a sick cow, he took me along and showed me how that tiny little .44mag bullet could do so much damage on a live animal. I still remember how that little grey bullet turned that cows head inside out. Granted, I was a beef kid. I knew that we had to kill sick cows sometimes, and I knew that we ate them, so seeing the cow die and the gore wasn't that graphic, but it amazed me that a gun could do that.

From then on, I had a healthy respect for how powerful firearms could be.

My dad gave me my BB gun when I turned 5. He took me out and showed me that it could bounce off of stuff by breaking a piece of glass after bouncing a BB off of the concrete floor in our garage, so I knew I had to be careful of ricochets. He shot a rabbit and told me that since the BB gun could kill a rabbit, then it could obviously kill my baby sister, or me, so I had to be careful with it, even though it wasn't a "big gun" like his .44mag. I was allowed to keep my BB gun in my closet, and my dad told me that I was supposed to hunt rabbits, squirrels, and birds around our farm with it so I could learn how to stalk game and shoot the rifle accurately. Obviously, it started out with him walking with me, but if I asked for permission, I was allowed to take it out on my own sometimes too.

I got my first 12ga when I was 10, and I had the same respect for it that I had for all firearms by that time.

My dad did NOT believe that kids should be taught to treat toy guns like real firearms. When I was in college, I remember hearing my dad tell his brothers that he thought it was stupid that they were teaching my cousins (their sons) to carry their toy guns and treat them like real guns "to practice". Dad's logic was that kids are smart enough to know the difference between the two, and that kids know that toys are toys, so if you teach them that toys are the same as real firearms, they are more apt to treat their real guns like their familiar toys, rather than understanding how dangerous they are.

Frankly, I tend to agree. I remember all of us cussing those young cousins over and over when we took them coon hunting with us for pointing their BB guns at people. They'd shoot BB's at the coons once we had them treed, and it wasn't uncommon to feel a "doink" in the back of your head of their muzzles as they weren't paying attention to what they were pointing at as we all looked up at the coons. Not a comforting feeling.

Toys are toys, firearms are firearms. Kids are smart enough to understand the difference, and the more you expose them and train them to be safe, the better equipped they will be later in life.

There's more than one way to skin this cat, but that's my thought process as I plan for how I'll expose my own son to firearms when the time comes.

But when it comes to teaching other people's kids, that's a touchy subject.

My nephew turns 5 this month, his mom has been asking my wife and I to teach him how to do "outdoors stuff" like shoot a BB gun. I asked his mom if I could get him a BB gun for his bday that he could keep at our house since they live in town. My wife wanted to get him one last year, but his mom thought we should wait, so we did.
 
Originally Posted By: VarminterrorThere are a lot of reasons I have firearms or carry a firearm that I don't think are appropriate for young kids to hear. Frankly, I don't want to have to explain to my 4yr old nephew that there are bad people out in the world that I might have to defend my own life from. I also don't want to have to explain to him that we live in a country ran by idiots and that I carry to support my right that was fought and died for by our founding fathers. He's 4, he should be concerned with playing and learning how to read and count.

So has your nephew asked? What has been your answer? I feel exactly the same way in why I carry, and in why I haven't been able to explain to my 5yr old neice.

Great info. guys, hopefully it helping others, other than me too!! Keep it coming.
 
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