Introduced a new Shooter

[Ammo747]

Some may frown on the story that is about to follow but here goes...

I am a very proud Father of a beautiful 6 year old daughter and she has been asking me to take her shooting for a long time. I had been looking around for a .22 that I could pick up for her but was never really satisfied with the ones made for kids since she would outgrow it rather quickly. A friend suggested that I look into the M&P 15-22 since it had the adjustable stock. Long story short, it was a perfect fit and it would grow with her. Sold!

Fast forward a couple weeks after about 25 sessions of proper gun safety here at home, we finally got to go to the range on Thursday afternoon and she was a natural. She shot about 300 rounds off a rest at about 10-15 yards and I was on proud Daddy!! After the second shot, she turned to Mom and gave a huge grin and turned back to me (I was helping hold the weapon) and said "Daddy, this is awesome!"

I know some may not agree with me introducing her to guns at such a young age but I was raised the same way and I think it is important to continue to teach our little ones the importance of gun safety and to keep the sport alive.

God Bless, Happy New Year and Safe Shooting.

Proud Daddy!!

[mamabearCali]

Cool beans! Every child is different. Our 7 year old is going to get his first air soft weapon soon. We have even considered going straight to a .22 for him on his next birthday and giving our 6 year old the air soft on her next birthday. Still noodling it over.

However I have a 6 year old nephew that I would not give a rubberband shooter to.

Good on her and good on you teacher her about saftey.

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[allingeneral]

I like it!! (5 out of 5)

Just keep the safety aspect covered all the time, to include "Don't touch any gun, EVER unless I hand it to you."

[SHMIV]

I was introduced at about 4, so you get approval from me, lol. (Though, I also wonder why you waited so long to take her shooting...)

Thank you for your efforts in creating another safe shooter!

[Ammo747]

Safety is absolutely #1. All guns are locked in the safe at all times.

My Father introduced me to guns when I was very young as well. I received a single shot 20 gauge for Christmas when I was 7 years old, still have it to this day. I was taught gun safety very early and I think it has served me well. I hope I can pass along that same lesson to my daughter.

[moss20]

Good for you and her. As a youth firearms instructor, it is not the age but the maturity of the child that should decide when they are ready for firearm use. I know of a 15 yr. old that I have to watch like a hawk, and 9 yr. olds that I don't.

I started my son on air soft at 8, bb at 9, .22 at 10. If she still enjoys shooting when she gets close to 9, check into local youth shooting groups in your area and get her competing. It can be a year round sport and is safer than soccer, tennis, basketball, etc.

[rlbellco72]

Good job Dad! As has been pointed out, it is good that kids should learn early how to safely handle and shoot a gun.

[gunderwood]

Good job dad! IMHO, there is no "right" age, it's all about when the child is ready and takes an interest. If shooting is a family activity, then the child is going to take an interest earlier. However, accidents happen when parents don't train their children or the child has taken an interest and the parent settles for "don't touch that." Only proper training can avoid gun accidents.

[Rualert]

Congrats, I have a 16 and a 13 year old. The 13 year old is very excited to shoot anytime, while my son seems interested only during hunting season. At least they both have been thought safety first. Question's where can I find info on youth shooting sports in or around the Chesterfield area?

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[Jakeiscrazy]

Always love to read about new people learning to shoot. It's how you insure that shooting sports will be around for years to come!

[Ammo747]

Rualert, you may want to contact Moss20 (see above), he stated that he is a youth instructor so he may have some information or points of contact for you on youth programs in your area.

I have only lived in Virginia for 1.5 years so not familiar with much outside of my area. I belong to the Lafayette Gun Club in Grafton, VA and I know they have a youth program that meets weekly that I hear great things about. I hope that my little one will keep the interest so I can get her involved in that program when she turns 9 (required age). I hope to get involved in the program soon as a volunteer myself if work ever allows the time.

Thanks to all for the kind words.

[Snakester]

I think shooting and firearms safety is a great thing share and teach to children . It is something they will have for a lifetime.