Posted: 3/7/2006 5:14:39 AM EDT
|
I have 2 daughters, aged 5 (nearly 6) and 17 months. While the 17 month old might be a little young to start playing with pea shooters, I was considering introducing the 5 year old to the range. Any thoughts on this? |
|
 5 y.o learning the finer aspects of marksmanship on a Chipmunk .22 5 is plenty old to start. BC |
|
If she is old enough to go to a friend's house, then she needs to be taught firearm safety. You might have your stuff locked so she can't get it, but the friend's parents may not have their stuff locked up. A 22 rifle like a Chipmunk is a good starter for developing marksmanship. But you need to get handgun safety training in there too. |
I started my 3 out on a chipmonk rifle too [built in Oregon I should add]. I would recommend giving little bit [under 2] a pop gun and teaching safety with the toy. Patty |
Honestly I'd start with a BB gun which you can help her cock or pump up. You can teach the fundamentals of marksmanship, safety, handling, aiming etc without the noise or inherent danger. Reason I say that is my own girls (now 22 and 20) were frightened of the noise at the range when they were little. I wish I'd started them with a red ryder in the back yard. Give it some thought. Regardless, my hat's off to you for teaching them about guns and shooting. You da man! ThirtyCal |
|
Wow, thanks for all the input!! So, note to self, no class 3 for the kids.... I had been concerned about the noise issue, and I brain-farted completely on the BB gun scenario. Why the hell didn't I think of that?!? As for safety, my oldest has been gun aware since she was able to comprehend the English language. My youngest will walk the same trail. |
|
I think that depends on you. How good of a "teacher" are you? Does she listen to you when you tell her stuff? Does she have the respect for the gun? If you think she does and you are able to teach her the basics, go for it. DnPRK makes a good point about going to a friends house whose parents aren't as gun smart as you are. Also something to think about. |
Every child is different, but generally I think the younger the better. Just, well of course you already know this already, make sure you start 'em on a .22. Not a 12 Guage! I started my GF on a 12 guage. OOPS! But she gave shooting another chance and she enjoys shooting my m4gery a lot!
|