Need help

**cdeily** · February 11th, 2011, 07:50 PM

How old does someone have to be to legally shoot a handgun? Not own, not transport, not carry, just shoot it at the range?

**gnbrotz** · February 11th, 2011, 07:51 PM

There is no minimum age set by the law. Private clubs may have their own policies in regard to this.

**streaker69** · February 11th, 2011, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by cdeily

How old does someone have to be to legally shoot a handgun? Not own, not transport, not carry, just shoot it at the range?

I've seen 8 and 9 yr olds at the range shooting pistols. I'll be starting my kids off on rifles at 7.

**gnbrotz** · February 11th, 2011, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by streaker69

I've seen 8 and 9 yr olds at the range shooting pistols. I'll be starting my kids off on rifles at 7.

I've supervised children as young as six with .22 pistols, and would certainly consider younger ones, depending on the actual child in question.

**harold63** · February 11th, 2011, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by gnbrotz

There is no minimum age set by the law. Private clubs may have their own policies in regard to this.

Tis the same in FL.

**streaker69** · February 11th, 2011, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by gnbrotz

I've supervised children as young as six with .22 pistols, and would certainly consider younger ones, depending on the actual child in question.

That's the way I feel too. I asked my 5yr old if he wanted me to teach him to shoot, of course he said yes. I asked him how old he should be when I start, and he said 8, I said, "Oh? I was going to teach you when you're 7". Big smiles from him.

My plan is to get each of them a Cricket .22 for their 7th birthday. My 3yr old girl has already picked out the pink one.

**cdeily** · February 11th, 2011, 09:26 PM

Great, thanks for all the replies guys!

**Flash** · February 11th, 2011, 10:11 PM

My kids started EARLY ! The oldest son (at about 5) could just barely hold up the 1911, but he really7 wanted to shoot. He would fire and recoil about two steps, then walk back into battery, and pick up one more round and drop it in and drop the slide. And BLAM!

But in retrospect, I think he would have been better started with the little 22 rifle.

Flash

**harold63** · February 11th, 2011, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Flash

My kids started EARLY ! The oldest son (at about 5) could just barely hold up the 1911, but he really7 wanted to shoot. He would fire and recoil about two steps, then walk back into battery, and pick up one more round and drop it in and drop the slide. And BLAM!

But in retrospect, I think he would have been better started with the little 22 rifle.

Flash

I bet he is telling you today he is glad it was a 1911. Not many kids get to experience that. I didn't let my kids shoot any 1911's until they were 12 or 13.