How young is too young for a child to shoot

[mypobox]

I've been a shooting fan all my life (I'm 35). I took a break from the sport for about 10yrs but I'm now returning to the sport. I collected my guns, cleaned them and decided it was time for me to get my CCW and a new P95.

After that I decided it was time to educate my two daughters about my new interest and make them aware of firearms and firearm safety. I keep my guns secure but just incase I ever make a mistake or they encounter a firearm I figure knowledge is always the best route to take.

My daughters are 7 and 5 years old. My 7yr old understood to respect guns and knows to never handle a gun without me there and if she saw an open firearm to report it to an adult. The "problem" is with my 5yr old. She is very interested in guns. She instantly took a liking and interest in guns and asked if she could join me shooting. I tried to get her "off" the subject by saying "ohh well you could go to Grandma's with sissy or go shooting" she picked shooting !!! I'm sure alot of it is because she wants to just spend time with her daddy. I assure you we DO spend alot of time together. The only time I feel alive is with her and her sister so I think she just really likes the idea of shooting. I have a ruger single six that I feel is safe and perfect for a 5yr old but my mom and others feels she is too young to shoot a gun. I explained I wouldnt just hand her a loaded gun and say "good luck". i would be right there with her the whole time. Instructing her, teaching her, enjoying the time with her.

Please tell me. is she too young at 5yrs old ??????

[GRIZ]

It depends on the child. My oldest daughter first shot when she was 4. I know people 44 that shouldn't touch a gun.

respect guns and knows to never handle a gun without me there and if she saw an open firearm to report it to an adult

This is important. I taught my kids they can handle any gun they want they just have to ask me. I brought along water jugs, pieces of 2x6, plywood and some bricks to shoot at to show her how powerful a bullet is. Never had any problem.

[Policraticus]

My dad taught my brother and I to shoot at around 5 years of age. My only concern is with the equipment you chose to teach with. The Ruger single-6 is a single action only revolver. Manipulation of the hammer often places the new shooters finger on the bang switch as the firearms is rotated in the small hands. I would suggest an autoloader like a Ruger MkII or similar. Even a .22 rifle would be better as you will have one hand on the rifle to help support its weight and you can control the muzzle easier.

[Pector55]

I know that while my children were still in the womb, they just couldn't seem to get their hands on the trigger properly. ;-)

j/k, I believe I started my children when they were around 7. I trained them with a SIG Mosquito .22LR to get them started.

How did that work out for me?

[GRIZ]

My only concern is with the equipment you chose to teach with.

I should have mentioned my daughter started with a single shot 22 rifle that was "her" rifle. They should be able to manipulate the controls properly on whatever gun they shoot/

[HiredGoon]

Is double hearing protection for the youngsters...plugs and muffs... a good idea for their still-developing ears?

[mypobox]

great advice gentlemen. I have a remmington viper .22 that would be perfect. We did test hearing protection but I feel plugs will be fine with .22 shooting.

[Policraticus]

I'm 29 and I still use both plugs and headphones. Hearing damage is cumulative.

[Flash]

My older son was shooting the 1911A1 at FOUR. Under close supervision, but he knew. The girls were 5 and 6. I cut down a single-shot 22 to 'kid-size", put a good peep sight set on it, and they learned to shoot right. They are 50's now, and still have discussion on who has "dibs" on it when Dad no longer can shoot it. It is an excellent squirrel rifle still.

But really, it all depends on the child's receptivity to instruction and how you have taught them on safety principles. If they want to learn, they should be encouraged to. it makes for a better level of responsibility later.

Protection of eyes and ears is a MUST. Whatever age. And don't think a 22 isn't loud, just fire it under an roof or something and you will have awhole new respect for it.

Flash

[ssom003]

My Ryan was shooting when he was 7 years old...
He has eyes protection on that day, just didn't have it on for the pic...