Off-Topic DiscussionsThis is the area for general banter/chat. There are rules for this section, please read the sticky post in the section before participating. The short rules: Only work safe discussions, no religious/political debates!
People are going to hate me for this but I will say it anyway... and just so you know, I am a firearms owner and a hunter so dont take this comment as me being anti. I think that children younger than 14 should not be able to use or handle guns. Each child is different, but if I were asked at what age ANY child should be allowed to learn about guns, I would say 14. Some children are very mature by that age, and it may be a little later than necessary for those cases, but some 13 year-olds are extremely immature and have no concept of the consequences of their actions. It is better safe than sorry. It is better to prevent the minority of kids who are mature enough to handle guns from using them, than it is to allow someone who is not mature enough to use deadly weapons.
Times have changed since many of us learned gun safety, and there are alot more negative influences available to young kids which will give them bad advice and ideas of how guns are to be treated. I dont think that when we grew up it was cool to be a gangster who "packs heat" and brings guns to school etc. Sadly, nowadays that is the image of what is cool to young kids. Young children are idolizing gangsters and such at young ages, and told that having a gun makes you cool and tough, and if they combined those ideals and their immaturity with knowledge of how to properly use a firearm, there could be serious consequences. I believe in teaching EVERYONE in the house the basics of gun safety...which start with what a child should do if they find a gun (do not touch it and tell a responsible adult). I feel there is no reason a child under the age of 14 needs to use guns. I dont believe that knowledge of guns will necessarily lead to increased school shootings and such (although without knowledge of guns some of the incidences possibly could have been prevented), I believe the main purpose for not teaching your kids how to use guns at a young age is to reduce the chances of a possible accident where they or someone else gets hurt. If all they know is that guns are extremely dangerous and are NOT to be handled because they could kill someone, then they are less likely to pick up a gun and try to put it away, clean it, play with it or whatever. What I'm referring to is much like a sex ed program. Teach kids at a young age what it is and the consequences of it, but not the intimate details how to do it and the actions involved. Anyway, not everyone will agree with me I'm sure, but I feel more comfortably knowing that my children do not have the knowledge to operate a firearm proficiently, and they do know the dangers of handling firearms, and therefor that will help prevent them from injuring themselves or others by attempting to use guns on their own. Again, just my opinion...I'm not telling you how to raise your kids, just telling you what I believe.
__________________
2003 F-250 XLT FX4 6.0l powerstroke turbo diesel, supercab, shortbox, torqushift 5spd auto. Procomp 4" lift with dual shocks and steering stabilizers, 315-75-16R Toyo Open Country MT tires on 16x10 American Eagle Wheels, Edge Evolution tuner, Airaid intake, Magnaflow performance 4" turbo back dual exhaust with 5" dual wall tips, WARN Premium manual locking hubs, Bushwacker fender flares, Smoked cab and 3rd brake light, Aftermarket headlights, tail lights and reverse lights, TomTom GO 920 Navigation system, Ford custom seat covers, Lund tonneau cover.
my 2 cents...let her shoot a cannon first 12 gauge,30.06,40 cal handgun, it'll put the fear in about how much power guns have. Then when she understands that, get her a 22lr and let her see, use, touch it only when your handy till she's older. That's what my dad did when I was six. I didnt want to shoot another gun besides my ruger till i was over 10, but i knew what they were and what they could do in the event i found one at a friends or ...
__________________
04' F250 4x4 Lariat
4" Lift 315's BFG AT
Snazzy Wheels
Zoodad mod
"Lead foot disease"
I was about 10, and also learned on that single shot, bolt action, 22 rifle.
Damn, that thing was heavy!
YMCA camp, riflery team, marksman, pro marksman, sharpshooter, bar 1, bar 2, bar 3, 4 ....up to 9. Then Expert. I've still got the little medals.
46 years later, I still love the smell of Hoppes and gunpowder, and those smells bring me right back to that rifle range.
Personally, I think a structured program, at an early age is great not only for gun safety, but for self discipline, rules, regulations, teamwork, respect.
__________________
'06 GMC LBZ Duramax/Allison dually. Bed is aluminum box with blacksmith shop
I'm just under 10,000lbs, feels light as a feather
Got my first one when I was 8. My dad was big on safey and by the time I was 8 safety had been drilled into me so much I never forgot anything he said even to this day.
LeRoy
__________________
Y2K F-350 Lariat SRW SC LB PSD 4X4 Man Hubs, Auto, Leather, Harvest Gold. 50 gal in the bed xfer-flow fuel tank. Banks exhaust and stinger kit. AIS cold air intake. Towing a Jayco Eagle Lite 5er 31'
go for it roof--you know your daughter the best--like some on here, i had my first gun at age 8--and bought my own scattergun 2 yrs later------but then, i grew up on a farm------taught myself the care and handling of guns------
__________________
94 f250 idi turbo sc e4od alum fac rims 149,289 --dana 60 frt with posi--10.25 rear w/posi--shouldnt get stuck!! ats turbo 3" parts on--what a diff from stock turbo!!!!!--- also 96 F250 with 305,000 is fixed!!-- 7.3 rattler-also 85 6.9-needs new engine!! tired!!
Congratulations on wanting to teach marksmanship to your daughter, we need more youth involved, especially girls, in shooting.
As has been said before, it all basically comes down to you and how mature you think she is. I started handling guns when I was in preschool. Didn't start shooting until 5 or 6, got my first .22 at about 7. A friend of mine started shooting at 5 but he earned the right by being responsible and mature. My daughter (16 years old tomorrow) started about 6, she isn't "into" guns but she owns a .22 and a 28 guage and knows how to handle them. My wife has a 19 year old cousin that I leave if he starts to plink, in my mind he isn't mature enough to handle a gun. His grandfather thinks he is.
Start your daughter with a hunter safety course, I am partial because I am a certified instructor, a lot of time handling and fitting to make sure she can physically handle the gun. Put her on a bench rest or in a prone position and let her shoot one shot at a time, that you give her. This will teach her about shot placement and waiting until everything is lined up. Biggest mistake I ever saw was a young boy at the range with a 10/22 and a 50 round magazine. Kid was a danger and didn't learn one ounce of marksmanship. His dad wasn't too happy when they were asked to leave, it came down to asking for his club membership card before he left.
To impress upon her what a .22 can do, shoot a gallon milk jug full of water. Explain to her that is what would happen if she shot a person or an animal. Trust me it leaves an impression.
Go here,Eddie Eagle Safety Program, 21,000,000 kid's have taken this class,here is an example of the page,"this is for the young one's",kid's that are older need to take a class from an instructor,your local gun range may have someone who does this for adult's wanting a CCWP,would not thake much for him/her to have a class for kid's right at the range,our local range does the CCWP,never thought about asking about kid's class's,seem's like a great idea,education is the answer on handling firearm's no matter what the age
The Eddie Eagle GunSafeŽ Program teaches children in pre-K through third grade four important steps to take if they find a gun. These steps are presented by the program's mascot, Eddie EagleŽ, in an easy-to-remember format consisting of the following simple rules:
If you see a gun: STOP! Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.
Begun in 1988, The Eddie Eagle GunSafeŽ Program has reached more than 21 million children -- in all 50 states. This program was developed through the combined efforts of such qualified professionals as clinical psychologists, reading specialists, teachers, curriculum specialists, urban housing safety officials, and law enforcement personnel.
__________________
2002 F350 4 door Dually XLT lariat PSD Crew Cab 4R100 4.10 VDH4 Prepump, In-Tank, Crossover,Tymar air intake, Edge Evolution, Magellan 6000T GPS, White Night backup light's, DPPI Guages, Walker "Big Truck" Muffler, b&w turn over hitch, pulling a 2004 Sunnybrook 31bwks triple slide 5th wheel. , Total Gross 20900#.truck wt empty 7420# all at the scale, born 05/02/02. bought 06/18/02 & the wife's 2007 eddie bower expedtion 5.4,6 speed automatic ,power everything,redfire & tan.
Enroll her in a Hunter Safety course, because it would be best for her to learn from someone else. You will set the example of what she learns.
I would highly recommend her mother also attend.
The Hunter Satety Course is all 99.9% about SAFETY and not how to hunt.
Remember your child just may be at a friends house some day when some one starts playing with a gun. Your daughter will know the danger and possibly save someones life besides her own.
As a child none of us were ever allowed to point a toy gun at anyone. So as childern we learned muzzle control, even before the first BB gun.
__________________
2003, F250, Super Duty, Super Cab, 7.3, Auto, 4X4 Silver, 2" lift in front only, 46 gal fuel tank, Billet Grill, 285X75X16 BFG MT, Bilsteins, Firestone Air Rear, B&W Gooseneck, We call it the "Silver Knocker"
I think if we can teach them about sex, drugs & smoking in school we should teach gun control as well. How many kids are killed per year playing with guns? A little training at a young age may prevent some deaths.
I am not racist by any means and i understand stupid is universal no matter who you are. I am also sure this will piss off some people but if gangbangers learned how to aim it may save us tax payers some $$$. Wait a minute that won't work they would have to be in school first.
I am sure there are downsides of teaching them as well. Its the classic 1 size doe not fit all. My kids are older so I have enrolled everyone in my family in a class that will allow them to receive their conceal and carry permit if they desire.
I think if we can teach them about sex, drugs & smoking in school we should teach gun control as well. How many kids are killed per year playing with guns? A little training at a young age may prevent some deaths.
I am not racist by any means and i understand stupid is universal no matter who you are. I am also sure this will piss off some people but if gangbangers learned how to aim it may save us tax payers some $$$. Wait a minute that won't work they would have to be in school first.
I am sure there are downsides of teaching them as well. Its the classic 1 size doe not fit all. My kids are older so I have enrolled everyone in my family in a class that will allow them to receive their conceal and carry permit if they desire.
-------------but if gangbangers learned how to aim --------------A sign of the time's,Jacksonville Fl had it's 1'st drive by shooting today done on a "BIKE",seem's high fuel price's have impacted the banger's also,true story,no joke!!!!,they have an APB out for the guy.
__________________
2002 F350 4 door Dually XLT lariat PSD Crew Cab 4R100 4.10 VDH4 Prepump, In-Tank, Crossover,Tymar air intake, Edge Evolution, Magellan 6000T GPS, White Night backup light's, DPPI Guages, Walker "Big Truck" Muffler, b&w turn over hitch, pulling a 2004 Sunnybrook 31bwks triple slide 5th wheel. , Total Gross 20900#.truck wt empty 7420# all at the scale, born 05/02/02. bought 06/18/02 & the wife's 2007 eddie bower expedtion 5.4,6 speed automatic ,power everything,redfire & tan.
+1 for Hunter Safety. Both of my kids learned to shoot around 8 and took hunter safety at 9 and 10. Mandatory to hunt big game here in AZ.
My sons first gun was a single shot 410 when he was 10, followed later by a 870, 20 gauge youth model when he was about 13. At 14 I got him a Mini-14 and sold it off a couple of years later to get him a 30.06, which he has used to take two Elk. He also has a Remington 700 youth model in 243 he won in a RMEF Raffle. Last year when he was 17 he graduated to a 12 gauge, but he still likes to shoot the 870. It is a bit awkard for him since he is 6'2".
When I first would take the kids shooting it was very structured and at a public range that typically has four on duty Rangemasters. I would only shoot after the kids wanted a break and my hand was usually on their shoulder if they had a firearm in their posession.
All kids are different and you have to keep a vigil eye on them at all times. I can't stress safety enough. Even now when my son, who is going to be 19, go to the range I keep an eye on him. Mostly because he is so proficient and I am very proud of him.
No particular age should apply to the teaching of child firearm safety...within reason, 3 might be a little young... The parent should be the sole decider of when is the right or wrong time for their child to learn gun safety. Since no particular age brings with it an automatic sense of maturity, rather it is a learned and practiced habit from growing over time, only the one watching the maturing, the parent, should decide. I am also an Eagle Scout and believe strongly with others on this site that the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts is one of this best things you can do for your child. Lessons learned from these organizations will last a lifetime!!
__________________
04' F-250 Fx4 Black w/ 33'' BFG Mud Terrains
The Eddie Eagle GunSafeŽ Program teaches children in pre-K through third grade four important steps to take if they find a gun. These steps are presented by the program's mascot, Eddie EagleŽ, in an easy-to-remember format consisting of the following simple rules:
Linear Mode
