What do you think about giving a 5 year old his first .22 Rifle for Christmas?

Question

I thought this would be a wonderful gift for my Nephew. My sister and his dad agreed. Its a short gun made for a youth. And its not like he would ever get to "play" with it. They are totally responsible parents and have a locked gunsafe in their closet.

My girlfriend thinks this is the most terrible idea shes ever heard of. I believe thats because shes ignorant. She never grew up with guns and has never been hunting. She is certain hes going to get to play with it. To be fair she said its not because hes ever going to get to play with it but "What if?"

He carried his BB gun around for about 5 months without a BB in it! He needs to learn gun saftey sooner or later. Why would this be a terrible idea?

I would like some tips from hunters as well as you Moms that have a preconceived answer. 'GUNS ARE BAD' If hes going to end up hunting in the future wouldnt it be a great idea to get him learning safety now?

Allow me to remind you that his parents are completly fine with it and think its a great idea. They are responsible parents with a locked gunsafe. I would never even buy one for my son on account I dont hunt. But why is it so bad to give him a gift hes going to love and appreciate his whole life?

Or is it just a little too early?

Answer 1

No due to the age of the child.

It is your perception that it's a wonderful gift. When moms parent young children of that age, they mostly wish to protect that child and teach self-development and social skills. Empathy must be developed before "hunting skills." There is enough of that all over the news, media and internet.

How about the child is a child for a little while longer? Why rush to lose innocence?

As to BB guns, it's not funny when animals are maimed and it's not funny when people lose eyes. At an appropriate age later, target practice when supervised by an adult is another matter. I can appreciate the sportsmanship of target practice.

I'm actually surprised no one has mentioned how the teen accessed the guns in the latest shootings. If parents have guns in their homes, it's up to them to keep them locked up to the point that a teen or child cannot obtain it.

I'm not anti-gun ---- just that a child should have other things to be focused on, not weapons. Try reading up on childhood development - get a used child psychology text book from your local college. I'm not being critical - just trying to educate you on the issues concerning young children and their development.

Answer 2

Yes if he is to grow up within the totally disagreeable sport of hunting, he should be learning gun safety. But why can't he do it with a toy gun? Leave him with the BB gun for now. Being 5, he's got no sense of responsibility, and if you try to teach him, he'll probably want to put what you've taught him to the test. 5 year olds test EVERYTHING! You wouldn't want something terrible to happen because he's a kid being a kid. Maybe you should wait until he's 7 or 8 at least, and can handle things such as taking care of a pet. In other words, until he realizes that guns are dangerous and can have disastrous consequences when misused.
I am one of those mom's that says "no guns". I don't think there is a need for them in our society. However if you must, do it safely.

Answer 3

I grew up in South Texas where one of the first things you learn is gun safety. I don't know many 5 year olds that are mature enough to understand the concepts behind gun safety. I would advise you to wait until he is at least a couple of years older.

According to child cognitive developmental standards, a 5 year old isn't capable of understanding complicated rules. Here is a quote from some developmental guidelines about children ages 4 to 7:

"In moral-ethical realm, the child is not able to show principles underlying best behavior. Rules of a game not developed, only uses simple do's and don'ts imposed by authority."

I don't believe that guns are bad, but giving a gun with live ammo to a 5 year old, scientifically and objectively, is a terrible idea.

Be patient. Your nephew has many years ahead of him. Let him be a child. He can still learn the rules of gun safety with out owning a gun himself.

Answer 4

While I have no problems with teaching a child gun safety, espeically if it's something they will be exposed to later on in life, 5 years old might be a bit excessive. At that age they are still learning the difference between right and wrong and may not truly understand what happens when you shoot something. Most 5 year olds do not have a complete understanding of death. You might want to consider waiting until he's a bit older, maybe 8 or 9.

Answer 5

I had a relative by my 3 year son a 22 at an auction without asking me first, and I can not even begin to tell you how angry it made me. It is locked in a gun cabinet also, and I intend for it to stay that way way for quite a long time. I agree that future hunters need to learn gun safety but I think 5 is entirely to young myself. At 5 years old a child does not understand that if you make one mistake you could be dead, at 5 a child doesn't even fully comprehend dead. Thats how I feel, but if the child who is to recieve the guns parents are ok with the gift then that has to be your decision. But how would you feel if something happened with the gun you bought the child?

Answer 6

Your girl friend is right. I was raised around hunting guns all my life and used them for most of it, but no 5 year old needs to own a gun much less carry and use one. No one should use a gun of any kind until they can understand the consequences (meaning death)and that means maturity not age and 5 is just way too young.

Answer 7

At that particular age they have not developed the skills necessary to deal with that type of responsiblity. You of course know the parents better than any of us because it does fall on them to provide the guidance and knowledge to the child on how to use and handle guns. That is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly. You are placing that responsibility in their hands by giving him a gun. It sounds like you have discussed it with them as well so maybe they are ready for that.

Answer 8

What is the real purpose of giving somebody a gift, then keeping it locked up? The point here is that a 5 year old has no concept of what a firearm can actually do; you should probably save such a gift until the receiver can comprehend the potential risk of having it. In the meanwhile, responsible use of firearms should be taught.

Answer 9

I agree with your girlfriend, what the hell does a five year old need with a gun??? Can't you think of a better gift?? Do you know how many times kids get killed by guns that are supposed to be locked up by responsible parents?? Once every day in the US alone.
Why risk it at all??

Answer 10

My husband and his family are HUGE hunters. He hunts for everything he can get a license for. (Our oldest son = Hunter!) However, we have agreed that our boys will wait until they around 10 to start all the hunting business...I just think a 5 year old isn't old enough to really understand what he is doing, but that is just my opinion.