My daughter is 7 and I would like to get her involved in shooting. Is 7 too young to shoot a single shot .22 with close adult supervision?
2007-01-28 03:54:58 · 20 answers · asked by dogboy 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
As long as your daughter is able to stand and properly control the rifle unaided and unsupported, go for it. It is not the child's age that matters as much as his/or/her physical ability.
One of my fondest childhood memories was my first shooting lesson, given to me by my paternal grandfather when I was 7 or 8. He set up a cardboard box with a target pinned to it against a dirt bank and he showed me how to "punch paper" the first time with a Remington mod.10 rolling block "Boy's Rifle" single shot, which, I am proud to say, I still own today, it being passed down from grandfather to father to son, me.
2007-01-28 07:50:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is an appropriate age if this isn't her first time shooting. Usually kids start out with BB guns, then pellet guns, then .22 then .410 etc. At least that's what I did. Make sure she has shot and is comfortable with air guns shooting BBs and/or pellets. Then allow her to move up to a .22.
If you decide to get a .22 single shot for her then I HIGHLY recommend the Chipmunk single shot .22 rifle. It is very short and easy for a smaller child to handle (with adult supervision of course). It is bolt action single shot and you have to pull back a little button to cock the rifle. You can even put a scope on it if you buy a scope rail.
This was my first .22 when I was a kid.
2007-01-28 06:23:05 · answer #2 · answered by The Big Shot 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just my opinion, use or discard as you wish. I'm an old man, had my own .22 when I was 11. Anymore I believe I would start her out with an air rifle and she how she does with that. Here's my reasoning-The kids I have involved in shooting don't have a clue what happens when the slug hits the target. They see tv shows and cartoons where people are shot and then get back up or whatever, and take then to heart. It is difficult for youngsters to grasp that in their hands is the power to injure or kill. I am of the opinion that this fact should be drilled in before any live fire.
Good on you though for teaching her about guns and sports. The fact that she will be able to properly handle a firearm will dramatically reduce her chances of being a victim later.
2007-01-28 04:07:29 · answer #3 · answered by steve.c_50 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
5
2007-01-31 16:25:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends on the maturity of the child, some kids under very strict supervision, might start with a BB gun at 5 or 6 & then progress to a 22. I would definetely consider starting your daughter with a bb gun at least for a couple of months just to teach the basic mechanics of shooting.Also from a safety standpoint I would start her out w/bb gun. The main thing is the child needs to be old enough to know the consecuences of what shooting something w/a firearm are.
2007-01-29 06:41:17 · answer #5 · answered by c k 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO, 7 is not to young with proper guidance!
My belief is if you are going to own them you need to teach them. Make sure the know and follow the safety rules.
You might want to get her a pump pellet rifle first and start her on that and then move her up.
I have 2 boys and a girl, boys 16 & 14 girl 4, and I started my boys shooting shot guns and pistols at 6 and just waiting for my daughter to get the maturity to understand.
Great to hear that your going to teach her. Good Luck
2007-01-28 04:07:16 · answer #6 · answered by railcar_exp 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I was young my dad had guns laying all over the house. Besides the reloading tools, slide rulers, books, and tools in general. Watching him and studying these items gave me a lot of education over the years. If she shows an interest, let her have the information and give her the ability. Enroll her in riflemanship and hunting courses that are available to her so she can meet people in the sport and learn about it from many people.
2007-01-28 11:46:47 · answer #7 · answered by Turk_56 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the child. My five year old has already proven himself to be a fine marksman for his age and ready for his first rifle. He already owns a .308 that he has shot out of a vice and has done much practice with a high powered air rifle. I am about to purchase him his first Davey Cricket rifle. However, My 15 year old doesn't listen wont take his time and hasn't the patience to be responsilbe so he still is without a firearm.
2007-01-28 10:26:55 · answer #8 · answered by jmmccollum 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I shot my first 22 at age 5. now I am 22 years am a member of the NRA. I love that my dad let me shot so young.
2007-01-28 04:10:37 · answer #9 · answered by US Soldier 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm.....7 MIGHT be too young. .22's arent very powerful, if you shot someone yea it would be, but she wouldnt have to hold it too tight and it is a great gun to get started on. also, by the time she was an adult she woudle be a skilled shooter. under very close adult supervision, i think she would be fine.
2007-01-28 04:01:38 · answer #10 · answered by marlinsblackmagic 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋