Teaching younger kids to shoot, what to start out with?

[Will_White]

My 10 year old niece and her mom want to learn how to shoot. I'm planning on teaching them the basics with one of my GBB airsoft "M4s" in my backyard, after that would you transition them straight to a standard AR or would you stop at a .22lr first?

Read More

 

[Kruel J]

.22lr.

 

[Goosebrown]

22 first. ARs are the bomb but more recoil and noise and moving parts. A 10/22 let's him/her focus without the gun moving around and the recoil spring making noise etc.

 

[justcuz]

find a NRA basic rifle course let someone qualified teach them and oversee their shooting experience with out 'uncle' disapproving over them.

 

[tac]

find a NRA basic rifle course let someone qualified teach them and oversee their shooting experience with out 'uncle' disapproving over them.

Bingo!!!

tac

 

[2506]

Get a Cricket (or similar model). Single shot, bolt action. My son started with one when he was 7 and hasn't looked back.

 

[RicInOR]

You can find lots of 22lr rifles, if you don't own you can "borrow"* and that keeps noise and recoil to a minimum. Build upon success. And easy to load just one. And if small stature, easy to get smaller stocks.



* I am not advocating breaking the law

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I'd go to a .22LR rifle as the next gun...a .22 single shot bolt action would be my first choice.
Then forget about the AR's and go to a muzzleloader....
Just kidding on that last bit.

Ask what they want to shoot after mastering a .22 rifle...keep 'em interested with what they want to shoot.
Andy

 

[bbbass]

^^^ This!!!

 

[308]

This is how we do it.
How to keep kids safe with firearms...

 

[USMC-03]

I'd go to a .22LR rifle as the next gun...a .22 single shot bolt action would be my first choice.
Then forget about the AR's and go to a muzzleloader....
Just kidding on that last bit.

Ask what they want to shoot after mastering a .22 rifle...keep 'em interested with what they want to shoot.
Andy

Yep, just make sure it has a fully adjustable rear aperture sight.

 

[AMT]

My 10 year old niece and her mom want to learn how to shoot. I'm planning on teaching them the basics with one of my GBB airsoft "M4s" in my backyard, after that would you transition them straight to a standard AR or would you stop at a .22lr first?

Did this with my daughter. Started with an air rifle. Once she gave me run for my money (betting candy who could shoot better) i bought her a 10/22. Once she got used to the size and noise she's starting to win more candy from me than i am getting from her.

She's started shooting my Ruger SR22, but loves the S&W 17-2. I bought her an AR and put pink furnature on it for her. Bought a CMMG 22 conversion for it. Now she's getting used to its size and feel. One day we'll put in the .223 BC and get her on the .223.

Baby steps without hurting them or scaring them by going too big too fast.

Fun days are ahead for you!

 

[IOM]

Air rifle and transition over to .22 is a very good idea...

Here is a link if you are looking for classes taught by the NRA in your area: NRA Training

If you need some beginner handbooks I can send you a couple free of charge, PM if interested..

 

[Ranger90]

I started off shooting a .380 ACP pistol and it was very manageable.

 

[tac]

I started off age six shooting my dad's Model 1911, mind you, he had his hand around mine all the time.

Now, sixty-six years later, the gun is long gone, who knows where, and so is my dad, assuredly in heaven.

And I shoot around three times a week.

tac

 

[Will_White]

Thanks for the input guys, I have a couple lever 22s I could use but I think I might use this as an excuse to get a dedicated 22 upper for my AR (which already has purple furniture so I'm good there)

 

[Sandaholic]

I'm going to start my kids off with a break barrel pellet gun like my Grandpa did with me.

Then we will move on to a host of 22lr firearms.

 

[DB is Here]

Taught all 4 daughters with my trusty Ruger 10/22.

Made them load the mags, gave us time to talk about our Rights and why America is "The Best" w/ no close second.

 

[fyrediver]

Appleseed is a great option! A great family shooting opportunity. Cricket is great for littles but the 10/22 or Marlin Appleseed rifle are the kings!

 

[ZA_Survivalist]

.22's are what I started on as a kid, now Im addicted to the hobby.