First Range Day?

When my daughter Samantha was born 23 years ago, my mom bought her a phonics school bus, to teach her how to spell and sound out words. My wife and I got a chuckle from the premature gift, but how many of us have “jumped the gun” when it comes to getting our kids, or grandkids into the shooting game? Be honest, now …

Finally …

It took years for the day to finally come, and you don’t want to blow it. You’re excited while being a bit nervous, too. This is good, because it shows just how important this day is, and you only get one chance at making a first impression. This lasting impression can make or break a shooter, especially a young one.

Age and Attitude

How old is old enough is a common question? This varies from kid to kid. My best answer would be when the child is old enough to listen to you and be mature enough to follow all directions from you, and you trust them completely to do so.

Some parents/grandparents have been grooming their kids/grandkids since the age of 2, or 3 years of age, practicing safety, shooting positions and proper gun handling, i.e., being cognizant of muzzle discipline, before ever stepping foot on a range. Muzzle discipline is easily explained as teaching them the muzzle has a laser beam constantly emitting from it, capable of destroying anything it’s pointed at.

Support

Use sandbags, rifle racks, or anything to support the gun for your child. Let them concentrate on the sights and trigger press without having to worry about supporting the gun, too. If they’re older, then by all means let them hold the gun themselves. However, the use of rests will instill confidence as they will shoot better than without one.

Range Day

Okay, you’re confident your child has the basic gun handling skills down and you trust they will listen to your every word under your keen supervision. Start with a light recoiling gun, like a .22 rimfire. We want this to be a positive, fun experience. Praise them with their shooting, while continually giving advice without nagging. Attitude is everything. Gradually move up to bigger guns. When your child requests shooting something bigger, use common sense.

For my own daughter, I started with a .22 rifle and worked up to a .204 Ruger in a TC carbine. A couple weeks later, she took her first groundhog. A few months later, we were enrolled in a hunter’s safety course together. After this, she took her first buck that fall. By being patient, and keeping things fun, she progressed at her own pace. I guess that’s the bottom line. Keep it fun, and don’t push them, you’ll know it’s time to progress by their actions.

Keeping it fun is the secret to a lifelong shooting buddy. Never skimp on safety. Passing on our shooting tradition is vital for keeping the shooting sports alive and may just be a common activity to keeping a tight bond with your kids and grandkids.

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