First firearm experience ever less a few times with a BB gun. Went though safety and technique instruction. He turns 8 in 2 weeks. Target was at 25 meters. I redialed in the Vortex Venom to 25 from 50 meters. He also fired a "Colt" / Walther / Umarex .22lr 1911 at 7 meters at other target. He was standing, leaning into the weapon a bit and rifle support by 1 sandbag. He also fired 1-2 rounds each at the corners. I had him call his shots when leaving center of target. He did very well with both. One minor safety violation with pistol early on and then he was good to go throughout. After each round I had him keep weapon point downrange, remove finger from trigger area, flip safety on without looking, take a breath or two, flip to fire, etc. I was impressed with his discipline. As a reward for having followed instructions so well, I had him load a magazine, chamber a round, take aim at another target 50 meters downrange and keep pulling til 25 rounds were gone. Probably about 5 seconds between rounds to "acquire" the target. He loved it. Taking this target, writing all relevant info on back. Have him sign the front with a silver sharpie, get some backing, frame it, make a keep sake out of it. All in all a great morning with the little fella.

What a fantastic way to build great memories with Gramps and get in to shooting at same time.

WELL DONE SIR!!!!!

Rob

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Utrinque Paratus

Good job grandad! Never too young to learn a lifetime skill like shooting. And the good memories as well as being able to share those skills...well that's a gift that just keeps on giving!
Side note; wish I had me some fresh 8 year old eyes again!

Thanks. Gramps? C'mon man! Senior Firearms Advisor. Yep, good long memories for sure.

I would really like to take my 5 year old to the 25 yard indoor range with me for a go, i have the go ahead from my club. My boy has shot BB guns and is aware that guns are not toys, that his dad uses them for sport and they are very dangerous and must be treated with care.

It's just that, he watches me maintaining and cleaning the 15-22, is always asking questions about which bit does what, how it works and loves looking through the illuminated scope. I have a couple of weeks off work in July, just caught in two minds as to whether i should wait or not.

I am just after a general consensus from other fathers/grandfathers, is 5 years old too young?.....

Personal call. If he grasps simple terms, instructions, etc I see no problem with very focused instruction and if he can handle the weapon length, bulk, and weight wise, even with a rest. Last night I ran him through familiarity of technique, safety, how to use the red dot. Very casual tutorial. I'm sure his desire and keen interest was a huge help. This morning we went out, I zeroed, had him simulate acquiring the target, relaxing, engage target. He had it immediately therefore it became rock n' roll time. If he shows real interest, I would gauge his attention span and over a few days walk him through your "class" and go from there.