Competition shooting for youth

[Srruger762]

I have a 7 year old, Does any body know of any type of Competition shooting for youth that age. Be a BB rifle, air rifle, or 22. We are from Michigan.

Thanks

 

[H Richard]

Check with your Chamber of Commerce, sometimes Service Clubs will host BB Gun shooting. It is generally accepted that children need to be about age 12 to join various kinds of shooting competitions using actual firearms. Look around for any local shooting clubs and see what they offer. Some schools do still have shooting clubs, but are usually now with air gun only.

 

[Protocall_Design]

A lot of schools are now doing an archery program. This may or may not be of interest to your son or daughter.

 

[Bkreutz]

Check out USPSA Steel Challenge. I've seen kids that are shorter than their .22 rifles shooting competitively. No minimum age

JUNIOR: All competitors under 18 years old on the first day of the event qualify. All competitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian throughout the competition. If the parent/guardian is competing in the event, they must be squadded together. All Junior or Pre-teen competitors must be able to safely handle a loaded firearm. A liability waiver must be signed by both the competitor and their parent or legal guardian. (from the SCSA rulebook)

Link to their website Steel Challenge Shooting Association Home Page - US Practical Shooting Assocation

Added: There also is no lower age limit for USPSA competition. It varies with the child (and the parents ability to judge their competency) Most ranges require a safety check for shooters who have never competed before that day. The RO conducting the safety check will decide if the youth appears to be able to handle a firearm safely. I've seen a lot of younger shooters competing with their parents (and beating them, ah to be young and flexible with good vision again). I think you will enjoy it.

 

[H Richard]

Becoming very popular in many area's are Junior trap shooting. Many are Scholastic programs put on by the school or local sponsor. In my area there are two, a summer trap league and a winter trap league. I have seen many shooters in their teens shooting 25's and 50's and occasional 100's straight.

 

[swamprat]

You may want check with your schools 4H and see if they offer a shooting program in your area.

 

[Srruger762]

Thanks for all the replies, good info
Friday night we went to a gun shop, I seen a lady working there who is very active in competition shooting she was very helpful, she suggested rim fire challenge events. I told my son he needs to practice with me and learn the rules of being at the range/events and Commands. he has a ways to go before I think he’s ready but it’s a start. it’s going to be nice having him and I spending time together and have fun shooting at events and at the range. Again thanks for all the replies and pm.

 

[AzShooter]

Great, Steel Challenge with a rim fire is the way to go.

Yesterday my squad had two young men shooting with us. Both were shooting .22 rifles and having a great time. They were shooting faster than us old timers and more accurately. Their final times put us to shame.

Seems all those video games really help them shoot for real.

I've seen 7 year old girls shoot very well in Steel Challenge. You may also find Rimfire Challenge fun. You do need a pistol and a rifle for that.

 

[Nevada Ed]

In Nevada, the Fish & Game offers safety classes for 12 year olds
that want a hunting license, with that said........

I have seen a lot of young boys and girls at the Reno trap club
learning the sport of shooting clay birds.

First, they must be up to lifting a 28 or 20 Ga, shotgun and be able
to handle the recoil of their weapon.
Many think the little .410 is the way to go for youngsters but it is
really an Expert's gun with the small pattern and minimal pellet count
that will discourage a young shooter with missed targets, from the get go.

If your town has a place to shoot a .22 in matches, this is a great way to break the ice...........
if you want to get serious about shooting.

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

competion shooting for youth

I would contact your area of the American Legion Post that offers Junior Shooting Sports Club. Membership is open to any boy or girl ages 10 thru 18. Memberships are $10.00 a one-time fee and dues are $10.00 monthly which includes once a week shooting. The instructors are certified NRA instructors and is sponsored by the NRA. The purpose is to improve the knowledge and skill of its members in matters relating to the proper care and handling of firearms; the management of target shooting ranges and competition; the concepts of hunting and conservation; and to develop and among its members those qualities of leadership, loyalty, cooperation and good sportsmanship which are essential to good citizenship.

Nick

 

[Bekeart]

You can check with 4-H Club in your area.

At recent gun show a 4-H Club was selling a donated black powder rifle as a fund raiser for their marksman ship program.

Bekeart

 

[roo_ster]

Thanks for all the replies, good info
Friday night we went to a gun shop, I seen a lady working there who is very active in competition shooting she was very helpful, she suggested rim fire challenge events. I told my son he needs to practice with me and learn the rules of being at the range/events and Commands. he has a ways to go before I think he’s ready but it’s a start. it’s going to be nice having him and I spending time together and have fun shooting at events and at the range. Again thanks for all the replies and pm.

I have two rug rats I started off at that age. Love shooting with them. We've gone from rimfire plinking, to skeet, to sporting clays to IDPA. I can't think of a better way to spend my off time.

 

[6string]

First thing I would do is go to the NRA website and search for youth shooting programs. Then, do the same on the odcmp.org
(civilian marksmanship program) website.

The most important thing is:
1) SAFETY
2) Organized and thought out range etiquette
3) Productive use of time, as in the FUNDAMENTALS of marksmanship

This best veues for juniors to get a good start are air rifle, BB gun, or small bore rifle.
There are junior pistol programs. However, the learning curve for pistol is probably 10x harder than rifle. Programs like "progressive pistol" which is two-handed off a bench are kinda-sorta OK, but they really just emulate the pedagogy that is inherently superior in a good small bore rifle program, particularly when they start with prone position.
Small bore rifle is also inherently safer, as the handling skills involved in rifle aren't as subject to sudden change of direction of the muzzle, for which the pistol is naturally inclined.
Also, smallbore rifle and air rifle are virtually always taught with single shot arms.

Best Wishes,
Jim

 

[H Richard]

The NRA basic marksman training program is an on-line self structured program, that won't let one progress beyond each lesson until they complete a test on each chapter. Once completed the NRA will recommend several certified instructors in your area who would sign off on actual shooting testing.

With this training under his belt most shooting clubs would not hesitate to let him into live fire matches.