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Baws, I have succeeded as a father. Now I need pointers as to not ruin it

Posted on 8/4/16 at 2:06 pm
Posted by TU Rob
Birmingham
Member since Nov 2008
12753 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 2:06 pm
My girl is 8. I took her fishing the first time 4 years ago. We don't go as often as either of us like to, but she enjoys it. Even if she hasn't really caught anything. At Wal-Mart last night, she was looking at fishing rods, knowing we're going to the bay next week and will fish some. So I think I've got a little fishing buddy in the making. This could naturally lead to me buying an old boat for the ponds/lakes around here. Score one for Dad.

She also went to an overnight camp last week where they shot BB guns among other things. I happen to have an old Red Ryder that was my grandfather's. Also at Wal-Mart last, she sees a container of BBs and gets all excited. I ask her if she wants to shoot it, and of course she does. My next question was does she want to shoot a real gun, or just the BB gun. We can set up targets in our backyard for the BBs, no big deal.

That got me thinking, what is a good age to start out on? I have an old Ruger MKII, and a cheap .22 revolver. Those would definitely be the starting point, and I don't think I would even bother trying to take my others and do any shooting of my own. It would strictly be to teach her safety and let her shoot for maybe 30-45 minutes. I don't want to wear her out.

Any suggestions? Experiences? Things to avoid.

Posted by tigah headache
Member since Nov 2011
652 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 2:11 pm to
Being 8, she is definitely old enough to learn gun safety and proper shooting technique, which is paramount at a young age. I would let her be the judge of when you bring out the real guns. If you let it be her decision and don't pressure her into anything that may sour the feeling she has about it all right now, you should come out fine.

Sounds like you're doing a great job so far, congrats.
Posted by dnm3305
Member since Feb 2009
13610 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 2:18 pm to
Baw, she might wear you out. Remember how excited 8 year old you got when it was time to go shoot. She'll probably love it the same way. Congrats.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 2:37 pm to
I have always been a proponent of teaching kids the fundamentals on either a BB gun or a bolt 22 with open sights
Posted by ChatRabbit77
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2013
5861 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 3:38 pm to
Find a cz youth bolt action .22
Posted by SportTiger1
Stonewall, LA
Member since Feb 2007
28504 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 4:27 pm to
You've done well man.

I would suggest getting a 22 rifle for her to plink with. It's easier to be accurate with a rifle, which can be more gratifying.
Posted by TheArrogantCorndog
Highland Rd
Member since Sep 2009
14820 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 4:57 pm to
FWIW: my father got me into shooting around 7... .22 rifle

But before I could even pull the trigger, i had to learn how to properly handle the weapon, as well as strip and clean it

I probably stripped and cleaned that .22 rifle 5-10 times before I ever pulled the trigger with a round in it... it was more about respect for the firearm than child labor
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