Help with a first timer shooter

[Crappie16]

My 10 year old granddaughter is wanting to hunt this year. We got her a 410 the problem i am having is she is very leary of shooting it.  She has not yet shot it.  She wont even shoot a 22. One of her fears is the sound we got her some ear muffs. I have started several kids shooting never had a problem any advice is appreciated. 

[Yoder409]

Red Ryder BB gun first.   No noise.  No recoil.  But gets the process of shooting going in her head.  Use a reactive target like a soup can (safety glasses !!).

When she's ready to graduate to a .22, use CB or Short ammo.  Baby steps. 

She'll be ready only when SHE'S ready.  Better to wait til next season than rush things, if need be.

[Davyalabama]

Red Ryder BB gun first.  No noise.  No recoil.  But gets the process of shooting going in her head.  Use a reactive target like a soup can (safety glasses !!).

When she's ready to graduate to a .22, use CB or Short ammo.  Baby steps. 

She'll be ready only when SHE'S ready.  Better to wait til next season than rush things, if need be.

Agreed, she doesn't sound like she's ready for it.  Start with a bb gun.  You two go pick it out, get one that has enough ummph that will hit where you aim, consistently, maybe even one that will gravitate to a pellet as well. 
Also, do you have a crossbow?  My four year-old granddaughter loves shooting mine (supervised, of course), that gives noise, some recoil, and fun for her.

[davisd9]

Do you have another grandchild or kid similar in age and stature? If so and they will shoot it, take them out together and do not pressure her. If she sees someone similar shooting it with no issues then it may calm her anxiety over it.


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[jmart241]

Had good luck with a dummy shell aiming with red dot all winter first shot with live shell was at turkey worked perfect

[runngun]

Let me give you a little valuable advice.  Get her some decent ear plugs, I like the ones that are used for swimming, soft gummy and you can mold them to fit. Then put EAR MUFFS ON TOP OF THAT!!! It's what I have seen help more shooters than anything else in my 33 years as a Law Enforcement Firearms trainer.  Not only did it help others become better shooters but 1st it helped ME!!! AND man did it help me become a pretty good Pistol shooter. And it will all fall in line.  I enjoy shooting anything that goes bang and one of my greatest joys is helping others (especially Females) develop the skill to protect themselves and folks they love.  I know that I got carried away with this one. Have a good one and May God bless y'all, Bo from Southeast Louisiana

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[Zobo]

Let me give you a little valuable advice.  Get her some decent ear plugs, I like the ones that are used for swimming, soft gummy and you can mold them to fit. Then put EAR MUFFS ON TOP OF THAT!!! It's what I have seen help more shooters than anything else in my 33 years as a Law Enforcement Firearms trainer.  Not only did it help others become better shooters but 1st it helped ME!!! AND man did it help me become a pretty good Pistol shooter. And it will all fall in line.  I enjoy shooting anything that goes bang and one of my greatest joys is helping others (especially Females) develop the skill to protect themselves and folks they love.  I know that I got carried away with this one. Have a good one and May God bless y'all, Bo from Southeast Louisiana

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I still do this double plug method when bench shooting big bore rifles

[wchadw]

Start with air rifle and go to 22 with over ear muffs
Once she's good with that show her you shooting 410 and let her tell you when she's ready to try


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[RutnNStrutn]

Red Ryder BB gun first.   No noise.  No recoil.  But gets the process of shooting going in her head.  Use a reactive target like a soup can (safety glasses !!).

When she's ready to graduate to a .22, use CB or Short ammo.  Baby steps. 

She'll be ready only when SHE'S ready.  Better to wait til next season than rush things, if need be.

Excellent advice!!!