Starting kids out

[Bowguy]

I've posted about this a while back but the flinching son thread made me rethink that there's always new parents n new kids, gf, etc starting out.
When I start a person, especially a child shooting, I begin w a  .22. From there once a shooting foundation is started n of course every safety rule followed we may shoot ARs, bull barreled 22-250, etc.
finally up to the shotgun. I begin with stationary targets. Preferably a 28 ga. I know many start w 410 n I'm not cursing them but it's easy to miss. 28 is a good compromise gun. Very light reloads used.
Once we're ready to turkey hunt I'd pattern the gun without the child. Than a few sessions shooting again light reloads. The kid won't know.
I use double hearing protection throughout so the sound is way lessened. The idea is not to scare or punish child.
Many times I slip a hunt load in when we're ready to hunt n they know not the difference. Adrenaline takes over n they never feel the shot. Imo a kid shouldn't pattern turkey loads. It's a sure way to turn them off or develop flinching issues.
Remember to be sure of eye dominance before beginning any shooting. Guns/bows should be rated left or right eye, hand has nothing to do w it.
Hope this helps n it's worked for me n all kids I've taught. Feel free to comment or ask further questions.
I'm not bashing the .410 btw just don't feel it's the best gauge to teach people on.

[owlhoot]

One comment that I would like to make is that the 28 gauge is a good kicker in the hr single shot shot .I was shooting with 3 boys. Hand thrown trap.
All 3 of them , 8-11 years old. All three of them would much rather shoot the 20 gauge auto, youth stock. 
I think the 410 is excellent for starting out at still targets. But when stuff gets moving a 28 or 20 is best.
Just pay attention to what gun you get for them.

[Bowguy]

Absolutely true. .410 are good for stationary targets but felt recoil is determined by stance, stock drop, action, gun weight n shell, the shells I use are light reloads. A factory 28 in a non semi action w lots of stock drop can certainly kick harder than a heavier weight 20 semi. Great point

[tha bugman]

Absolutely true. .410 are good for stationary targets but felt recoil is determined by stance, stock drop, action, gun weight n shell, the shells I use are light reloads. A factory 28 in a non semi action w lots of stock drop can certainly kick harder than a heavier weight 20 semi. Great point

+1

[HFultzjr]

I've posted about this a while back but the flinching son thread made me rethink that there's always new parents n new kids, gf, etc starting out.
When I start a person, especially a child shooting, I begin w a  .22. From there once a shooting foundation is started n of course every safety rule followed we may shoot ARs, bull barreled 22-250, etc.
finally up to the shotgun. I begin with stationary targets. Preferably a 28 ga. I know many start w 410 n I'm not cursing them but it's easy to miss. 28 is a good compromise gun. Very light reloads used.
Once we're ready to turkey hunt I'd pattern the gun without the child. Than a few sessions shooting again light reloads. The kid won't know.
I use double hearing protection throughout so the sound is way lessened. The idea is not to scare or punish child.
Many times I slip a hunt load in when we're ready to hunt n they know not the difference. Adrenaline takes over n they never feel the shot. Imo a kid shouldn't pattern turkey loads. It's a sure way to turn them off or develop flinching issues.
Remember to be sure of eye dominance before beginning any shooting. Guns/bows should be rated left or right eye, hand has nothing to do w it.
Hope this helps n it's worked for me n all kids I've taught. Feel free to comment or ask further questions.
I'm not bashing the .410 btw just don't feel it's the best gauge to teach people on.

Very good advice.
DO NOT throw the 12 gauge full of magnums to a kid (or any new hunter) and have them go at it.
You will have problems for sure.
It is much easier to teach them correctly then it is to break bad habits later.

[Dukejb]

Thanks for posting this! What age have you started your kids with the .22? My daughter will be 5 this summer and is still a bit young, but I'm looking forward to taking her out whenever she's ready.

[Bowguy]

Thanks for posting this! What age have you started your kids with the .22? My daughter will be 5 this summer and is still a bit young, but I'm looking forward to taking her out whenever she's ready.

CB caps are basically just a primer w no powder. They are not loud but id still encourage hearing protection. In fact if it was me I'd insist.
Make it fun, shoot big targets at first off a rest. Maybe balloons or spinning silhouettes. Eventually she'll challenge herself. No marathon sessions at the age.
My kids started early n w the CB caps you can progress to shorts provided your gun shoots them.
It's a special time n I still remember my kids first shots, first time I drug them in sleds checking traps, even riding on my shoulders running little hounds or just looking for wild raisens as I called them(deer droppings).
Make it all fun n they won't wanna stay home. Eventually hopefully they'll tell friends how great it is.
5 imo isn't too young. They sell very small 22s that are made for the smallest of us. Don't give her a gun too big.
Oh n have someone else take pics so you can watch her safety but post some pics. We'd love to see them.

[Bowguy]

Wanna add my buddy Jimmys son was shooting w us since 4. He's now 11. He's shot deer, pigs, rabbits, pheasant, quail, ducks n squirrels. Jrrodc is taking him youth day n I plan to afterward. Hopefully he gets his first this spring.
At this young age he out shoots lots of adults. He was brought up right n I'm proud to call him a hunting partner.
He's even been running through swamps w us since 4. Waders too big but he braved the cold. Good kid

[Dukejb]

Thanks Bowguy!