Is it ever ok to teach a child 12 years and under how to shoot?

[IsaacT95]

My manager's father (her story told to us) gave her a small gun on her 10th b-day and began teaching her how to use it on her hunting trips with him. Her father was algo given a gun by his father (girl's grandfather) also at age 10. It was usually given to boys that age but the girl liked joining her father's activities from the start and was tomboyish so he made an exception and taught her.

On her 12th b-day, her father gave her a riffle. Though she was taught it's only for hunting or legitimate (life-death) self-defense only.

What do you think? Is it over ok to teach a kid (not even a teen) ages 12 and under how to shoot?

Yes

No

[musicbrain5]

Sure it is. If you’re a gun owning family, or just into guns and shooting ranges, it’s good to teach that responsibility at a young age. I would say at maybe 7 or 8 is okay, especially if the experienced parent is there to guide them, and support them with the recoil, lol. I learned how to shoot a Glock 19 when I was about 8, and a 12 gauge shotgun shortly afterwards.

[Apple1996]

Yep it's a good thing. My dad taught me how to shoot and use a gun at 6

[NamerOfStars]

Of course- if you know the kid (as you would with your own child), and know they're ready. It's a matter of teaching and education, not just handing them a loaded gun and sitting back to watch.

[BoopBoopBeep]

I knew how to shoot at 8. By most standards I've had a pretty good life.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

It may have just been BB or pellet guns but I started learning how to get accurate with those before I turned 10.

[Surely]

Would rather have them taught the proper and responsible ways of handling a weapon. Then to have them handle one, regardless of how it is acquired, without knowing anything other than what they see on television.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

If I ever get to hunt as much as I want to, my kids will all know how to shoot very young.

[KostasKouvalis]

In these crazy times it's good for the kid to know how to defend himself against a school shooter

[DaBiggestBird]

I think anything lower than 12 is too low. Otherwise sure, just don’t give them one

[Staximus]

Better than not teaching them gun safety like an idiot

[Anonymous]

If you mean in the football (soccer) sense of shooting at goal, yes. Who knows, they might be the next Lionel Messi.

[exitseven]

I think that 12 years old is an appropriate age.

[jahaims]

My son and daughter both started shooting at 2.

[Akam93]

Yes it's fine

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

It's fine.

[Anonymous]

Hell NO.