[CBS]

All responsible gun owners who have kids have a duty to secure the gun at all times. I to have an 11 year old daughter. Here's what I did:

1) When I first got my Glock, I enrolled us in an NRA first steps program to teach her about gun safety. We attended together and it was a nice bonding experience.

2) I carry every day and talk about frequently. Guns and self defense are NOT taboo subjects.

3) I purchased a .22 pistol for her and taught her how to shoot.

4) Anytime she wants to see "her" gun, all she has to do is ask.

5) I take her to the range with me anytime she wants to go. (I usually have to beg her to go :-( )

My plan was to take the "mystery" out of guns and engrain in her gun safety.

So, what did you do?

 

[Lucian_253]

I have two young boys. 4 and 3 to exact. My 4 year old loves guns. I already teach him gun safety the best I can with his toy guns, but at what age do I start taking him to the range. I think my Dad started taking me at 6. I guess I'm asking what others have done, and what age did they transition from toys to real shooting. Both my boys have never seen a real gun, and don't know that there is even any in the house.

 

[Rich1028]

cool
I need to get ahold of the nra.
we have a 15 yr old daughter,she has gone to the range with us .
but I would like to have some more safty program for her.

 

[fuzzytofu]

I have two young boys. 4 and 3 to exact. My 4 year old loves guns. I already teach him gun safety the best I can with his toy guns, but at what age do I start taking him to the range. I think my Dad started taking me at 6. I guess I'm asking what others have done, and what age did they transition from toys to real shooting. Both my boys have never seen a real gun, and don't know that there is even any in the house.

6 is a good age,but really it's up to you. I think I was 7 when I started with a .22,then got cocky and asked for the 30.06. Bad idea haha

 

[JakeTheSnake]

I personally was 4 years old when I fired my first firearm. My dad bought me an H&R Topper 20 gauge when I was three and started teaching me its ins and outs. A few months later we were in the dove field. I have been an absolute firearm fanatic ever since. I started my niece shooting at 3 with a red rider BB gun that I cut down for l.o.p. and have about 1000 rounds through it together. She is four now and she already has a respect for firearms. So, IMHO, the earlier the better, if you feel that YOU have the patience to teach an inattentive toddler to shoot.

 

[Peterlago]

All responsible gun owners who have kids have a duty to secure the gun at all times. I to have an 11 year old daughter. Here's what I did:

1) When I first got my Glock, I enrolled us in an NRA first steps program to teach her about gun safety. We attended together and it was a nice bonding experience.

2) I carry every day and talk about frequently. Guns and self defense are NOT taboo subjects.

3) I purchased a .22 pistol for her and taught her how to shoot.

4) Anytime she wants to see "her" gun, all she has to do is ask.

5) I take her to the range with me anytime she wants to go. (I usually have to beg her to go :-( )

My plan was to take the "mystery" out of guns and engrain in her gun safety.

So, what did you do?

All of the above, except. Take them to a secluded area with no one else around. Less stressful that way.

 

[66Goat389]

I coach kids trap.... Here is my kid

 

[Happysniper1]

Started my two daughters shooting Beretta 9mms at the Western Police District firing range in the Philippines at ages 6 and 10. In the US, i had them shooting full auto Uzis, Baby M16s, Sten machineguns and (for my youngest) a Robar .50BMG bolt action rifle at ages 7 and 11. A year later they were firing mounted M60E2s and M14s.

Both attended an NRA firearm safety course at same ages (7 and 11). Bought them a Ruger 10-22 (which the wifey sequestered as her own and was replaced with a Marlin 22Y).

Both joined their high school rifle teams, my eldest earning the distinction of being the only recipient ever of the Top Gun Award who was not also in JROTC. My youngest went on to win the title of Nevada State Champion two years in a row, taking the state to the nationals both years at Camp Perry at Port Clinton, OH, and in her last year ranked 17th out of 34,000 nationally.

My eldest now has her CCW permit and carries a Taurus PT-111 Millenium Pro in 9mm.

My youngest shoots IDPA with me, and she prefers using the Springfield XD9.

Education, safety and safety awareness, are your best friends when educating children about guns. Talk to them. Let the hold the gun. Take them to the range and let them shoot. It helps curb their curiosity, and with pics of them shooting, instills both pride in themselves and provides "gloat" pictures they can show off to friends. I have never felt the need to lock up my guns at home, nor have I made the mistake of hiding them (kids will always find 'em anyway). But most importantly, guide their learning experience yourself, do not let their knowledge of guns come from tv, video games, or their peers.

Be a teacher, a demonstrator, a congratulator, and a friend.

All part of being a parent.

 

[Peterlago]

Good on ya!