Any suggestions regarding fire arm resources for kids

Jenny Lynn · Post by **Jenny Lynn** » October 25th, 2008, 11:48 am

Hello,
I used the search feature to see if there were any posts related to providing training/ instruction of fire arms for children especially when a child is extremely uncomfortable around them.

If anyone can suggest any books, websites, classes or instructors in the WA state area that can help address familiarizing children with fire arms it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jenny

Kilted Heathen · Post by **Kilted Heathen** » October 25th, 2008, 11:53 am

You're too fucking blonde to be arming your kids!

Ranger Andy · Post by **Ranger Andy** » October 25th, 2008, 12:32 pm

Google the NRA to see if they have any kiddie firearm safety courses in your area. Other than that, buy a .22 and take the kid out shooting. After the .22, try a .38, then a 9mm, then a .357, then a .45, then a 105 howitzer, then ask the Air Force if you may drop some stuff from a B-52 and so on and so... It's Miller time, I'm outta here!

Ranger Andy · Post by **Ranger Andy** » October 25th, 2008, 2:59 pm

NRA: www.nra.org They have the Eddie Eagle and youth programs. The NRA also has a magazine for kids.

Washington State Rifle & Pistol Assn: www.wsrpa.org They are the state organization for the NRA. They should be able to help you with Eddie Eagle and youth programs in your area.

Shoot high, aim low... (music from the group "Yes" from their "Big Generator" album)

Oto-Man · Post by **Oto-Man** » October 25th, 2008, 6:34 pm

Jenny Lynn wrote:...children especially when a child is extremely uncomfortable around them.

I Echo the other advice you have gotten regarding Eddie and the NRA.

Only questions are how many, how old, and what happened to create a situation where a child is viewed as extremely uncomfortable around guns?

Trigger · Post by **Trigger** » October 25th, 2008, 8:58 pm

Another idea would be to see if there is an NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) club in your area. Every once in a while they hold events where new shooters can come and shoot (for free, ammo provided) with professional instruction (also free). If you're not comfortable teaching the child yourself, this is a viable option.

For a basic education (and hopefully overcoming his or her fear), the NRA Eddie Eagle program is a start.

Black 6 · Post by **Black 6** » October 26th, 2008, 12:04 am

Be careful, forcing a gun on someone is a good way of turning them off for life.

give them a good gun friendly home and and let them make their own decisions.

Ardent Lady · Post by **Ardent Lady** » October 26th, 2008, 6:41 am

Jenny,

Good advice from the Rangers here - follow up on that. NRA Youth Programs link: http://www.nrahq.org/youth/index.asp

I would add that a big help to the child in becoming more comfortable around guns will be for you to be well trained and comfortable around them yourself. To do this, I'd recommend that you find a good gun place or contact the NRA for an instructor in your area, and take a basic pistol or rifle or shotgun class. That's just the tip of the iceburg, for to really get this stuff down, you will need to - rather regularly - at least monthly - go shooting by yourself. The more time you've spend shooting and handling guns, the more comfortable you'll be around them, and the more familiar you'll be with all the aspects of gun safety (handle, clean, store, etc.) When you are educated and physically and mentally comfortable with a gun, then you can convey that to the child.

Boudicca · Post by **Boudicca** » October 26th, 2008, 7:00 am

Kilted Heathen wrote:You're too fucking blonde to be arming your kids!

I did, I'm blonde, and I think it turned out quite well, so far.

Jenny Lynn · Post by **Jenny Lynn** » October 26th, 2008, 10:21 am

Oto-Man wrote:
Jenny Lynn wrote:...children especially when a child is extremely uncomfortable around them.

I Echo the other advice you have gotten regarding Eddie and the NRA.

Only questions are how many, how old, and what happened to create a situation where a child is viewed as extremely uncomfortable around guns?

Ranger Oto-Man,
One 11 year I'll refer to him as "Z", his family, is not sure why Z is uncomfortable around fire arms; recently, his mom (one of my best friends) and step-dad took him to a range their expectation was after receiving guidance, support he would work through the anxiety after the 1st few times of firing the weapon.

Ranger Black 6,
This family is a good gun friendly home, his step-dad is career Army NCO and maternal grandfather is retired career Army NCO and his mom's late father was a Calif. LEO.

Ranger Andy, Door Gunner, Trigger and Ardent Lady,
My best friend and I have discussed all the wonderful information that everyone has posted here. She believes that her son may need some more time and as many have suggested does not want to push her son until he is ready and comfortable with the issue.

I was a bit surprised when she asked my opinion about this until she mentioned her husband Z's step-dad is at training and will be getting ready to deploy after that.

Ranger Kilted Heathen and Boudicca,
Good thing Z's family is a bunch of red-headed Irish folk.

This big, blonde kid has less experience with fire arms then Z does, you all can rest assured that this blonde will not be out there performing any fire arms training anytime soon.

abn-rgr · Post by **abn-rgr** » October 29th, 2008, 12:46 pm

+1 on NRA's Eddie the Eagle. My girls have been shooting 22 handguns and rifles since they were 5 with Eddie (and my) help. I have a couple copies of his DVD I can send to you. Im pretty sure they are free through the NRA as well.

Julieanne · Post by **Julieanne** » October 29th, 2008, 1:43 pm

Everybody has different interests; perhaps he is uncomfortable because he is not interested in gun stuff. I wouldn't force the issue.

Rock Island Ranger · October 29th, 2008, 3:51 pm

Bring the child to the ranch. By the time he leaves he will WANT to close with and deptroy the uh....uhh...target.

ArmyRanger.com