Visiting a shooting range for target practice is a fun and challenging recreational activity for many gun owners. When you’re a parent who enjoys it, you may want to introduce children to the hobby. However, this takes some extra work to ensure safety and help them have fun. Here are several strategies for taking your children shooting for the first time.

How Can You Introduce Shooting to Children Properly?

1. Wait Until They’re Ready

As with any sport, you shouldn't try to force the activity on a child unless they are willing and interested. This might take time, so be patient and avoid pressuring them. Bringing your kids to watch you at a shooting range may spark their interest or enthusiasm. Waiting until your children have a fascination with the sport can also help them understand the fundamentals, as they will learn faster. They’re also likely to stick with it for longer because they enjoy it.

2. Emphasize Safety

When handling firearms, safety is the top priority. Teach your children that guns are not toys and that they should always use them carefully. Before taking them to a shooting range, cover the fundamentals in proper handling. For example, inform that they should always treat every gun as if it is loaded, and never point the barrel anywhere other than the target. Also, remind them to wear protective glasses and headphones.

3. Teach the Basics

Once your child understands proper shooting range etiquette and safety, teach them the fundamentals. Let them use an appropriate-sized firearm for practice, as larger guns are more difficult to handle and control, potentially dampening their enthusiasm for the sport.

Generally, starting them with a .22-caliber rifle is an excellent choice because it is lightweight and doesn't produce much recoil. Before shooting, teach them about the proper stance, as well as how to use their dominant eye to aim. Then, graduate to learning about how to pull the trigger and breathe when shooting.

4. Provide Constant Supervision

At the shooting range, always watch your kids carefully. If you are bringing multiple kids, have a friend or instructor nearby so that each kid receives direct supervision. Remind your children to ask for an adult’s assistance whenever they need live ammunition or want to try other firearms. However, while learning to shoot is serious, encourage your child to enjoy the time. Let them know that missing the target is part of practice. Give constructive comments, and help them build their confidence

When you need a safe, well-equipped shooting range to teach your child about guns and firearm safety, contact Shooter’s Firearms & Indoor Range. Located in Columbia, IL, this trusted retailer offers concealed carry and firearms training where you can learn how to handle and operate weapons safely. They also sell guns and ammo. Call (618) 281-6393 to speak to a team member about your needs, and visit the website for more information about their services.