How do you teach a child to shoot?

[87KJH]

Here are some resources from the 4-H programs and the scouting organization for how to introduce shotgun sports to youth:
https://national4hshootingsports.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/shotgun-update-4.2018.pdf
https://national4hshootingsports.fi...1/shotgun-first-shot-fundamentals-mar2014.pdf
https://www.scouting.org/wp-content...otgun-MB-Instructors-Guide-Final-2_2_2018.pdf

For those who are recoil sensitive, we use a Mossberg 500 in 410 bore and just let them shoot a cardboard box about 15 or 20 yards away.
Once they are comfortable with the 410 then they move to a 20 ga with 3/4 oz loads and allow them to shoot a Trap target that is flying straight out in front.

 

[Goosebuster]

Here are some resources from the 4-H programs and the scouting organization for how to introduce shotgun sports to youth:
https://national4hshootingsports.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/shotgun-update-4.2018.pdf
https://national4hshootingsports.fi...1/shotgun-first-shot-fundamentals-mar2014.pdf
https://www.scouting.org/wp-content...otgun-MB-Instructors-Guide-Final-2_2_2018.pdf

For those who are recoil sensitive, we use a Mossberg 500 in 410 bore and just let them shoot a cardboard box about 15 or 20 yards away.
Once they are comfortable with the 410 then they move to a 20 ga with 3/4 oz loads and allow them to shoot a Trap target that is flying straight out in front.

Thank you!! I will check out those links.

 

[Goosebuster]

how hard is it to find 410 ammo now? I havent shot it in decades but I think I remember seeing recently that it was hard to find ?

 

[87KJH]

how hard is it to find 410 ammo now? I havent shot it in decades but I think I remember seeing recently that it was hard to find ?

You can find it on line with folks like Midway USA and for sale at most clay target ranges.

 

[GeauxLSU]

.410 and lean forward as mentioned. 10/22 just because. Those PAST recoil pads work. Not something she'd want to use permanently, just to get back in the saddle.

 

[87KJH]

Be sure she is wearing proper eye and hearing protection.
It can take a few rounds to become acclimated to the sound even with earplugs.

Above all else, listen to her. If she is not ready to try a shotgun, then please wait another year.

 

[87KJH]

Folks have asked where to find low recoil 20 ga loads:
Fiocchi makes a great "trainer" in 20 ga that has 3/4 oz lead at 1075 FPS
They have less felt recoil than a standard 28 ga load

Fiocchi Exacta Trainer Low Recoil 20 GA 2 3/4 Inch 3/4 oz #7 1/2 Lead Shot 25Rds

Fiocchi 20LITE75 Exacta Trainer 20 Gauge 2.75" 3/4 oz 7.5 Shot 25 Rds

grabagun.com

Fiocchi Exacta Superior Target Trainer Ammo 20 Ga 2-3/4 3/4oz #7-1/2

Fiocchi Superior Target Trainer ammunition was developed for new shooters or shooters who are looking for a high performing training round without the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Treehawk]

My daughter is 12 years old and she has shot my pistols with no problem and she has plinked around with a BB gun since she was little. Anyways, I got her a 20 gauge and we went to shoot it for the first time today. Im not real sure how it happened or what she was doing wrong but the recoil really scared her and hurt her shoulder. I don't think she was holding the gun snug to her shoulder and keeping a good grip, she was standing up to shoot. The first shot wasnt bad but it scared her and the second shot was a giant flinch and that made the recoil even worse for her, she had big tears in her eyes and didnt want to shoot it anymore after that. What do I do now, I dont want her to hate shooting shotguns. Should I get a .410 or a .22 to get rid of the flinching and to teach her to shoulder the gun properly? How do I explain to her how to properly shoulder the gun and hold it? I was shooting a 20 gauge at 8 years old and it didnt phase me. should I try the 20 gauge again and put her on a bench instead of standing?

I had the same experience with my daughter I put a shotgun in her hands way to early and I have always regrated it. Honestly, she never felt the same about guns to this day she is 40 now and I won't make the same mistake with my granddaughter she is on full time bb gun duty. That is, it for now. I sure feel your pain. Hope this story helps another member out.

 

[greg vess]

First and foremost you need to drill in the basic safety rules over and over and make her remember and drill her in those repeatedly. Then start off with a unloaded gun at home and watch to see that she handles the gun properly. That should be done long before you even attempt to let her hold a gun with live ammo. Shooting is easy to teach. It's the safety rules that need to be the first order of business. She will be nervous the first time she shoots and that can cloud the mind of basic safety rules if not ingrained in deep and firmly.

 

[Rimfire rifleman]

Pistols are way different than rifles or shotguns & BB guns to a 20ga is a pretty good jump get her on a good 22 rifle try to teach er to concentrate on the sights & trigger control instead of recoil try 410 first till she gets comfortable