Kids shooting age

[Twospot 38]

Did a search on my title and I did not find anything. Is there an age where kids can shoot in NJ? Or is this at a ranges discretion. Was thinking about introducing a 12 yo to shooting a 22. Gives me (another) reason to buy a Ruger 10/22 as well LOL! I would have them take a class to start.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

There's no minimum age.  It's up to the range's discretion.  Minimum age for hunting in NJ is 10 (with 21+ Adult supervision).

[T Bill 649]

Plenty old enough.  For me the proper time is when they show discipline and can handle a firearm safely.  My kids started 22 rifles about eight, shotguns at 10, and handguns at 14.  Daughter was the longest when it came to handguns she was 16 before she decided it was time.  Still will not shoot the 45, but is OK with 22 and 9mm. 

 

Find a club near you, most have a junior program and they can join even if you a not a member of the club.  My club has a Friday night junior program.  Anybody here know of one in the Toms River area?  Give this forum member a shout with details if possible.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

I took my 9 yr old Niece to the range - she had fun.  My 5 yr old nephew - he's not mature enough yet.

[myhatinthering 462]

I have to check cjrp to see if we have a junior program or something like it

[kirk2022 43]

We have A Jr. program at Cumberland Rifleman on Sat. starting in April.

That said my Grandson started with pellet guns at 6 now at almost 9 he is shooting clays with A 20 ga Rem 1100.

as said age and discipline play a big part in decision.   I can tell you if it wasnt for us raising him, He would probably never handle guns.   

[10X 3,296]

I grew up on a farm out west, and Dad started me out with a .22 rifle when I was 7, and with a .22 pistol and .410 shotgun around age 9. Then it was off to the races...but with a very good understanding of gun safety

 

I didn't understand it at the time, but Dad saw all the trouble my idiot friends were getting into with their BB guns, so I was last in my peer group to get one. He gave me a .22 rifle for my 12th birthday, but only after showing that I understood the responsibility for a year did I finally get a BB gun for my 13th birthday. It took a few more years for me to realize how smart that was.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know what policies the local commercial ranges have for kids.

[Twospot 38]

Thanks for the replies. It's definitely something I am treading lightly with but wanted the info to carry on with.

[jm1827 284]

12 is plenty old enough, I started my kids when they were 7 or 8.  My daughters seemed ready earlier than my son, I started him at 9 and he was fine.

 

You aren't that far from Range 14 Ft Dix and are fairly close to CJRPC as well.  I believe 10 is the minimum at Range 14.  

[leahcim 679]

I grew up on a farm out west, and Dad started me out with a .22 rifle when I was 7, and with a .22 pistol and .410 shotgun around age 9. Then it was off to the races...but with a very good understanding of gun safety

 

I didn't understand it at the time, but Dad saw all the trouble my idiot friends were getting into with their BB guns, so I was last in my peer group to get one. He gave me a .22 rifle for my 12th birthday, but only after showing that I understood the responsibility for a year did I finally get a BB gun for my 13th birthday. It took a few more years for me to realize how smart that was.

 

Unfortunately, I don't know what policies the local commercial ranges have for kids.

Back then there was not so much hysteria about guns, and BB guns were kind of looked at as a toy--which is not a good thing!  We are lucky we never lost eye-sight or got injured doing stupid things with BB guns, firecrackers, M80s, etc.

[Smokin .50 1,907]

Did a search on my title and I did not find anything. Is there an age where kids can shoot in NJ? Or is this at a ranges discretion. Was thinking about introducing a 12 yo to shooting a 22. Gives me (another) reason to buy a Ruger 10/22 as well LOL! I would have them take a class to start.

Dude, why did ya wait so long, lol?

 

If you were a member of a private club yer kid would of been chootin' for years by now, lol!  I started mine when he was 4 years old with a Marlin single-shot "Little Buckeroo" w/ a loading tray (no mag to fuss with).  Set it up on a rifle rest & put phone books under his butt to get him where he needed to be.  First lesson was at home w/ empty gun.  Second lesson was having him watch a 12 ga. slug go thru a gallon milk jug filled w/ red water.  3rd lesson was dry-fire practice with his .22 and safety procedures and range commands.  4th lesson was actual live-fire exercise.  By age 6 he was telling my friends to be careful with their muzzles.  By age 13 he was competing with me at Old Bridge's USPSA Practice Match.  By age 16 he was beating most of the adults at a Police Quals Match at Monmouth Co. R&P Club (including his Old Man, lol).

 

I tell you this not to brag, but only to outline what's possible.  As soon as they show an interest in learning how to clean your guns WITH YOU, that's when the safety lessons start!  

 

Most commercial ranges have age 8 as a minimum age requirement.  Most private clubs rely upon the parent to know when the kid(s) are ready.  I have friends that run a youth league at Old Bridge (no membership required, but the parents have to STAY THERE since it's NOT a babysitting service) on Thursday nights ('cept for the first Thursday--like tonight--cause it's the night of the club's monthly meeting).  In addition to OBRPC Youth League, I have friends that run the Second Amendment Womens  Shooting Club.  They run a Youth Event for just .22's at Garden State Shooting Center in Lakewood (down by you).  The SAW Event also features an Eddie Eagle presentation.  One of their founders, Sandra Muldoon, is a member here.  I taught her daughter at age 5 where the bullets go.  She's ten now, and has been on both a Hog Hunt and a Pheasant Hunt with CNJFO.

 

The world is your oyster as far as getting kids involved in the shooting sports.  Smart adults realize that kids are the future of shooting, and will bend over backwards to get them started.  So if ya need some help, just PM me and I'll guest you both into Old Bridge so you can have some SAFE fun.

 

Dave "Rosey" Rosenthal, VP

Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners (CNJFO)

NRA Life Member

NRA Certified Instructor

NRA Distinguished Expert in Muzzleloading Pistol and Rifle

BSA Shooting Sports Merit Badge Counselor

Hunter, Outdoorsman, Shootist

http://www.JustifiableNeed.com 

[GRIZ 3,369]

I have to check cjrp to see if we have a junior program or something like it

They do.

[Twospot 38]

Dude, why did ya wait so long, lol?

 

If you were a member of a private club yer kid would of been chootin' for years by now, lol!  I started mine when he was 4 years old with a Marlin single-shot "Little Buckeroo" w/ a loading tray (no mag to fuss with).  Set it up on a rifle rest & put phone books under his butt to get him where he needed to be.  First lesson was at home w/ empty gun.  Second lesson was having him watch a 12 ga. slug go thru a gallon milk jug filled w/ red water.  3rd lesson was dry-fire practice with his .22 and safety procedures and range commands.  4th lesson was actual live-fire exercise.  By age 6 he was telling my friends to be careful with their muzzles.  By age 13 he was competing with me at Old Bridge's USPSA Practice Match.  By age 16 he was beating most of the adults at a Police Quals Match at Monmouth Co. R&P Club (including his Old Man, lol).

 

I tell you this not to brag, but only to outline what's possible.  As soon as they show an interest in learning how to clean your guns WITH YOU, that's when the safety lessons start!  

 

Most commercial ranges have age 8 as a minimum age requirement.  Most private clubs rely upon the parent to know when the kid(s) are ready.  I have friends that run a youth league at Old Bridge (no membership required, but the parents have to STAY THERE since it's NOT a babysitting service) on Thursday nights ('cept for the first Thursday--like tonight--cause it's the night of the club's monthly meeting).  In addition to OBRPC Youth League, I have friends that run the Second Amendment Womens  Shooting Club.  They run a Youth Event for just .22's at Garden State Shooting Center in Lakewood (down by you).  The SAW Event also features an Eddie Eagle presentation.  One of their founders, Sandra Muldoon, is a member here.  I taught her daughter at age 5 where the bullets go.  She's ten now, and has been on both a Hog Hunt and a Pheasant Hunt with CNJFO.

 

The world is your oyster as far as getting kids involved in the shooting sports.  Smart adults realize that kids are the future of shooting, and will bend over backwards to get them started.  So if ya need some help, just PM me and I'll guest you both into Old Bridge so you can have some SAFE fun.

 

Dave "Rosey" Rosenthal, VP

Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners (CNJFO)

NRA Life Member

NRA Certified Instructor

NRA Distinguished Expert in Muzzleloading Pistol and Rifle

BSA Shooting Sports Merit Badge Counselor

Hunter, Outdoorsman, Shootist

http://www.JustifiableNeed.com 

Thank you sir for the great info and kind offer. I am new to shooting myself. I have two daughters who don't have any interest in shooting (because of their mom putting the fear of hell in them). My girlfriend's son has recently expressed interest so it's not necessarily my decision. My girlfriend is considering it though. First step is for me to buy a nice Ruger 10/22 takedown for me, I mean him, to use (HEHEHE). In all seriousness, she needs to make the decision, but I wasn't fully clear whether or not the communist state of NJ had any restrictions.

 

I ma

[Sota 1,191]

think I took my son for the first time when he was 8.

[gleninjersey 2,139]

Took my oldest daughter when she was 11 and youngest daughter when she was 10.  Private, member only ranges are probably best at an off peak time.

 

I also believer Woodland Park range Gun For Hire use to hosts a childrens night with 22s only.  

 

When you do it my best advise is you aren't going for you to shoot.  Your going to teach them safety first and the fundamentals of how to shoot safely and hopefully somewhat accurately.  It's not about you.  Trust me though, you'll get great joy teaching them and passing on some useful knowledge to them. Hopefully they enjoy it and pester you to take them often.  Great bonding time.

 

Good luck.

[My1stGlock 144]

If they can concetrate and listen to instructions I think they are ready.

CRRC in West Windsor has a Junior Rifle program and also Junior Pistol program as well. Its open to the public. Run by NRA certified instructors and also volunteer members of the club. Check out the website for more info. www.crrc.org

[AVB-AMG 530]

Twospot:

 

My response to my friends and neighbors when they ask me that question is: “It really depends on the specific child AND the parents’ attitude towards guns”.  IMHO, it really comes down to assessing the child’s maturity and responsibility, as observed and determined by the adult parent(s).  Generally speaking, I believe that for most children the right age range to start is probably between 10-11 yrs. old.  I think that usually is the ideal safe age range for teaching most, but not all children, to fire age-appropriate weapons in a patient, methodical, and controlled setting.  We all know or have known young children who are very mature for their age, while also knowing young adults or even older adults who are shockingly immature.  I tell my friends that they are the best judges of the maturity of their children and that each child is different and finally, to use common sense. 

 

Also, it is vital that the parents ensure that their children learn how to safely handle and use a firearm, before live ammunition is ever introduced.  It is paramount that the parents take full responsibility to train their children to respect and understand that firearms are weapons and that improper use can be lethal, a concept that children below a certain age find hard to grasp. Also, when teaching children, loading a gun with one round and one round only, is a good way to start off a child so instruction may be performed after every shot, until they learn what to do properly.

Children are naturally curious and it's better for the parent to be proactive to teach their child/children about gun safety as a good preventative measure. If you can't or will not do it, have an experienced professional teacher do it for you in an organized class or if you can afford to, one-on-one instruction.  Sometimes, the instructor may have the patience to teach, that the parent may lack.  Also, as many parents know, a 3^rd party instructor may garner more respect from an older child who may be entering the typical rebellious stage of adolescence.  If you don't provide this instruction, someone else may “tell” your child about guns and they may not get it right.

I believe that if taught properly and continuously reinforced on the safe handling of firearms, most children will grow to respect them and appreciate the fun aspect of this recreational sport and possible form of self defense.  Good luck with your girlfriend’s 12 year old son.  I have a feeling he is really going to enjoy what you are about to introduce him to….

 

AVB-AMG

[Zeke 5,504]

I was 7

Little brother was 6

Had BB guns and bows by 8-9

Latch key kids.

My grandmother was / is the shooter. 22 vs soda cans all day long when we would Visit WA.

She's texting me lately about her new Sig 238. Lol.

[AVB-AMG 530]

I was 11 years old when I first learned how to shoot a .22 bolt-action rifle at a summer camp, as well as continuing through my early teens as a member of the Junior Essex Troop of Cavalry, (the junior mounted troop affiliated with the 1st Squadron, B Troop of the 102nd Armored Cavalry Regiment of the New Jersey Army National Guard, based at the Armory in West Orange, NJ). 

 

All shooting was under strict instruction and supervision by adult National Guardsmen, where I learned to respect firearms and how to handle them properly, as well as shoot rifles accurately from a standing, kneeling and prone position. My instructors were knowledgeable and very strict that I learn how to safely use a gun and understand and respect that they are not toys.

 

I was on the rifle team and over the next three years, became quite proficient using the National Guard’s Harrington & Richardson (H&R) M12 and Winchester Model 52,.22 LR target rifles.  Eventually, I was able to work my way up to the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program Sharpshooter level - Bar 9.
 

Then by age of 14, with raging hormones, I discovered girls and left my interest in guns behind, not to be resurrected until many years later….  

 

AVB-AMG
 

[AlexTheSane 236]

When the weather warms up a bit I'm looking forward to taking my six year old daughter to shoot her new Crickett rifle at an outdoor range.  

[SuRrEaLNJ 294]

my son had a redryder at 5 days old (gift to him from my father who never was alowed one as a kid), and he technically picked out the wasr at 6mo old..... havent let him shoot either yet, still working on that walking thing.

 

i fired my first gun, a 22 revolver at about 5 years old. mom and stepmom are both anti, so there was a lapse untill i picked it up as an adult again. my son will have a 10/22 sooner then latter but ill keep it for him untill i fell hes ready for it. My cousins started somewhere in their teens doing .22 and shoot mostly 20 gauge now.

 

when i think hes ready for safe handling practices well star there and see how it goes. its really up to the each individual child and the accompanying parent, there is no "right" age

[weekend_junkie 129]

my son had a redryder at 5 days old (gift to him from my father who never was alowed one as a kid), and he technically picked out the wasr at 6mo old..... havent let him shoot either yet, still working on that walking thing.

 

i fired my first gun, a 22 revolver at about 5 years old. mom and stepmom are both anti, so there was a lapse untill i picked it up as an adult again. my son will have a 10/22 sooner then latter but ill keep it for him untill i fell hes ready for it. My cousins started somewhere in their teens doing .22 and shoot mostly 20 gauge now.

 

when i think hes ready for safe handling practices well star there and see how it goes. its really up to the each individual child and the accompanying parent, there is no "right" age

The Cub Scout had me shooting BB at 7yo, then Boy Scouts had me shooting .22 bolt rifle and 20ga pump at 11yo. Each time touching a gun was highly structured and involved the requisite safety brief before and during shooting.

 

Like you, I have 2 boys under three years old. I bought a few 22's recently for when they get older (at least, that's how I explain the new guns to my wife). In the meantime, I think it's my fatherly duty to keep all of "their" guns in good functioning order until they get old enough.

[fishnut 2,358]

Just started out my friends son who is 5 with a nurf gun, so far so good, I think he will be shooting the air rifle this summer no problem. He listens to my instructions very well and is shockingly accurate with a nurf gun. We even gave him a small lock box to keep his "gun" locked up in LOL

[DaddyNick 408]

Starts with parents. Starts at home. I have 2 boys.both started with 22s at the age of 7-8. My older son just turned 12. He has fired 20ga slug guns and 20ga Turkey loads. My little guy (8) fired the slug gun. His choice. He wasn't a fan and I told him before hand he wouldn't like it but he's that little brother who will do whatever big brother does. Lol.

 

Start with the basic rules at home. You'll know when he's ready.