kenw

I think the minimum at Cherry Ridge is 12 for a handgun. I've seen kids much younger than that at the silo range. I'm not sure if there's any state law regarding that, or if it's just range policy.

for you, Steph 4 Rules

As of February of last year, this was dead in committee. No co sponsors, no further activity. NRA on Blair-Holt

Fixed, thanks. You really are more than just arm candy, aren't you?

It's a long read, but this is where I'm at so far. Still working on the last couple of paragraphs, and remember that this is a first draft. All opinions are welcome... Introducing kids to the shooting sports Not so long ago, youth shooting groups in New Jersey were a familiar and accepted sight. Many schools had shooting teams or clubs, competitions were common, and there was a tradition of legal, safe and well managed firearms use among our youth. Not so much now. Cultural and legislative changes in the state have all but eliminated a sanctioned youth shooting culture in NJ, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. Organized youth groups like the Boy Scouts and the 4H Eddie Eagle programs still offer shooting instruction and participation in organized events, but there’s pressure being put on them to eliminate such programs in favor of other activities. So, if we’re going to preserve the rich firearms and shooting history and culture that is so uniquely American, it’s up to the parents to introduce their kids to shooting as an enjoyable and gratifying hobby. How old is old enough? There are a couple of considerations when introducing kids to firearms. First, is he physically capable of safely handling a firearm? Can he manipulate the controls properly? Is he able to hold and operate a firearm safely? Then, there’s the question of maturity. Irrespective of any physical considerations, is your child mature enough to listen to, understand and apply what you say about safety and technique when you’re instructing in the safe use of firearms? That’s a decision that parents have to make on their own, and sometimes waiting a year or two before starting their kids on firearms can make all the difference. Up until a child is ready to go out shooting for the first time, it’s never too early to start them on the fundamentals of firearms safety and function by letting them become familiar with the guns that are in the safe. Supervised handling of a variety of empty firearms can remove the mystery surrounding guns, and reinforcing the safe handling of guns at any opportunity is always a good idea. Safety first Firearms safety is the very first thing to teach a new shooter, no matter how old they are, but especially with children. They have to understand that a real gun isn’t a video game, and that the safety precautions exist to protect them and others from injury. The basic “4 Rules of Firearm Safety” should be the first things taught, and understanding these basic safety rules is a good start towards a lifetime of enjoyment in shooting sports, regardless of what shooting discipline a child may lean towards. As a parent, demonstrating and explaining the safe handling of guns at all times will reinforce the concept of safety as a primary goal. What to start with BB guns and air guns aside, a child’s first introduction to true firearms has traditionally been in the form of a .22 caliber rifle. The low recoil and noise of a .22 makes them ideal for youngsters to handle comfortably, and the ease of learning to aim and shoot a rifle accurately goes a long way in keeping kids interested in improving their skills. Quite a few companies are manufacturing rifles specifically designed to be a kid’s first gun. Short, “youth sized” stocks and light barrels make these guns easy to handle and use for small shooters, and a wide variety of stock colors and configurations can make any child’s “My First Rifle” a treasured and unique possession. A little research into “youth .22 rifles” will turn up a wealth of information. A bolt action rifle, whether single shot or with a magazine, teaches new shooters patience and aiming discipline better than a semi-auto would. Having to manipulate the controls between shots leaves time to talk about that last shot, and to either make corrections or try to hit that target again. Regarding targets, even experienced adult shooters eventually get bored shooting at paper targets. It’s worse for a child, when they’re used to more immediate gratification. Metal spinner targets designed for .22 caliber guns, tin cans, clay targets or anything that moves or breaks when hit will provide a much greater sense of satisfaction than punching holes in paper targets. Starting with larger targets 10 or 15 feet out will make hits easier and increase a kid’s confidence level and keep him interested. As his skills develop, more precise bulls eye type shooting may offer a greater challenge, but early on, large, reactive targets are just more fun to shoot at. At the range Again, safety is the primary lesson the first few times out. Make sure that everyone has eye and ear protection, and stress the importance of both. Well fitting shooting glasses and ear muffs sized for small heads will be more comfortable than adult sized equipment. Teaching range safety and etiquette, even if you’re just shooting in your back yard, is part of the shooting education process. Ranges have a designated shooting position. If you’re shooting on your own property, it’s a good idea to set up a fixed spot from which you’ll be shooting, and treat the entire exercise as though you’re at an actual shooting range. Stress safety at every opportunity. Never uncase any weapon until you’re at your “shooting bench”. Always keep the muzzle pointed downrange. Be aware of any obstacles that may be in your shooting path. Keep the action open and flagged until you’re ready to start shooting. Call the range “cold” when you’re setting up or changing targets. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire. Set up at a comfortable height for the shooter. Sandbags or a rest will help steady the gun and help a new shooter understand the importance of a steady and secure rest. Demonstrate the correct way to set the rifle against a shoulder at the bench, how to use the sights correctly, and how to gently squeeze the trigger without pulling or jerking. This is the time to introduce good habits, and to prevent the development of bad ones that may limit the fun of shooting for your child.

Thanks, guys. All great information. Keep it coming.

Will do. Are you coming to Sparta on Sunday?

Even though that wasn't so long ago, there aren't a lot of youth shooting programs around any more. Most parents won't send their kids to a summer camp that features shooting as part of the program, so many camps have dropped it in favor of other, less "dangerous" summer pusuits.

I'm trying to write something for njShoot about introducing kids to shooting, and keeping them interested while they improve their skills. Jordan was already late in his teens when we got involved in the hobby, so he's a poor example. We have some friends who've successfully involved their kids in shooting, but a larger set of experiences would be great. If anyone would care to share the experience they had bringing their kids into the hobby, I'm sure we could all learn something. Thanks

Perfectly legal and proper dealings with law enforcement authorities have no business being "pass the stuff through the slot in the bulletproof steel door" type transactions. That should only be reserved for other types of dealings. I would be put off, too. Is this really what it's come to?

If you can't set an example for others to follow, at least be a lesson for others to learn from. Moron.

Wish I could. Have fun, Glenn.

Up Rt. 15 from Picatinny, take the Rt. 517 exit towards Franklin, the first light after the interchange will be Station Road, make a left. It looks like it ends in a park, but it doesn't. Pass a couple of houses on the right, a swamp on the left, and look for the white C-Tech building on the right. Follow the directions above, should be good to go.

Just to expound on Mark's expounding... That right will take you through a chain link gate into a construction site. Keep going through the site until you get to the last building on the left. A left turn after that building will take you over the train tracks and into the range. Parking on the left, shooting on the right. It's not obvious on the photo, but the right turn is right up against the overpass. If you go under the overpass, you went too far. The sign on that building says "C-Tech"

Most of the shops will ask to see your FID card before they''ll let you handle any guns. At that point, they don't know that you have a new address, so it shouldn't be an issue. I don't know about renting at a range, though.

All good choices. All excellent guns. You really need to at least spend some time with each of them at a gun shop, and preferably shoot each one. It's all a matter of personal choice and comfort. Some will point naturally for you, some won't. Some will feel better in your hand than others. Some will get back on target for you quicker than others. Don't depend on our recommendations. None of the guns on your list are what any of us would consider low quality crap, or unfit for your intended use. We all just have different tastes and needs. I shoot my CZ well, but I can't point a Sig comfortably. I like the steel guns, other people like polymer. You gotta make that decision for yourself. Try to get to one of the meetups. Between us, we probably have all of the guns on your list, and likely a few more (HK, Walther, S&W). Everyone here is happy to share their stuff at the range, and happy to offer any insight into the peculiarities of any particular gun. Shopping is part of the fun.

The range is just off Rt. 517, just past the Rt. 15 exit. I can give you more detailed directions later, or someone can meet you at an easier to find spot and lead you in. It's a bit off the main roads, so it may be better to follow someone in the first time. You can borrow one of my guns. I have a Browning pump with a 32" barrel, and an old winchester super x semi. Come on up. Should be fun.

Thursday bump. The clocks get turned back this weekend, so if you prefer to make it earlier than 1:00, I'm jiggy with it. It's not gonna be warm much longer, gotta get out there while we still can.

There's a range in PA up rt.6 just south of Wallenpaupack. Over the Milford bridge, into Milford, and straight up rt.6. I've never shot there, but I did stop by once to check it out. Seemed okay. It was a summer weekend and there were only a few people shooting. Looked pretty casual.

Mazel Tov, Maks. Nicely done.

Steph, didn't you mean to be posting in this thread? I've got a massive itch Be sympathetic. Share your experience and treatment tips.

Welcome to the monkey house. Be sure to duck.

That sounds really sketchy. I'm not sure training under an NRA instructor qualifies as an NRA sanctioned event. I would proceed with caution.

Winter trap/skeet?? No crowds, no waiting, make orange dust on the clean white snow, very gratifying. A nice shotgun sounds like the answer for which you search.

I haven't been there, but please check the NY firearms transportation laws. I don't believe you can legally transport a gun into NYS just to go and shoot on a range. I think you have to be competing in a sanctioned event to legally bring a firearm into NY. You may have to restrict yourself to their rental selections.