What age should a child be before handling a firearm? This controversial question raises many answers and testimonials, but is there any one perfect age? Using opinions from experienced firearm users, some trends regarding guns and children were identified. Below, we have compiled the following advice for knowing what the appropriate age for firearm use is for your child.
Begin talking about firearms and firearm safety at an early age
How a child has been prepared will dictate readiness of firearm use. The earlier they are taught to respect firearms the better. The National Rifle Association (NRA) created the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, recommended for age preschool through third grade, to train children to avoid causing harm when they encounter firearms. Safety programs like the NRA’s can help to make the first step in learning firearm safety for children. Just as it is important to start young, it is also important to beat TV to the punch. TV tends to portray guns in an impractical, exaggerated light. Make sure to expose children to realistic firearm knowledge before they start to form unrealistic ideologies about them.
Teach the four universal firearm rules and explain the seriousness of firearm use
In order to accurately teach firearm safety, every child should learn the four universal firearm rules.
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All firearms are ALWAYS loaded. Every firearm should be treated as if it is loaded even if you know (or think you know) it’s not.
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Never point at anything you don’t want to shoot. Teach the Laser Rule that states NO MATTER WHAT there is always a laser coming out of the barrel of the firearm that will burn through and destroy anything it touches.
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Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. The best way to prevent an accidental shot fired is to keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire.
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Be sure of your target and what is behind it. This goes back to not pointing the gun at something you don’t want to shoot. Use good judgment when choosing a target and remember that the projectile does not always stop at the target.
Use transitional training to ease a child into a real firearm
Many of the testimonials we found stated that they started their children out with a BB gun or similar starter firearm. By doing so, lessons can be learned about safely handling and shooting a firearm without the fear of serious injury. Ex Cop and tactical instructor TJ Kirgin recommends transitioning children starting with an Nerf Gun, then an Airsoft gun, to a BB gun, then a .177 Pellet gun, before transitioning to a .22 caliber. Through this process, the child is transitioned from a plastic pellet, to a metal BB, a lead projectile and finally a small lead bullet.
During each level of tranistion always repeat and reinforce the 4 rules with incredible redundancy. My wife smiles when I lay down a weapon in my sight and then check the status again when I pick it up. It is from doing, from 1000 plus repititions that we create habit and muscle memory that may save our life or the life of our child some day.
Transitional Arms Safety Training
Step 1
Nerf
Step 2
Airsoft
Step 3
BB Gun
Step 4
Lead Pellet Gun
Step 5
22 Caliber or .410 Gauge Single Shot with Auto Safety
Level a child’s maturity before trusting them with any firearm
The number one piece of advice given is to measure a child’s maturity level before allowing them to handle a firearm. A lot of factors need to be considered when gauging maturity. Can the child focus on something for an extended period of time? Are they able to not only recite, but understand the universal firearm rules? Do they show respect for authority and follow rules and instructions? When told to stop, do they immediately obey? All of these factors are important and needed before trusting children with the responsibility of using a firearm.
The major consensus on the subject of guns and children? It depends entirely on the child’s readiness and shown responsibility. Only the parent can decide what the appropriate age for firearm use is for their child. Use this article as a guide to gauge when your child is ready and take the necessary steps to teach them firearm safety throughout their life, starting the fundamentals early.