Last week was fall break. It was my responsibility to amuse my 11 year old grandson for the week. Wed, I took him to the range for the first time. He shot a centerfire rifle for the first time and a handgun for the first time. He listened to the safety lecture and paid attention to safe handling. Friday, we went out again. He shot a Marlin 30-30 with reduced cast loads, a 30-30Imp with full pressure loads, a Handi .223 and one of my Glock 19s.
He was on his own, he had to load his own mags and safely cleared a stoppage. He demonstrated good and safe gun handling and was observant of other shooter. He fired the glock until his hands hurt so bad he finally put it down. His marksmanship was lousy but that improves with practice.
I am going to mark a calendar for a range trip twice a month. I am going to dedicate a Handi .357 to his range use. He will get 35 rounds and every target will be permanently filed. For fun and bragging rights, I take a handgun with 20 rounds. However the rifle work will be serious taking him through kneeling, sitting, and offhand positions at gradually increasing ranges.
I have wanted to get him shooting for a long time, but by waiting until he was ready, I think it will be a better learning experience for him. This is a great club because other shooters on the line let him shoot their guns a couple of time. He has begun exercises to strengthen his hands so he can shoot a Glock 20 the next time the owner shows up at the same time and offers a chance to shoot it. He cannot manage it now, and was smart enough to lay the gun down after shooting one round of 10 mm.
I think we have a win-win situation here. A youngster is getting a chance to safely enjoy a sport that most kids these days will never have a chance at, and is in the company of responsible adults who are interested in helping a youngster along.
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Originally Posted by popper
