Reader question, asked June 2025
Short answer: There’s no magic number. Readiness matters more than age. Many families start teaching safety rules around 5 or 6 and supervised live fire with a .22 or air rifle around 7 to 10.
The details
- Signs they’re ready: they follow instructions every time, can hold the gun safely, and understand the safety rules.
- Start with a single-shot .22 or an air rifle that fits them (short length of pull). A bench rest helps.
- Use eye protection and good hearing protection. Doubling up (plugs plus muffs) is smart for kids.
- Keep sessions short and fun, and stop while they still want more.
- Teach safety at home too. Talk about what to do if they ever find a gun, and keep yours locked up.
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