SurplusShooter
New member
Nice.
Taking the kid to range for first time! :D
- Thread starter RubenX
- Start date
Flinch is most likely caused by firing a firearm that is too much for the person at that time. Even if a person starts out on a .22LR and moves too quickly to firearms with more recoil, they can develop a flinch. Some people don't actually have a flinch but do not do follow through. Most Americans are in a hurry, and being in a hurry to see the POI is common. A common result is they do not complete the follow through due to lowering the firearm immediately after the shot to look for the POI.
I don't get the "cool" factor. Since when is a .22LR uncool because it is not a centerfire? IMO what needs to be taught is respect for firearms and how to use them properly and safely. "Cool" will come when they see their groups shrink and can cover a three to five shot group with a quarter, a nickel, a penny and then a dime. Keep targets to track their progress and it will be plenty "cool" to them. Even adults who shoot a nice group during a class will comment that target is going on their refrigerator. There are also numerous downloadable targets designed for shooting games.
I don't get the "cool" factor. Since when is a .22LR uncool because it is not a centerfire? IMO what needs to be taught is respect for firearms and how to use them properly and safely. "Cool" will come when they see their groups shrink and can cover a three to five shot group with a quarter, a nickel, a penny and then a dime. Keep targets to track their progress and it will be plenty "cool" to them. Even adults who shoot a nice group during a class will comment that target is going on their refrigerator. There are also numerous downloadable targets designed for shooting games.
With all due respect, I cannot see how you are tying teaching proper firearms safety to caliber selection...you don't need to start with a rimfire to learn safety procedures.
No one should misunderstand my post. I have a 22/45, and love to shoot it. A great way to practice trigger control and shoot a few hundred rounds for pennies. I'm just saying that I do not agree that it is the only suitable choice for a "first" gun. Wasn't for us...
If you don't get the "cool" factor...then, well, I can't explain it to you.
But there's just this uncontrollable grin that appears on my face when I get the opportunity to run a rock 'n roll weapon system, or a .50 BMG.
I think a lot of teenage boys would feel the same way.
Get a youth size .22 bolt action single shot. New ones like the Cricket are about $100.
I started my grandson out with one when he was 10. After he got to the point where he could safely handle that, I started letting him work with my S&w15-22
Selected that because the collapsing stock could be adjusted to fit him. He loves the semi-auto but also keeps wanting to put rounds through the single shot.
The 15-22 may fit your desire for a cool factor but I'd still start with a single shot.
I started my grandson out with one when he was 10. After he got to the point where he could safely handle that, I started letting him work with my S&w15-22
Selected that because the collapsing stock could be adjusted to fit him. He loves the semi-auto but also keeps wanting to put rounds through the single shot.
The 15-22 may fit your desire for a cool factor but I'd still start with a single shot.
Update...
We finally got the range today. Last few days I had the kid practicing all safety procedures using dummy plastic bullets. Today at the range it didn't looked like it was his first time at all. He was perfectly familiar with his rifle and follow all safety procedures like clockwork.
Kiddo shooting Savage Mark II - 22lr - Iron Sights - 15 yards
He still wanted to try my 30-06. I talked with the range master who OK'd it and we watched him put one round through it. Recoil pushed him back like a foot, but he remain in control of the muzzle. The boy went back to his 22lr and shoot for like an hour more. It was a lot of fun.
PS: and he hit paper every time
We finally got the range today. Last few days I had the kid practicing all safety procedures using dummy plastic bullets. Today at the range it didn't looked like it was his first time at all. He was perfectly familiar with his rifle and follow all safety procedures like clockwork.
Kiddo shooting Savage Mark II - 22lr - Iron Sights - 15 yards
He still wanted to try my 30-06. I talked with the range master who OK'd it and we watched him put one round through it. Recoil pushed him back like a foot, but he remain in control of the muzzle. The boy went back to his 22lr and shoot for like an hour more. It was a lot of fun.
PS: and he hit paper every time