Hi all. Other than plinking at the range with my 9 and 10 yearolds are there events or ways to get them interested on a deeper level? I was reading about Project Appleseed which is having a local event here and was wondering if there was anything similar available to kids of this age? Not necessarily just like that per se, but anything where they can really hone their skills. Thank you.
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Youth Shooting Organizations or Events?
- Thread starter baddarryl
- Start date
Would Appleseed be appropriate for kids this young?
If the children exhibit enough patience and self control then yes. If they don't exhibit those qualities then perhaps wait a bit longer.
My kids are taught to shoot starting with a pump air rifle at age 4. By age 5 or 6 (depending on the kid) they move on to a break action .22lr. At age 8 they move on to a .223 bolt action and if they are mature enough also a single action .22lr revolver. At age 10 I would expect they were proficient enough with their shooting skills I let them shoot whatever long guns they choose and also teach them how to shoot a shotgun. At age 10 they also move into larger caliber revolvers (.38sp) and semi-autos.
My 8 yr old son has shown he could be disciplined enough to shoot a semi-auto rifle so I let him pop soda cans and clay pigeons on the 75 yard line with a 10/22 when he's done with his "lessons." My 14 yr old prefers handguns to rifles and as such she can put out 10" groups at 25 yards with a 1911. She's still working on closing up that group.
So if you want to put your kids into Appleseed just base it on the kids. Do they exhibit the qualities necessary for them to really be able to get something worthwhile out of the experience or will it just be a long weekend on the range in possibly inclement weather?
You spend a lot of time on the range but there is some "class" time too.
They'll teach a bit of American History (something that the youth of today needs to learn anyway), a bit of the definition of what it means to be an American Rifleman and some info on proper shooting techniques.
Then its a LOT of range time. A .22lr is fine but you'll need a center fire rifle for the longer distance shots. I suggest a bolt action for both guns but I have to admit I attended with semi-autos. Don't expect to be able to go out there and just blast away though. Its CONTROLLED fire. Its a great learning experience though and in the end it'll make you a better shot. Oh I almost forgot, bring lots of ammo for each gun.
This would be a great opportunity for you and your kids to learn something together and form a strong bond as father and children. You should attend with them and learn/shoot alongside of them.
The only thing to worry about though is then that you'd need rifles for each of them as well as yourself. You'll also need a good mat for laying on (most of your shooting is done prone) and a good shooting jacket with re-enforced elbows. Aside from that you'll need a waterproof/weather proof cover for the guns and you'll need to make sure your rifles are well lubed and oiled. You'll shoot regardless of weather conditions - rain, heat, snow etc. (which also means you'll have to be properly prepared for said weather conditions).
They'll teach a bit of American History (something that the youth of today needs to learn anyway), a bit of the definition of what it means to be an American Rifleman and some info on proper shooting techniques.
Then its a LOT of range time. A .22lr is fine but you'll need a center fire rifle for the longer distance shots. I suggest a bolt action for both guns but I have to admit I attended with semi-autos. Don't expect to be able to go out there and just blast away though. Its CONTROLLED fire. Its a great learning experience though and in the end it'll make you a better shot. Oh I almost forgot, bring lots of ammo for each gun.
This would be a great opportunity for you and your kids to learn something together and form a strong bond as father and children. You should attend with them and learn/shoot alongside of them.
The only thing to worry about though is then that you'd need rifles for each of them as well as yourself. You'll also need a good mat for laying on (most of your shooting is done prone) and a good shooting jacket with re-enforced elbows. Aside from that you'll need a waterproof/weather proof cover for the guns and you'll need to make sure your rifles are well lubed and oiled. You'll shoot regardless of weather conditions - rain, heat, snow etc. (which also means you'll have to be properly prepared for said weather conditions).
SPEMack618
New member
Some of the most fun I had with Pops growing up was when he coached the
4-H Shotgun team.
Also, JROTC units will rifle air rifle teams, and some high school have air rifle tams as well.
The Civil Air Patrol also provides some hands on training with "real" military firarms at thier summer encampments.
And the humble Boy Scouts provide some of the best small bore rifle instruction I've ever seen as part of the Rifle Merit Badge.
4-H Shotgun team.
Also, JROTC units will rifle air rifle teams, and some high school have air rifle tams as well.
The Civil Air Patrol also provides some hands on training with "real" military firarms at thier summer encampments.
And the humble Boy Scouts provide some of the best small bore rifle instruction I've ever seen as part of the Rifle Merit Badge.