4 Safety Tips for Kids at the Shooting Range

There may be no better place than the shooting range to enrich your kids’ respect for firearms. If you’re reading articles to plan for the most positive experience you can, you’re well on your way to creating some great memories. Obviously, no one can tell you when the right time or circumstances are for you to introduce them to a shooting experience, but hopefully this article can give you a few ideas that’ll increase your chances of a safer, better experience. 

At the time of this article, there is no state or national age limit on who can go to a shooting range, though individual ranges may have their own policies in place. So, be sure to check! 

Before They Go, They Should Know 

You’ve no doubt heard the adage “Safety starts at home.” And if you already know the song, “Stop! Don’t Touch! Run Away! Tell a Grown Up!,” you’ve started exposing your kids to safety early- and you have my deepest condolences for exposing yourself to an infectious ear worm that you will never forget. Kidding aside, you could do far worse than the cartoon antics of Eddie Eagle’s Wing Team when it comes to preparing kids for the (hopefully unlikely) instance of encountering firearms on their own. But when a parent is involved and it’s time to finally handle a firearm, make sure they know the rules of firearm safety by heart.  

Going to the range is a special trip, like visiting a faraway relative or going to a theme park. Remind your child that we only get to go if we behave well. In the days or weeks leading up to your visit to the range, I recommend having your child spend time with a rubber or plastic training weapon so that they can show that they can consistently carry and handle it correctly. 

Dry firing is great practice, and I also recommend playing the part of the RSO (Range Safety Officer) at home and getting your kids to respond effectively to the RSO commands they’ll be likely to hear at the range.  A reward system like stickers or something fun might even be in order to celebrate success with safety.  

Keep in mind that your training weapon of choice may be more effective if it resembles the one you’ll have them handle at a range. And if you have not picked up a rifle made with young markspeople in mind, it’s something to add to your list of considerations.  

Choose Wisely 

A firearm that’s too heavy, too big, or is otherwise just too unwieldly can be dangerous. And it often is understood that not everyone has the experience, expertise, and strength to fire just any weapon. Recoil is a visceral experience that can be tough to prepare for, and it may be best to lessen its intensity in the beginning.

Keystone makes the Cricket and the Chipmunk 22-caliber series, and they’re great options for a lot of young and/or first-time shooters. They have a trigger pull of 2.5-3 lbs., which may be ideal for a first timer, but keep in mind some shooters aren’t satisfied with their accuracy. So, unless you’re comfortable with a little bit of travel, consider having a gunsmith do a trigger job to match your needs.  

Alternatively, also consider checking out the Savage Rascal. Like the Keystone offerings, it is a bolt-action, single shot rifle, but it’s a little lighter than the Cricket.  

Also, consider a shooting rest for a first timer. Every little bit helps when it comes to mastering a steady hand- and it’s a good companion for anyone who has a case of last-minute jitters that unexpectedly arise. There are quite a few options for bipods out there, but be careful when ordering any affordable options online. Many of them can feel a little flimsy and may not provide the solid feel you want for a quality, first-time shooting experience.  

Don’t Forget the Basics 

At the risk of stating the obvious, your young marksperson is going to need ear protection and ballistic eyewear just like you do. So, plan to get the essentials ahead of time. Kid-sized ear pro-options are available from 3M, Caldwell, and others. For BEW (ballistic eyewear), check out Allen for appropriately sized options.  

On the Big Day 

If it’s a child’s first time, consider having one-on-one time before adding any siblings into the mix. Some kids have trouble focusing when other kids are around. Three, as they say, can be a crowd, at times. If your child finds they’re not as ready as they thought they were for an unfamiliar environment and loud noises, another time will come.  

You’ve started introducing your child to your interests early, and that’s commendable. So don’t forget to congratulate yourself, and your child, for giving it your best shot.  

Written by: Lanna Perkins, Education Writer