Teaching Kids to Use a Concealed Carry Weapon
In the light of school shootings, there has been a public outcry about teaching kids to shoot. However, kids can learn some valuable lessons from learning to shoot a firearm. But, it’s important that the timing be right. Here are some steps to take before that first shooting experience:
Don’t assume that, because you enjoy concealed carry and recreational target practice that your children will too. On the other hand, don’t assume that they won’t. This includes not overlooking your daughters or granddaughters.
- Make Sure The Kids Ready and Willing
Like any other new skill, use some common sense as a parent about when kids are ready. Think about tying their shoes. Helping to bake. Setting the table. Caring for a pet. Riding a two-wheeler. Learning to play basketball. Kids have to be physically and emotionally ready for each skill.
- Safety First
Before you start shooting lessons, safety around guns should be firmly established. See my blog “Teaching Kids about Guns” for some tips. Kids have no business on the firing range until they have learned and can demonstrate a clear understanding of firearm safety. Walking them through the rules also gives you a chance to assess each child’s level of enthusiasm for concealed carry and target practice.
- Firing Range Etiquette
If your child were going to a dance or church or a fancy dinner party for the first time, you’d walk him through the expectations. Before your child sets foot on the range, he needs to understand range etiquette. Clarify lingo and range commands like “hot” range and a “cold” range. For more tips see my article on “Proper Behavior at the Firing Range”.
- One-On-One Adult Supervision
If ever there was a time for parent-child one-on-one supervision this is it! You can have fun on range but you must also maintain a high level of safety. You need an adult working with the first-time shooter one-on-one.
Another good safety measure is to use a single-shot, bolt-action youth rifle. A good choice is Henry Mini-Bolt. Help your child shoulder the rifle, pointing it safely down range. Hand him one round at a time to shoot.
When he wants a break, take the rifle out of his hands. Walk him off the firing line. No matter which gun your child uses, use the same procedure.
- Remember this is a Fun Activity
Work on hands-on activity. When your child tires or loses interest, stop for the day. Your goal is to have him enjoy shooting and want to go again. Praise effort and good safety routines.
Nothing succeeds like success. Begin with big, easy-to-see targets. Set them up at close range. Remember how you aught your child to catch and throw a ball? Baby steps!
Consider using affordable, reusable reactive targets swinging targets to reduce time spent setting up targets.
When it seems as if your child is tiring or losing interest call it a day. That’s another advantage of one-on-one supervision.
Pack energy snacks and water. Find a shady place to sit and rest.
- Enlist Help
If you have more than one child it’s not always possible to do one-on-one instruction. However, for safety and social interaction, this ratio is vital. Enlist a family member or friend who is also a concealed carrier. Learn from one another. You can repay the favor by serving as a mentor for others’ kids. Everyone brings different experiences and skills to shooting. Thus, your kids will benefit from these. Sometimes instruction and criticism are better received from a non-parent.
