Getting my daughter into clay shooting.

[syborg]

hi folks.

 

Ive just got my sgc sorted out and been a few times to a local clay club and will soon be buying my first own 12g and will also buy a single shot 410 when money allows.

 

The 410 will be mainly used for the occasional clay and vermin.

 

my question is.. my daughter is soon to be 8 yrs old and shows a great interest in my shooting and has used most of my air rifles and bolt action air soft guns and shows great discipline when it comes to guns.

 

After the shoot my friend and i began discussing the possibility of getting her into the sport but a few things concern me.

 

would i be able to take her along with me once i get my sgc and supervise her using a single 410 for some basic clay shooting?

 

whilst me and a friend were doing a spot of morning clay shooting the weekend, i saw a young lad no older than 10 with a semi-auto with a group of adults and he was waving the gun around all over the place,towards other people and generaly didnt have adequate supervision in my opinion and my friend also showed his concern.

 

i mean a semi is a nightmare to see unloaded and the thought of it waving in our direction was very worrying.

 

so im thinking a single shot 410 would be alot more suitable for young beginners.

 

feedback please!!!

 

many thanks in advance

 

syborg

[TJ91]

single shot 410 is the gun most start off with

light and not much recoil so suits smaller people

 

but less pellets means less hits for a beginner and this sometimes puts youngsters off

 

Good luck and i hope shes gets into the sport

the more younger people picking up guns and showing they are safe can only be good for the future of shooting

Edited December 19, 2010 by TJ91

[seeker]

Problem is a 410 is a difficult gun to shoot well and carries a frustration sticker ... close range rats is not the same as clays at some distance where it works for a specialist.

It is possible to get a 410 or 28 adaptor (skeeters?)for a 12 if use is occasional - cheaper than a whole gun. But then weight becomes an issue.

There are several posts on PW about light guns for wife/ girlfriend/ .....

As you say safety and supervision are essential and so obvious when lacking.

[utectok]

Started my girls on a 12 bore with 21gm carts about ten and eleven I seem to remember. .410 is fine though no reason why a eight yr old shouldn't be safe with a shotgun. Proper supervision and start on easy comming towards you birds as they are easy and get across tge idea of swinging through the target unlike going away birds which are to straight IMHO

[berties]

Get her some lessons with your local club,my son did a summer course they help with gun gauge etc and better to spend on lessons and get the process right ,with the right ballistics she will probably start on a 28g,but expensive to buy and move onto 20g when confidence and size comes,

410 will be quite limiting to which targets you can shoot,remember the gun will have to fit or that will put her off

Good luck

[HDAV]

http://www.basc.org.uk/en/young-shots/ is worth keeping an eye on, 8 is still young to be shooting, not that she wont be capable, just young so it will need lots of thought to get suitable targets that she can learn with and not get put off, hushpower subsonic carts are easier on the shoulder and ears, make sure you get her some damn good hearing protection if she is anywhere near live firing.