nabbers Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Merry Xmas. In the dog house with the in-laws (what's new?) for buying a £50 Cooey .410 for my 9 year old daughter to use, on my ticket who goes shooting with me and was desperate to try it for herself. I reckon the gauge is good for starters, but was wondering about chopping down the stock and barrel, because at the moment it seems to be a bit heavy in the barrel for her to confidently aim at the sky, but she's ok on the rabbits at the clay ground barrel down. I realise 24" is the minimum and I would lose the choke, but she's going to be taking targets close in anyway for now. Is 9 years too young? Most shooters think it's cool, non shooters are horrified! Obviously she will be under very close supervision, knows it's not a toy and it stays in the cabinet when not being used, ammo to be kept well hidden also, plus she's a sensible lass! Comments please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad1 Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 (edited) Not at all to young As long as they are safe and listen to instruction My 9 yr old has been shooting my 410's for a few year now both on the clays and pigeons and as a few on here have seen him and how a good safe shot he is ...... But in my eyes as long as he or she can be trusted and learn how dangerous they can be they will be fine ( always under supervision mind ) Edit : I got him a cut down 20g cooey but it weighed far to much so I will end up giving it away soon if any one is interested Edited December 26, 2011 by mad1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poontang Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 I'm not 100% sure but I think the Cooey's a full choke, so cutting down the barrel can only help if she's taking close shots. As for the stock, bear in mind it's winter and she'll be wearing thicker clothes than in the warmer months. Maybe cut it down for winter use and get a thicker butt pad for the summer? Would also be an idea to keep any wood you cut off so it can be stuck back on when your daughter grows and finds the stock too short. I wouldn't worry about what others say or think as long as she's safe and enjoys it that's all that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpshooter.123 Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Don't worry my stepson has shot mine since he was 7 and personally I can't see why anyone has a problem. Only following in dads footsteps!! My boy is 9 and he has a single 12g sitting in the cabinet when I think he is ready for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 My grandson is 5, nearly 6 - a biggish lad for his age. He has been shooting for a couple of months with a Harrington and Richardson 410. Cut down the stock - gun is not too heavy for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 If you cut the stock, cut it in biscuits so you can add it back gradually as they grow. And give 'em easy targets at clays - If they can't hit the targets they'll get disheartened Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Ive taught 5 and 6 year olds before my only requirement is they will listen then use an open choke 410 single with a short stock. I recon the barrel was cut down as its not an even measurement but it was £60 for a hammerless ejector that doesn't eject I use 9 shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swaggerrich Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Yh age is fine I started earlier than that and Yh I would suggest doing whatever you can to decrease the weight incase it puts her off in any way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR1960 Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 No problem, my boy's 15, had a sgc for over half his life and was shooting well before that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compo90 Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 my 13 year old son is now a better shot than me.....he has always been out with me, started with a single barreled 410 and as he is a BIG lad he can now use all my 12gauges and i sold the 410 he has been shooting since he was 6 or 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berties Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 My youngest has been on the clays since 9 getting his own 20gauge at ten only ever shot any thing less in lessons,his is a 28" with the stock shortened (we have kept the piece)the gun is still balanced,if the lad can shoot well and safely he will be able to shoot any thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Not at all to young As long as they are safe and listen to instruction My 9 yr old has been shooting my 410's for a few year now both on the clays and pigeons and as a few on here have seen him and how a good safe shot he is ...... But in my eyes as long as he or she can be trusted and learn how dangerous they can be they will be fine ( always under supervision mind ) Edit : I got him a cut down 20g cooey but it weighed far to much so I will end up giving it away soon if any one is interested Save the 20g, it will not be too long before he will need it. My 9 year old grandson has a shortened stock, 410, and has now moved to a 28g, he hits pleny of targets, keeping them easy is a positive move. Safety first is the main consideration, get that drummed in and I cannot see any problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJon Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 I shot at Orston last week and for a round of DTL was with 2 friends and then a Gentleman and his Son. His other son (5yrs old) had just done a round of skeet unaided and shot 4 or 5 targets - father and son where beaming. Older son then shot the DTL with us, handled himself well, shot well, good safety and etiquette - he was a pleasure to shoot with. Where's the problem? It's not WHAT you do, it's HOW you do it - introduce her right and who can argue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COACH Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 If you cut the stock, cut it in biscuits so you can add it back gradually as they grow. And give 'em easy targets at clays - If they can't hit the targets they'll get disheartened This is great advice and something I personally recommend. Just as long as your stood right beside the child each time they shoot. Also be very aware of the chamber size of these old 4.10s as many are just 2 or 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 inch and not 3 inch. Just because dad can't shoot anything much with a 2 or 2 1/2 inch cartridge doesn't mean the cartridge isn't capable of killing/breaking the target. You should never give a child of unsubstantial weight a 3inch cartridge to shoot even if the gun has the appropriate chamber length, no matter what calibre. It will damage them in more ways than one and only come to light in later years, so don't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Wide open chokes(which would be the result if you chopped the Cooey)are the way to go with youngsters.It takes a very experienced shot to consistently hit a flying/running target with a .410;my son soon became disillusioned with the .410 so got him an old over and under with skeet chokes....big smiles! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabbers Posted December 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Some great advice thanks! Scully I agree, I want to stick with small cartidges and open choke at close in targets. Now some gunsmithing advice please, how much to take off the stock and the barrel and how about refitting the bead? What length of pull does a kids gun have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utectok Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 I'm told as a rough gauge it the stock is in the crook of ur arm you should be able to just reach the trigger. I drilled and tapped the bead in 3mm thread I seem to remember Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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