For some families, learning how to safely and confidently handle a gun is a critical rite of passage. The best place to develop these skills is at a shooting range. However, handling weapons at a shooting range is only appropriate for children of a certain age. Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range, in Columbia, IL, helps you make sense of the best age to take your child to a shooting range.  

When Should You Teach Your Child to Shoot?

Have They Expressed Interest in Learning Gun Safety?

One of the best ways to tell your child is ready to accompany you to a shooting range is when they start expressing interest in guns and gun safety. You never want to force your child to learn shooting if they're not ready to accept all the responsibilities that come with it. Instead, be patient and listen for the time when his or her interests turn to guns.

Are Their Peers Learning Gun Safety?

Teenagers and kids entering adolescence are interested in their friend’s activities. If you notice that your son or daughter's close friends are beginning to join their parents at shooting ranges, you might want to consider bringing the subject up with your child. The last thing you want is for them to feel left out. 

Are They Physically Strong Enough to Handle a Weapon?

Guns are heavy objects with powerful recoil. Before taking your child to a shooting range, you should be confident they have the physical strength and hand-eye coordination necessary to handle a gun and the recoil that comes with it. Putting a weapon in physically incapable hands can be a recipe for disaster.

What Are Your State's Laws? 

One easy way to get a good sense of the right age to take your child to a shooting range is by looking up hunting license laws. The minimum age required to obtain a hunting license varies from state to state but generally ranges between 10 and 16 years old. 

If you think it's the right time to introduce your child to a shooting range, the safest and most responsible place to do it in Greater Columbia is Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range. In addition to its full-service indoor shooting range, Shooter's also features an extensive selection of firearms. Visit the range's website to learn about their popular shooting competitions, or call (618) 281-6393.