36 rounds to hit a pop can at 15 feet

[FJ540]

Not exactly a stellar performance, but kiddo had a little trouble with the heft of the ruger markII without a rest. It's also very large for his hands, but he did control it well at first, only having trouble with a proper sight picture (shooting low). The smile on his face when he connected was still a proud papa moment. Seeing the can spin around made him laugh - they were full, and I exploded the other 4 showing him how it's done after he was fatigued and the barrel was going all over as he was trying to aim. So yeah, he's hooked!

Last summer he had trouble pulling the trigger more than 6 times and was shooting off the fence rail, so we're making progress. He was all into loading the magazine, even though he couldn't hold the follower back with one hand (so I held it for him as he loaded it).

It was the best birthday present I got.

[rugersol]

[FredsBank]

Bravo! Teaching them early will help make them responsible gun owners in the future.

[photogpat]

Next up -- a box of clay pigeons...set them up on end and watch the smiles as he breaks 'em one after the other!!!

Mine are 6 and have mastered the 10/22...moving on to the single six and .410!

[Shipyard]

good for you buddy! glad to hear the little scutter is havin fun with his old man

[Snowgun]

Eggs are fun too, after he brings his groups in a little bit....

(And they are biodegradable!)

[photogpat]

Eggs are fun too, after he brings his groups in a little bit....

(And they are biodegradable!)

Dang - how come I never thought of that. Guess a stop at Sam's Club for a couple dozen is in order before the weekend.

[TH3180]

Congrats, that's cool as hell.

[FJ540]

He just turned 9 in July, but he was a preemie and is pretty small for his age. We haven't tried the rifle yet, but I'm thinking the stock is still going to be way too big for him (we'll check next weekend - it's at the cabin). I may break down and get a smaller one for him because I think he'd absolutely love squirrel and rabbit hunting. Right now I don't have much of either up north, but next year should be better (habitat improvements and dead predators).

I bet he'd love shooting some eggs. Good suggestion. (can then coon hunt over the spot at night!)

[photogpat]

He just turned 9 in July, but he was a preemie and is pretty small for his age. We haven't tried the rifle yet, but I'm thinking the stock is still going to be way too big for him

Try a 10/22 with an adjustable stock, I've got this one on the 10/22 for my boys: http://is.gd/DpNSX0

Its perfect at the smallest LOP for them -- and I can use it out at the largest.

[rukwikenuf]

hell, i thought you were watching me last weekend! good to hear that you're gettin' em started young. i can't wait until my daughter is old enough to take her out plinking. my oldest wouldn't do well (HATES loud noises) but my little Allison would do GREAT! only 3 years to go...

[FJ540]

I have him using my electronic muffs, and I wear my army plugs. I had him hold the p238 quick before heading to work and he said it was a lot easier, so a tomcat might be in my future.

[goldtopper]

Take a big piece of cardboard and hot glue some charcoal briquettes to it. Not only do they stand out when sighting, they bust real well too- fun for the kids.