I wasn’t around guns much growing up, but my husband enjoys target shooting and has had a shotgun and pellet gun for years. So it didn’t surprise me that my son was interested in learning how to shoot. My son is very involved in Boy Scouts, and has done some shooting at Boy Scout camp, so this fall my husband decided to do some target shooting with him in the backyard.
We quickly found out that my husband’s pellet gun is not a great kids gun. It is fairly high powered, and my son has trouble pumping it. Obviously we needed a BB gun, and what better one than the classic Daisy BB gun, the one that was a key feature of the the movie A Christmas Story! We also realized our daughter should learn to shoot too. She wasn’t instantly thrilled by the idea, but knowing how to handle a gun is a life skill that everyone, male or female, should have.
So the kids and I set off to Gander Mtn. to find a BB gun for them to share. The store also had all the accessories you would need to shoot, including target stands, targets, and important safety equipment like these shooting glasses.
We already had almost everything we needed, so we got some BBs to go with the Red Ryder BB Gun, and headed home.
Despite my daughter’s initial reluctance to shoot, once she got used to the idea she was actually looking forward to it. So she was disappointed to learn that she couldn’t start shooting right away, but had to learn all about gun safety first! Gun safety is something that I don’t think you can place too much emphasis on. All kids need to learn about it, because even if you don’t have a gun in your house, one of their friends probably does.
We went over the Ten Safety Rules from Daisy multiple times, and practiced things like proper gun carry positions, the proper way to hand the gun back and forth and taking the safety on and off. We also tried to emphasize the most important rules – always assume every gun is loaded, never point the muzzle at anyone, and never handle a gun without adult supervision.
We have an excellent yard for shooting, since we have about 3 acres of land. It is important to set up your target so that no one is beyond it and no one can be injured. We have a nice target stand that sticks in the ground, so we set it up in the back part of our yard and started shooting. My son got to try the gun first, and he loaded it and gave it try.
My son recommended that we start out shooting from a kneeling position, because he learned at Scouts that it is easier to aim the gun with it braced against a knee. I guess laying down on the ground prone is the most stable position, but it had rained the day before, so no one wanted to try that!
After he hit the target a few times we reloaded and let my daughter take her first shots. She argued about having to wear the safety glasses because she says they are uncomfortable, but I insisted, because as they say in Christmas Story, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” My kids haven’t seen the movie yet, but we will have to make sure we watch it this Holiday season!
She missed the target the first few times she shot, but was all smiles when we finally heard a shot hit!
We had a good time shooting, and when we checked the target at the end they had quite a few hits, and some misses too.
Target shooting is a fun family activity, and my kids are already planning their next shooting session and discussing other targets they can get. My daughter has turned out to be just as enthusiastic about shooting as my son is, which is kind of amusing because she didn’t think she would like it when we first suggest it!
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and Daisy.
That sounds like so much fun!!
Everyone looks like they are having such a blast!
You’re lucky you have the set-up right on your own land! Awesome! They seem pretty happy with the experience, so I think you’ll be repeating the fun again!
My son wants a BB gun, but he has a few airsoft guns.
I have to say it….you’ll shoot your eye out kid! LOL Love that movies.
Looks like a fun time by everyone.
Kas
I so want one of these! That looks like so much fun!
Every year we talk about getting a Red Rider BB Gun – who can blame us – but then we remember, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” 🙂
I love that you won your daughter over because this has always been a favorite family outdoor activity for us. And your point about gun safety is very important. Even if you don’t have a gun in your house, more than likely, one of their friends does. Great reminder. Now I think you need to get your daughter the pink Daisy Red Ryder for Christmas!
Sounds like fun! My son really wants one and all I can think of is The Christmas Story!
ah I dont think I could do this!
Looks like the kids had a blast though
My husband keeps wanting to take me target shooting. I’m not into guns.
I’ve never considered shooting a bb gun. I guess I’m scary. LOL!
That looks like fun!
Oh I want a Daisy BB gun now myself. 🙂
Oh wow! that looks so fun!
I wasn’t around guns at all growing up either! But I do think it’s a skill you should have as well!
It’s not a bad skill at all, especially if you even want to hunt for your own food!
That’s “ever” not even.
Good experience, good to see they had a lot of fun!
Looks like the kids really enjoyed it. I don’t know how comfortable I would be of the idea for my kids shooting one though.