Guns And Kids: Things To Consider When Selecting A Hunting Rifle For Your Child
Hearing your child express an interest in your favorite sport of hunting is an exciting moment in time. You are probably anxious to head out on your first hunting adventure together and make great memories with your child. Choosing the best rifle for your child will make the experience even better and following a few tips will help you select a rifle that will get your child off to a great start.
Size matters
When shopping for a rifle, always take your child with you. Your child will need a rifle that is not too heavy or cumbersome for them to handle with comfort. Since each child's stature is different, the only way you can be sure of a good fit is to let your child try different hunting rifles in the store to find one they feel confident using.
Do not worry about your child growing out of a rifle as they get older. A child's arm length is vital when sizing them for a rifle. Eventually your child may need a different rifle as they experience a growth spurt, but they will treasure their first hunting rifle and it will become their own special heirloom.
Let their personality play a role
Does a certain rifle catch your child's eye? While appearance is not as important as sizing when it comes to choosing a gun, let your child's unique personality play a role in selecting their first rifle. If your child falls in love with a pink rifle or a camouflage style rifle, do not try to pressure them into choosing something you like.
Consider the trigger pull
A hunting rifle with a heavy or stiff trigger pull can be frustrating for a child who is learning to shoot a gun and hunt. Again, each child's strength and ability to pull a trigger will vary widely. The only way you can ensure a trigger pull is easy for your child to manage is to try several different guns before purchasing one.
A good guideline to follow is to look for a hunting rifle with a trigger pull that is crisp with a light to moderate pull weight. This will ensure the process of learning to shoot a rifle is a positive experience for your child.
Hunting with your child is a fun and rewarding experience that will provide you with many years of memory making adventures. Getting off to a great start involves having the right rifle that is comfortable for your child to use. Taking the time to choose a hunting rifle suited for your child is the first step to getting started on your hunting journey together.