German kids first time shooting

[robctwo]

The guy I practice law with is a high school wrestling coach. A German all star team was spending a couple days in Corvallis, Or and the weather turned normal, wet and damp. They decided to head for a local farm to do a little shooting. None of the kids had ever touched a gun.

I sent a few guns and some reloads, I was booked all day and could not join them.

They apparently liked the Ruger 20 gauge, 10/22, the STI Ranger II in 9mm and the Rossi Puma '92 45 Colt the best. The pictures relate what we all know, shooting is FUN.


Not the best trigger safety here.

[robctwo]

[robctwo]

[Tom Servo]

We've got some real issues with muzzle discipline in the first picture, and the guy with the 1911 in the 4th picture is asking for slide bite.

[robctwo]

Yes, I wish I had been there.

[Mike Irwin]

"We've got some real issues with muzzle discipline in the first picture"

Not surprising, consider that, as Rob said, none of them had ever touch a real gun before and, as such, likely had very little in the way of safety and handling instruction.

[Mike Irwin]

Merged multiple threads.

Please don't start multiple threads on the same subject. Just add a new post to your exsiting thread with the additional pictures.

[Evan Thomas]

"We've got some real issues with muzzle discipline in the first picture"

We sure do. On the other hand, we have some even bigger issues with some really happy kids. The look on the face of the boy in post #2 -- priceless. They're ruined for life, I tell ya -- ruined!

[Brian Pfleuger]

I'm glad they had some real fun and a positive experience but I don't think there IS a bigger issue than muzzle control. I don't blame the kids but somebody should have corrected them before that picture was taken. There's at least 4 kids with their fingers on the trigger and at least two guns that appear to be pointed directly at people, one of which MIGHT have a finger on the trigger.

Fun and positive introductions to firearms is one thing, major safety issues are quite another. That could have become a very non-positive experience in the blink of an eye.

[g.willikers]

It's always good to see youngsters being introduced to the world of guns.
But in this instance, it looks like the folks doing the instructing could use some instructions.
Oh well, all that ends well...........

[Dr Big Bird PhD]

I looks like the poor muzzle discipline mostly revolves around the handguns in the first picture. The rifles appear to be held correctly (except the bottom left one possibly).

It's probably because the ones with handguns wanted their firearm visibly in the picture to show their friends/relatives, on top of not knowing proper safety. Not excusing their actions, just a perception.

Edit: Love to see new firearms fans made every day

[Skans]

Cool! Looks like everyone had fun. Now to get some English kids out there shooting.....

[Evan Thomas]

Brian, you're right, of course. There are some very scary things going on in that first photo. Part of the problem may have been that there were just two adults and 13 kids -- with another grownup or two, it would've been easier to supervise and instruct that many. Of course, getting teenage boys to listen isn't always the easiest thing, either.

[southjk]

Love seeing new shooters being introduced to the sport. Not sure if where they live they are able to buy guns but lets hope they can.

Now, you knew, you just had to know that people were going to pick apart every picture to make sure everyone was doing everything right. Didn't you?

[Pond, James Pond]

Well, the lad in picture number 5 is going to be squeezing that trigger for an awfully long time, with the hammer in that position!

"Wow, this gun has a reaaaaally heavy trigger!!"

[Brian Pfleuger]

Originally Posted by southjk

Now, you knew, you just had to know that people were going to pick apart every picture to make sure everyone was doing everything right. Didn't you?

When it comes to gun safety, yeah, we are.

This isn't playing video games the right way. This is literally life and death.

That kid in the group picture, holding the 1911, 4th from the left in the back row. That gives me the chills. The kid to his left isn't much better.

Like I said, it's great that they had fun. I always like to hear of positive introductions to our sport. They were probably kept very safe when they were shooting, as in the other pictures.

That first one though, that's scary as hell.

[manta49]

Cool! Looks like everyone had fun. Now to get some English kids out there shooting.....

The issue with kids and people in general in England and Germany is not getting firearms or having access to firearms, more that there just is not the same interest in firearms and shooting that there is in America. Among my friends and colleagues very few have firearms or any interest in firearms.

[KMAX]

I blew up the photo and can't say definitely that any of the kids had a finger on the trigger. Muzzle discipline was not all that bad for a staged photo of a large group of kids, could have been better. It seems several assumptions have been made. These kids seem to handle their firearms better than a lot of "experienced" adults I see at the range. I am not saying their handling could not have been better, but it could easily have been worse. Anyway it is cool to introduce these kids to the shooting sport.

[Pond, James Pond]

The issue with kids and people in general in England and Germany is not getting firearms or having access to firearms, more that there just is not the same interest in firearms and shooting that there is in America. Among my friends and colleagues very few have firearms or any interest in firearms.

I'd bet that most kids, certainly boys, would like to have a crack at shooting if given the chance, but I agree that amongst adults there is a sizeable proportion that seems indifferent to guns.

To be fair, I was curious, but not especially engrossed by guns, until I fired some at a local range as part of my Dad's birthday present.

Since then my "condition" has deteriorated considerably and I can probably be classified as beyond help...

[Paul B.]

I have to agree with the comments on the first picture. If I commented, I'd just be repeating what everyone else has said.
Not sure of the relevency but about three months ago while at the range I was aproached by the Rangemaster with a problem. He had a group of Japanese gentleman who wanted to shoot some guns. Thee wee two Americans who furnished the firearms but realy had much of a clue a the guns were borrowed. The rangemaster knew that I was the firearms instructor in the Hunter Ed program so he asked if I would help out? I said OK and as you know, in the Japanese culture, if you're going to teach, you must demonstrate your skill first. I got to shoot all kinds of nice toys including a cool tricked out 1911, several other semi-autos, including sever versions of civilian style "assault weapons". I had a great time doing it and those Japanese gentlemen were happier than hogs in mud on a hot day shooting those guns. As you know, firearm ownership in Japan is very highly restricted. I wouldn't mind doing that more often if the chance shows up.
Glad to see tose kids had fun. That's what it's all about.
Paul B.

[alex0535]

German kids need to learn better muzzle control. Guns pointed in directions of heads and such. Its been said by multiple people, not saying anything that hasn't been said already.

Looks like they had fun, all's well that ends well I guess, glad no one got shot.

[Crankgrinder]

I cannot expect new shooters to know of the particulars of techniques and disciplines but i am glad each had a good experience and a safe one. I hope they spread the word that is known well to us all.

[Skans]

Among my friends and colleagues very few have firearms or any interest in firearms.

That's just because they've never had the opportunity to go to an outdoor range and try out different pistols and rifles. There's a reason why our ranges have so many guns to rent - many of the people renting them are from the UK.

[Pilot]

Aren't Germans required to do two years of military service when they are a certain age? I would assume the German military still uses guns, so they would get exposure there.

[mwells72774]

Originally Posted by Pilot

Aren't Germans required to do two years of military service when they are a certain age? I would assume the German military still uses guns, so they would get exposure there.

Close, the Swiss required it. Not sure if they still do.