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I know it's pretty individual, but generally speaking, at what age do you think kids have the concentration and manual dexterity (and strength/size) needed to shoot a longarm.
Specifically, when I've been shooting my new air-rifle , my eldest (5.5yrs) is very interested in what I'm doing. Seems she'd like to have a go and I have let her squeeze the trigger when I've sighted in the rifle on a suitable target.
A firearm is out of the question but a small break action airgun like mine could be an option, but I'm worried I may be over-estimating her abilities.
She's very smart for her age and is very conscientious and she's already familiar with the principles of firearm safety, but then again she's just a little girl and will have breaks in concentration etc and will struggle to hold a rifle, even if I look for a kid's one.
Thoughts?
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Sounds like both you and her are on track! I would say start as soon as she is interested commensurate with her abilities to follow directions. I got both my daughters started early shooting with me whenever they would would come out to the range. I started them out with their own Avanti 750 air rifle with a pellet catch and targetry when they turned 8 years old. They learned safety, fundamentals, and ended up on their High School JROTC Rifle teams. The oldest is in college now and just got an ROTC scholarship.
I might have to put on the old uniform and salute my oldest daughter as she walks across that commissioning stage soon, LOL.
My youngest likes shooting but has found her passion in archery. Both have learned valuable life skills of independence thinking, good judgement, and responsibility that comes with any shooting sport.
Starting them early and right leads to a life long appreciation