Gun Safety Training for Kids

[USCED]

Anyone know of good Gun safety course for kids? My boys are 8 and 11. I know the 11 year old can attend hunter safety and we will, but what else is there that I can include my 8 year old.

I bought my boys Marlin 795 (22LR) for Christmas, but before they touch them I wanted to get them some safety training besides what they got from me and Cub Scouts at the BB range.

They know the basics from Dad,
1) Always treat a gun as if it's loaded,
2) Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction (down range)
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot
4) Always be sure of your target and what's behind it
5) Never touch a gun without an adult (specially at a friends house if he wants to show you his dad's guns or if you find one notify an adult immediately etc)

Thanks!

[hip55]

I took my kids to the range and taught them those same crucial principles.

I also made sure to take some cans to shoot so that they could see some action.

Next time I'll take some fruit & charcoal briquetes for effect (take the AR too to demonstrate)

[StagLefty]

Having instructed in the Scout program for 15 years I can tell you the program advances with the age group-Cubs,Boy Scout, & Venture. BB's,Air guns,.22,shotgun,blackpowder,& pistol. If the boys are more mature I'd take them out and reinforce basic rules and go from there with skills. The BSA is a little restrictive in it's program due to age groups and of course liabilities. The 4H and some other groups also offer shooting programs. [Luck]

[USCED]

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the replies. I have been all the way through the scout training with both my sons and you're right a little restrictive. My real problem is my youngest...Left eye dominant right handed shooter...thinking about puting a piece of tape on his left lens to frce him to use the right...thoughts on that?

[StagLefty]

That particular problem came up all the time at the Scout range. My training says dominant eye rules the "handed" part. I myself am left eye dominant and right handed. I shoot long guns left handed because of my eye dominance and this is the natural body alignment. If your son is left eye dominant the natural way to teach him to shoot is left handed and due to his being young it's easier to teach him now. BUT that said I'm also aware that youngsters can actually change eye dominance while growing ! The idea of blocking his left eye is not the way to go. It always amazed me how adaptive the kids can be when the gun was shifted to the other side(dominant eye side) and not have a problem with it. [Luck]

[gnihcraes]

I put together a couple page document that covers the basics, the types of weapons and actions, pictures etc, and made the kids read it. PM me if you want a copy. It's by no means professional or 110% accurate, but it was a great start.