What age do you train your kids and allow them access to lethal home defense weaponry?

Pretty simple discussion- Given the current climate in 2020 and seemingly expanding threat matrix, at what age would you train your kids in home defense and give them access to the tools necessary to complete the task?

We have all seen the stories about the young teen home alone or with siblings who have defended themselves successfully- When do you make that possible for your family? Or do you believe such action are irresponsible are more likely to result in tragedy?

Longgun or Handgun? CO law specifically allows for youth handgun possession "When on property under the control of the person's parent, legal guardian or grandparent with the permission of such person's parent, legal guardian or grandparent; or when at the person's residence, with the permission of the person's parent or legal guardian, for the purpose of lawful self-defense."

Please comment and discuss.

My son is only 6, but I’m thinking 15 or 16.

My Dad taught my older sisters and myself very young how to handle a firearm. I was six the first time I shot his Western Field (Montgomery Wards) .22 bolt action. We always knew where the guns were and that we weren't allow to touch them except in an emergency.

Having guns in the house wasn't a big deal. We know where the bullets were and how to load and shoot them safely. Never really gave it much thought as a kid. Granted, there wasn't the constant barrage of gun hysteria in the mid 70's that there is today.

And when I was 10 and got my very own .22 lever action, I was in Heaven!

I say, the sooner the better. Kids exposed to firearms early won't have to have any biases broken.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Old...DSC00037-M.jpg

8 year old nephew shooting clay pigeons with a BB gun. Kid went on the be a helicopter paramedic in the Army.

Trained my son to use an AR both stationary and on the move at age 8. Handgun training around 10 and he knows the rules of engagement for accessing the revolver when we are out. He is 15 now and is my assistant when I teach scouts for the rifle and shotgun merit badges.
They need to learn at the youngest age possible.

I've been wondering this myself, good feedback here. My girlfriend has a 4 year old daughter. I'm a bit worried the GF is slightly anti-gun from some older Facebook posts, but it hasn't come up yet. If they eventually move in with me, I plan on introducing the girl to the guns in a "I will gladly show you them whenever you want, but you must not touch them on your own" sort of way, then when she's a bit older teaching her how to shoot.

There's a difference between recreational shooting and training for self/home defense. They should watch Home Alone and A Christmas Story, that'll learn em.

There is a total different REALM between taking junior out to shoot some pop cans and giving them training/access to weapons for defense. In my case, that happened at age 13 to 14, including revolver, break-shotgun and bolt action rifle.

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Originally Posted by RblDiver

I've been wondering this myself, good feedback here. My girlfriend has a 4 year old daughter. I'm a bit worried the GF is slightly anti-gun from some older Facebook posts, but it hasn't come up yet. If they eventually move in with me, I plan on introducing the girl to the guns in a "I will gladly show you them whenever you want, but you must not touch them on your own" sort of way, then when she's a bit older teaching her how to shoot.

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With all due respect, I can't imagine I would "go steady" with a gal, let alone be talking about having her move in with me, and not know where she stood on important issues.


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I tend to think that as soon as they're strong enough to reliably control the action and recoil. I've seen youth 'shooting stands', that's essentially a vertical 2x2 with a series of horizontal holes and a moveable dowel through the appropriate height hole to help youngsters hold up a rifle.

I think it really depends on the child. There are many adults my age (58) that I wouldn't want to know where my firearm is stored in the house. I also know many teenagers that likely could be trusted. "Access" requires thoughtfulness, maturity and the ability to logically and quickly make decisions. In my opinion you really need to evaluate each child individually and make a decision based upon their individual "worthiness".