Children as young as 12 are shooting guns at a new firing range in Christies Beach in South Australia. But many parents are asking, would you really let your kids fire a gun?
“You are never too young to be educated about guns and the safety and the use of them,” owner Peter told Seven News.
Peter’s 12-year old daughter, Louise, already has a gun licence and is a regular at The Gunnery – Australia’s first digital live fire range.
“I definitely think it’s safe because of all the rules you have to follow,” she said.
A minors licence allows children to shoot on a range, however they can’t own a gun or buy ammunition until they are 18-years-old.
“We have very tight safety measures in place, which include tethering of the gun and also a restraint for the person. Not only does this provide a safe environment, but also helps a new shooter feel more comfortable,” Peter told Mamamia.
Kids as young as 10 years old can handle guns under the immediate supervision of an appropriately licensed adult, according to GunPolicy.Org.
“As the law states, a young person can shoot from the age of 12. We don’t actively encourage children to shoot, however if they have an interest or a want to try, we can provide a safe, supervised and secure environment,” said Peter.
“Every minor MUST have a parent with them at all times. Ultimately it is the parent’s/guardians choice if the child can shoot or not. We do limit the calibre on the guns minors can shoot.”
Top Comments
Yes, I would if they showed an interest in it. Provided that they had acquired a minors permit, were under my supervision and had showed a level of maturity which demonstrated them to be able to handle a firearm safely and proficiently.
This city raised gal who had never been in contact with a gun in the first 21 years of life moved to a rural area and found that target shooting is actually an enjoyable sport that requires a level of skill. I still have no desire to hunt or kill with them. Not everyone who comes in contact with guns becomes "indoctrinated" into an Americanised gun culture.
Australia is successful at gun control only in part because of stringent ownership laws. We lack the ingrained right in our culture to own and use weapons to resolve oppression or conflict. Most law abiding Australia gun owners would never entertain the thought of resolving a conflict with another person with firearms, gun ownership is a responsibility here rather than a right.
Controlled shooting ranges are a very good way to teach that responsibility to children who will be exposed to guns through their parents' sporting pursuits or rural lifestyle. At an appropriate age though, not in a younger child who lacks the impulse control to responsibly handle a gun.