by Kelly Reeves
The careful aim, the slow squeeze of the trigger, the “TINK” of the impact, then the excitement of seeing the can flipping through the air …. that’s what smiles are made of.
Introducing kids to the world of shooting sports, especially ‘plinking’ with .22 rifles, can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. Plinking, the casual shooting of small targets like cans, water filled bottles, balloons, spinners, or paper targets, is a long held tradition for generations of many families. It’s a fun and relaxed way for young shooters to learn about firearm safety, develop marksmanship skills, and enjoy the satisfaction of hitting a target.
However, getting kids started with plinking requires more than just handing them a .22 rifle and setting up some cans. Responsible gun ownership, particularly when children are involved, starts with a thorough understanding of safety. Teaching young people to respect firearms and approach shooting with caution and responsibility is crucial. Beyond that, understanding how to gradually build their marksmanship skills can transform an ordinary day at the range into a lifelong passion for shooting sports.
Safety First !
When introducing kids to firearms, the first and most important aspect is safety. Firearms, including the .22 rifle, are tools that require respect and a clear understanding of their capabilities. Children should be taught that guns are not toys, and the rules surrounding their safe use are non-negotiable. Before they ever touch a rifle, they must be familiar with basic firearm safety principles.
One of the most effective approaches to firearm safety is to adopt the same standards that experienced shooters follow. The four fundamental rules of gun safety, as laid out by organizations like the NRA and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), form the cornerstone of teaching kids firearm safety. These rules are: always treat every gun as if it’s loaded, never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire, and be aware of your target and what’s beyond it. Instilling these principles early will ensure they become second nature to young shooters, creating a foundation for safe habits that last a lifetime.
Shooter safety also requires a few personal safety items for not only the shooter, but anyone else who occupies the firing range. Safety glasses offer a degree of protection from flying debris, gunpowder, and gasses. In the event of a catastrophic failure of the firearm, a pair of quality safety glasses can save the shooter’s eyesight. Next of importance is ear protection. Ear protection is something that I waited much too late in life to start using, and now pay for with a great degree of hearing loss. I now use electronic noise cancelling ear buds that have digital hearing enhancement and Bluetooth capabilities. They muffle the report (BANG!) of the rifle and amplify voices and lower decibel sounds making hearing the instructor very easy.Everyone on the range should have their own hearing protection and use it properly.
It’s important for parents to model these behaviors themselves. Kids are more likely to remember these safety rules if they see their parents consistently practicing them. Even when a rifle is unloaded, demonstrating proper handling procedures reinforces the seriousness of these tools. Parents should always explain why these rules are in place, emphasizing that these habits aren’t just about their safety but also the safety of others.
Which Rifle for Beginners?
Choosing the right rifle for a young shooter is an important step. The .22 caliber rifle is ideal for beginners for a number of reasons. The ammunition is relatively inexpensive, which makes it perfect for target shooting without the worry of excessive costs. More importantly, the .22 has low recoil and report, meaning it’s manageable for young shooters who are still building their confidence. Heavy recoil can be intimidating, even painful, especially for beginners, so a lighter-caliber gun allows for repeated practice without discomfort or fear. A loud report can cause new shooters to develop a flinch or jerk of the trigger causing poor accuracy. Poor shooting habits are very difficult to correct so it is much easier to prevent them from ever starting.
There are various types of .22 rifles on the market, but single-shot, bolt-action rifles are a popular choice for kids just starting out. These rifles allow for single-shot firing, which forces young shooters to slow down, focus on each shot, and develop discipline and muscle memory. Semi-automatic rifles can be introduced later, but initially, bolt-action rifles encourage a measured pace and thoughtful marksmanship, which is essential in those first stages of learning.
The single shot, bolt action rifles are used by both 4H Clubs, and Boy Scouts in their events. The advantages are that they are affordable, reliable, accurate and can be easily loaded by young shooters. If the bolt is open, a quick glance will confirm that it is unloaded since there is no magazine involved.
Additionally, can control the ammunition providing only one round at a time as the child shoots.This adds multiple layers of redundancy to the safety practices.
In addition to the type of rifle, size and fit are crucial. A rifle that is too large or too heavy will be difficult for a child to handle safely and effectively. Many manufacturers make youth-sized .22 rifles with shorter stocks and lighter weights designed specifically for smaller shooters. The goal is to find a rifle that your child can handle comfortably and safely. A good fit will make the shooting experience more enjoyable, and speed up the learning curve and success rate. I’ll also add that whatever rifle you decide to use with a new shooter, make sure it is a quality made firearm that operates properly, and shoots accurately. A poorly performing rifle, or one that is not properly sighted in will take the fun out of shooting for the beginner. Giving the kids a poorly performing rifle is handicapping them from the beginning.
Once your child understands safety protocols and has a properly fitted rifle, it’s time to start teaching basic marksmanship. Patience is key. Unlike video games or movies where shooting is often portrayed as easy, real-life shooting requires focus, technique, and practice. Start with small, manageable goals, such as hitting a simple target at a relatively close range.
Begin by teaching them how to properly hold the rifle. For smaller children, it may take some time to find the right balance of grip and posture. Encourage them to keep their elbows tucked in and the butt of the rifle snug against their shoulder. Proper body position helps manage the rifle’s recoil and ensures a steady shot.
Next, work on sight alignment and trigger control. Explain how aligning the front and rear sights is key to accurate shooting, and how even small movements can throw off a shot. The sight picture, sight alignment skills are sometimes difficult to explain to younger shooters, and more difficult for them to master, causig them to lose interest. Kids who have difficulty seeing some degree of success may lose interest very quickly. Today’s children, raised in the digital generation, may have much more early success with one of the many low cost Red Dot sights available today. They make it much easier to get on target and stay on target for a successful shot. This will help ensure that they stay interested in shooting long enough to develop more advanced iron sight accuracy as their skills progress.
When it comes to the trigger, kids should be taught to squeeze it gently, not jerk or pull. Smooth, controlled movements are the base of good marksmanship, and young shooters should learn that firing a gun requires steady, measured actions.
Distance is another critical factor. Start at close distances, around 15-20 yards, and gradually increase the distance as their skills improve. Hitting a target consistently builds confidence, so it’s better to start close and work your way out rather than setting up a target that’s too far away. Missing frequently can lead to frustration, especially for younger shooters.
Make It Fun and Engaging
Plinking should be fun, and turning it into an enjoyable experience can help keep kids interested. While paper targets are a great way to teach precision, mix things up by setting up reactive targets, like tin cans, water bottles (food coloring in the water adds a little excitement), clay pigeons, spinning targets, or balloons. The immediate feedback from seeing a target fall or burst can be incredibly satisfying for young shooters. The sound of a tin can toppling over or the splash of a water-filled target adds a playful element to the session, keeping it engaging. One of my favorites for kids is a target hanging from the clapper of a hanging bell. Each successful strike of the target pays off with a ring of the bell.
A variety of targets also helps improve different shooting skills. Paper targets focus on precision, while reactive targets teach kids to adjust for size, shape, and movement. Setting up a range of targets at different distances and heights can challenge your child’s skills while keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
Another way to keep kids engaged is through positive reinforcement. Praise their progress and celebrate theiachievements, whether it’s hitting a difficult target or improving their aim. Avoid putting too much pressure on performance, especially in the early stages. The goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable environment where learning and fun go hand in hand.
Instill Responsibility and Respect
Alongside teaching marksmanship and safety, it’s essential to instill a sense of responsibility in young shooters. Gun ownership comes with significant responsibilities, and children should be aware of that from the start. This includes understanding that firearms are not toys, and they should never be handled without proper supervision. Establish clear rules for when and where they can use their rifle, and emphasize that they should never touch a gun without an adult present.
Teach them the importance of proper storage, explaining why firearms should always be locked up when not in use. Consider involving your child in the storage process, such as helping you secure the rifle in a gun safe, so they can see the importance of this step firsthand. This reinforces the idea that guns are serious tools and need to be treated with respect.
As kids become more proficient with their shooting, you can expand their knowledge by teaching them how to clean and maintain their rifle. Show them once, then watch them clean one on their own. Understanding the mechanics of a firearm, and the care it requires, deepens their appreciation and respect for the sport. It also provides an opportunity to bond over the shared task, further enriching the experience.
Plinking with .22 rifles can be a great beginning to a lifelong love of shooting sports. Whether your child moves on to more competitive forms of shooting, such as precision rifle shooting or small-bore competitions, or simply enjoys the occasional plinking session, the skills they learn early on will stay with them. Encouraging kids to take part in organized shooting sports, such as 4-H Shooting Sports or local youth shooting clubs, can be a great way to nurture this interest. These programs often provide structured training, competitions, and the opportunity to meet other young shooters. You know what else? Most of the professional shooters, hunters, exhibition shooters and such got their start plinking on a farm somewhere!
Ultimately, starting kids off with plinking and a .22 rifle is about more than just hitting targets. It’s about teaching them safety, responsibility, discipline, and respect. By making the experience fun and educational, you’re laying the groundwork for a healthy relationship with firearms that can last a lifetime. With the right approach, plinking can become a cherished tradition for your family, bringing generations together around the joy of shooting sports.
