Teenagers First Gun

[whumble]

Just purchased a Walther P22, took it to range and really like it. Just want to get feedback cause my 2 16 year old daughters finally want to learn to shoot after years of begging them to learn. So give me your thoughts good and bad about this as a first gun. thanks all

[TxRVer]

I'm not familiar with that particular handgun, but what could be a better starter than a .22?

[Zee]

I started my son with a .22 Ruger when he was about 9. I wanted to avoid any negative part of the experience. I thought the Colt Commander would freak him out. At 9 he was just thrilled to be there with his little pistola. Now at 13 he has stepped up to a 45 but I think that's partly due to easing him into it without the noise and kick.

[joe817]

I think the .22 cartridge is THE perfect starter caliber for a beginner. That's how I started, albeit with a s.s.rifle.

I really can't comment on the gun choice though. Is it single action, or double action only?

[whumble]

Is it single action, or double action only?

Both DA/SA

[Salty1]

Personally I would start with a single shot 22 rifle, easy to teach muzzle control and learning how to line up sights. The single shot will give them lots of practice with loading ammo and keep their interest, an added plus is shooting cans and plinking at various distances, as an added bonus you could let then take a few shots with a handgun at the end of the day. I believe every house needs a 22 rifle anyway so here is an opportunity to add one "for the kids"

[Crossfire]

The P22 is a perfect starter gun for teenage girls! It is not as heavy as the Ruger 22s, so they won't get tired holding it. Even though the gun is light, the 22 won't have much kick, so they shouldn't be afraid of it.

Just make sure you use proper ear protection. Young ladies, especially, tend to be noise conscious. Oh, and the behind the head muffs don't mess up your hair nearly as much as the over the head kind. Just saying, ya know, in case you were shopping.

[CompVest]

+1 for what Crossfire said. The P22 is fun to shoot cool looking and holsters can be found for them.

[TDDude]

Personally I would start with a single shot 22 rifle, easy to teach muzzle control and learning how to line up sights.

If your girls have no experience with a firearm, I think it would be much wiser to start them off with a bolt action .22. Its much easier to teach safety with a rifle. A rifle is much easier to control. Muzzle discipline is much easier to teach and you as the teacher won't have to keep as close an eye on things.

I purchased a Romanian Training Rifle about 8 years ago for the express purpose of teaching my kids to shoot. I still see that rifle on Gunbroker and they are right around 100 bucks. Its a magazine fed bolt action with a two-stage mauser type trigger. Mine is very accurate although the sights are not that great.

I started all my kids by only letting them put one round in the mag so Viola, single shot bolt action.

Aside from that, the P22 is a great little pistol. I had one but I didn't care for it simply because it was too small and felt funny in my hand.

Once your girls get the rifle safety mastered, the P22 would be a great next step.

[CompVest]

I would agree with the rifle as a starting gun if the girls were quite young but they are 16 years old. I have started many teenage shooters with handguns. If the young ladies are interested in shooting for personal defense as well as fun, handguns are a fine place to start.

[paadams]

I have a P22 and love it. I've taught several girls to shoot with it. It's the perfect size for a beginner. Congrats on an excellent choice.

[whumble]

I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts. Sorry i didnt mention they have several rifles they shoot on regular basis, one of them even shoots my 30.06 almost as good as me, i think she might even be better than me if she had alittle more weight on her so she could control it better. She is very petite 4'11 maybe 90 lbs They are now wanting to learn how to shoot pistols. The brave one wants to start with my S&W 500 10 1/2" BBL "rlol"not going to happen!!!!!

[RECIT]

If they are already familiar with gun safety and sight alignment then I think the P22 is an excellent choice for a starter.

[asleepatthereel]

Some of you might find this as hard as I do to believe, but both my daughter and my niece were in the Army, and they dont have any handgun training in basic anymore. My niece had to wait till AIT to get her quals with the M9 and that was only because her MOS was MP. My daughter didnt get any training at all. I guess they just give a familiarity course. Anyhow, they both knew how to handle handguns before basic because they have been shooting with me for a long time. Coincidentally, the pistol they would shoot with me was my berretta 92, AKA, the M9. They both did well with it even though as far as I know, its the smallest handgun either of them had handled and size-wise, its a big pistol. They were also both required to break it down and clean it after range day. That 92 now belongs to my niece, who was blown up three times patrolling the streets of Baghdad. When the funds become available, Ill have one for my daughter as well.

I would suggest taking your teen to a range where you can rent guns, and rent a 92. Lots of folks, me included, have their reservations about the 9mm. For a training gun the 92/M9 gets my vote. You can get a cheaper one made by Taurus that is almost identical to the berretta, I think its the PT92.

[Crossfire]

The brave one wants to start with my S&W 500 10 1/2" BBL "rlol"not going to happen!!!!!

Yeah, probably not top of the list for starter pistols! However, I taught a Basic Pistol class yesterday and 2 different women showed up with brand new, in the box, Taurus Judge pistols. Talk about ambitious! And, before the day was over, they were both shooting them well!