Do you allow your kids to shoot muzzleloaders?
#1
Do you allow your kids to shoot muzzleloaders?
Thanks for your patience with all these new questions...lol
We know as adults that kids mature at different rates and responsibilities come with demonstration of maturity. A 15-year-old can act like a 21-year-old and vise verso.
However, it would be great to get an idea (a template) of when you would allow a youth to load his own muzzle loader? Without babying?
The reason we ask: My children took the hunters safety course and passed last year, yet no mention of how to use BP was covered. So it was hard for me to get an idea of what averages might be out there? (yes the parent is the most responsible for instilling values as well as thorough training for life's ventures.)
My kids shoot shotguns and center-fires responsibly. But I am extra nervous when it come to loading smoke pole. Why?
Out of 40 shots I loaded the other day, 3 felt very strange going down the bore. It was so ever slight. Yet, when we would pull the sabot and bullet they were not firmly together.
The the ram rod was grabbing the longer black sabot before bullet contact. They were not together. I also worry about a double load. I even forget when chatting with friends while shooting. Marking my ram rod really helps.
I guess when they get drivers license that is more dangerous, but driving is necessary..lol
D
We know as adults that kids mature at different rates and responsibilities come with demonstration of maturity. A 15-year-old can act like a 21-year-old and vise verso.
However, it would be great to get an idea (a template) of when you would allow a youth to load his own muzzle loader? Without babying?
The reason we ask: My children took the hunters safety course and passed last year, yet no mention of how to use BP was covered. So it was hard for me to get an idea of what averages might be out there? (yes the parent is the most responsible for instilling values as well as thorough training for life's ventures.)
My kids shoot shotguns and center-fires responsibly. But I am extra nervous when it come to loading smoke pole. Why?
Out of 40 shots I loaded the other day, 3 felt very strange going down the bore. It was so ever slight. Yet, when we would pull the sabot and bullet they were not firmly together.
The the ram rod was grabbing the longer black sabot before bullet contact. They were not together. I also worry about a double load. I even forget when chatting with friends while shooting. Marking my ram rod really helps.
I guess when they get drivers license that is more dangerous, but driving is necessary..lol
D
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,037
I don't use sabots much anymore but I use to have a few sabot/bullet combos where the jag would get between the bullet and the sabot and I was afraid I was pulling it a bit off the charge when removing the range rod. Solution for me was either to use a shorter sabot or a different jag.
As far as the kids go I think it just depends on the individuals. Some 13 to 15 year olds are plenty mature enough to muzzleload on their own, I also know some people in their 30's who aren't ready.
Working with them you should get a good idea how much rope to give them.
Just my thoughts.
Art
As far as the kids go I think it just depends on the individuals. Some 13 to 15 year olds are plenty mature enough to muzzleload on their own, I also know some people in their 30's who aren't ready.
Working with them you should get a good idea how much rope to give them.
Just my thoughts.
Art
#4
Shooting is one thing.. loading them quite another. I've seen 8 year old boys shoot muzzleloaders, but when young people load them in my presence, I watch them like a hawk.
What I might suggest is if the young person is interested. Teach them a class yourself. Get them to the range. Load in front of them and explain step by step what your doing, why your doing that, and what you're feeling. After a few times of showing them, let them try loading under your supervision. Explain to them what they should be feeling. Explain the witness marks, etc.. When you're satisfied, that they handle the rifle properly, then you will also feel better about them doing it without your supervision. Be sure to explain to them that if something does not feel right.. STOP! Make sure you are 100% positive that the rifle is loaded properly.
What I might suggest is if the young person is interested. Teach them a class yourself. Get them to the range. Load in front of them and explain step by step what your doing, why your doing that, and what you're feeling. After a few times of showing them, let them try loading under your supervision. Explain to them what they should be feeling. Explain the witness marks, etc.. When you're satisfied, that they handle the rifle properly, then you will also feel better about them doing it without your supervision. Be sure to explain to them that if something does not feel right.. STOP! Make sure you are 100% positive that the rifle is loaded properly.
#5
Let them shoot - after thorough instructions of course. Sounds like you even need some discipline when it comes to loading and shooting. I want absolutely zero distractions when loading and shooting. Talking and joking only during a break. Even then you have a lot of thoughts running through your mind about adjusting sights, how much powder, seating depth, etc. It is very easy to dry ball a bullet or something else.
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Yucca Valley,Ca
Posts: 2,496
My 9 year old shoots the youth model wolverine .50 cal,.250 gr Deep curls with 65 gr pyrodex and loves it. i still load the rifle for safety purposes.when he's a bit older i will let him load it himself with (DAD looking on closely..) Ray
#10
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Boncarbo,Colorado
Posts: 9,186
My 11 year old niece shooting my new Optima with 110gr blackhorn and the 250gr Powerbelt Aerolites. She only took one shot but wants to shoot it more the next time shes over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp2YiHdSFzI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp2YiHdSFzI