Training suggestion for young shooters

At the range today, second time this month, young children shooting with their 'responsible ' adults. No, I did not eat them, nor did I beat them, but I considered it.

The youngest of the five managed to the swing the muzzle of a closed bolt rifle past every member of his party, himself, and me within the first 30 seconds. The two 'adults' with the party didn't seem to notice.

This was just the first of many.... many.... safety offenses. I considered just leaving. I considered smacking around the 'adults'. I considered swiping their bolts while they were down range. A lot of scenarios went thru my mind, but clearly none would be productive no matter how entertaining they were.

Then that 'instructor' thing kicked in....... dang it, there goes the fun.

As I was packing up, I asked 'Dad' if he'd like a tip on teaching the younguns muzzle control.
He bristled but it couldn't stand up to my winning smile.... and my 6'2" 300 pound mean looking demeanor had nothing to do with it.

"When my boys were about his age, I got four or five foot wooden dowels from the hardware store. The real flimsy ones. I pulled the bolt on his rifle, stuck a dowel down the bore, and taped it in place. Then I had him carry his rifle around the house all day... and told him if the dowel got broken he couldn't go to the range next trip."

His kids were clearly thinking "Carry my rifle in the house? Cool!" and dad was laughing so hard he forgot to be defensive. "Great idea! I'll stop on the way home for a BUNCH of dowels!"


Not a bad idea.... wish I had thought of when I was teaching my kids....