Age-appropriate

When should I buy my child their first gun? They love shooting and I want to do everything to encourage them.

Tony says: Having their own gun that fits will help them shoot well, but you haven’t said how old they are. Children mature at different rates and their first gun should be one that encourages them to progress. They need to be able to understand how potentially dangerous a gun can be and be able to hold the gun without leaning back to counteract its weight. As a guide, around the age of 10 seems to suit many, but I have seen great results with children that start a little older. A .410 with an alloy action and short barrels could be a good first gun. The length of the stock should be cut to enable them to mount the gun consistently, and the offcuts kept to be added back on as the child grows.

Training your spaniel to hunt close gives you more chance of connecting if it puts up a bird

Around 10 years old seems to be a good age for a first gun