What Age?

[Helmut]

I was wondering if there is a age limit to start shooting in USPSA? (how young?)

[Merlin Orr]

The info below is an excerpt from This Thread.

I feel very comfortable with the accuracy of Mr. McManus' answer.

"The Range M Cajun

Group: Classified

Posts: 633

Joined: 23-April 03

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Member No.: 2351

USPSA, as an organization, has no minimum age limit for competitors........

Troy

--------------------

Troy McManus

NROI RMI"

Edited January 28, 2006 by Merlin Orr

[stingerjg]

A friends daughter started when she was 10. She wasnt fast but she usually had better hits than the older shooters.

[Beethoven]

I started when i was 15. I have been shooting USPSA for about 6 months now at the club level. Super slow at first but i have gotten better. I usually finish in the top 10 now. I am planning on hitting some bigger matches this season though.

Edited January 28, 2006 by Beethoven

[davidball]

My son is 13 and started shooting matches last October. He had been shooting a pistol for almost two years. I had been instructing him on USPSA rules and safety (especially keeping his finger off of the trigger when moving, reloading, etc.) during that time. He's not fast, his accuracy is improving, and he is one of the safest shooters on any range, anywhere.

[Flyin40]

I was wondering if there is a age limit to start shooting in USPSA? (how young?)

When they can handle a firearm comfortably and be safe with it. The more familiar they are with the gun the better. Match nerves are bad enough but when you add in not really knowing what they are doing with the gun it becomes dangerous for all who are there.

I would go by this

1. Mental maturity of the youth. I have seen 8yr old act more mature than some 16 yr olds.

2. Ability to literally show firearm safety in practice.

3. The willingness to listen.

This is by no means a tell all list, just some things that I would look for if I were deciding to let a youth shoot.

I know for me I had a gun in hand at 7. My dad would make me walk ahead of him with a single shot broke open and empty. Only when we seen a squirrel and sneak up on it would he then hand me one shell for me to load. Then I would have to follow his instructions eg...solid hold on the hammer with thumb while cocking, finger off trigger, gun to the shoulder, bead on the squirrel and squeeze the trigger.

I don't think there is an actual age. It depends more on the person.

I just wouldn't want someone at the first match doing something unsafe and then the rest of the squad start yelling and ducking. The reactions of people might not be pleasant and might keep that young person from ever coming back. I have seen this happen though it was not USPSA.

On the plus side I think USPSA is one of the better places to start a young person at a local level. You could RO them to make them feel more comfortable while giving instructions like walking slow etc. I don't think anyone would mind coaching for this situation and I think everybody would probably volunteer to help them also.

Flyin40

Edited January 29, 2006 by Flyin40

[Helmut]

thanks folks for the info.........i have a 6 year old......he has been shooting since 4........but i wanted to give him a couple more years of practice......but he likes shooting my STI Edge 40. just a little big for his hands......probably a single stack to start off with in 9mm or 40.....in limited 10.....

Edited January 30, 2006 by Helmut

[kevin c]

i have a 6 year old......he has been shooting since 4...but he likes shooting my STI Edge 40...just a little big for his hands

Assuming you didn't mean 16 and 14, I am impressed!

[QQQQ]

There was a little guy at area 6 with a glock...I think he said he was 8...pretty cool....and just like any other shooter. Nice kid.

[dajarrel]

Well raised kids with parents that guide them well are always welcome at our range. We have a boy who at 8 was shooting with us and a girl sho started around 12. Only problem we ever had was when the girl was first starting she swept the crowd, was DQ'ed, cried and broke everyones heart and later apologized to all involved. She has been a model of safey since that time.

I have seen adults who didn't learn as fast.

Another problem is that sometimes, Saturday morning cartoons win out over going and shooting a match.

JMHO

dj

[Helmut]

i have a 6 year old......he has been shooting since 4...but he likes shooting my STI Edge 40...just a little big for his hands

Assuming you didn't mean 16 and 14, I am impressed!

yes that was 4 and 6.......but looking for what type of pistol that will fit is hands that has the functions that are needed for practice until he gets into a double stack 1911 or glock.......maybe a single stack 9mm.....still shopping

it was funny last week....of coarse he is my boy and i am proud of him.......he wanted to move up the 100yrd line with is cricket (little $90 22lr single shot rifle with iron sights with a short barrel). so when he got done with 50 yrds and holding his groups nice, watch all the things you need to watch (breathing, bracing, trigger, etc).......he was tagging the 100yrd target (10" green circle on paper) and only got 4 shots out of the green, the rest where in and 4 bulls.......i was proud of him....and that was out of 30 shots.......but the funny part was the guy in the stall next to him with a 30 cal rifle with a scope on it kept looking through his spotting scope and staring at my son.......we will say.....the scope guy was not doing as good......it just brought a smile to my face!

i shoot a limited JP ar15, and he does pretty damn good on steel plates with that also....but i will have build him one with a stubby stock....the a2 that i use is a little long for him......

since i shoot 3-gun.......after the pistol and practicing with that.....then i will have to find him a shotgun......

[Ron Ankeny]

Can a six year old youngster really navigate something like a 32 round field course with things like uprange movement, opportunities to break the 180, etc? I mean, I see plenty of adults having problems.

[Helmut]

Can a six year old youngster really navigate something like a 32 round field course with things like uprange movement, opportunities to break the 180, etc? I mean, I see plenty of adults having problems.

not at this time....i would agree with you on the age and a field coarse at this time.....but getting the basics of shooting/targets/reloads/studing coarses/positions/rules/etc. down, then by 9 or so.....start in on actually shooting field coarses.......

But the thing that we forget......kids are like sponges.......adults are not....when it comes to learning...(i know i am not)......i got started later in life and it was hard......i just want to get him started off right without falling into bad habits, then have to try and break him of those.

[Wildman]

I like to see youth get involved in any shooting sport, but remember that ours involves “running with scissors”. The real problem in our area is their adult companion. If you are not willing to RO and instruct them through the COF, others may be leery. Dad took one 8 year old through with a Mark II, did well, and had center hits on all the steel. They went down like dominos (a regular had earlier called for calibration on an edge hit. The rest of the club rode him unmercifully the rest of the day.)

Different day, different youth, got a limited rocking in his hand and emptied the mag into one target, grinning ear to ear. The adult companion was not too concerned, but the rest of the squad was.

Adults make the difference.

[Helmut]

I like to see youth get involved in any shooting sport, but remember that ours involves “running with scissors”. The real problem in our area is their adult companion. If you are not willing to RO and instruct them through the COF, others may be leery. Dad took one 8 year old through with a Mark II, did well, and had center hits on all the steel. They went down like dominos (a regular had earlier called for calibration on an edge hit. The rest of the club rode him unmercifully the rest of the day.)

Different day, different youth, got a limited rocking in his hand and emptied the mag into one target, grinning ear to ear. The adult companion was not too concerned, but the rest of the squad was.

Adults make the difference.

i am in total agreement.......when i feel that he is ready for his first match.....i will not let him shoot it unless i can RO him......of coarse clearing this with the match director prior to the match......and i honestly don't think that should be a problem......but also taking into consideration that i have coached him thoroughly prior that first match. a VERY active part, on my part is the key to my son's training and shooting.....if i did not have a active part and just let shoot, that would be idiotic!

[Bill Rosenthal]

My 10 year old daughter (at that time last year) shot a couple of stages at our club's tactical rifle match... AR and mags. There were swinging no-shoots and other moving targets. She didn't get any mikes or no-shoots. Mostly A's... and she didn't finnish last against the adults. Dawn is her name... Check out the names on the field!

1 Olhasso, David 54 GM Tactical 76 0 10.12 7.5099 80.0000 100.00%

2 Soltesz, John 26 A Open 80 0 11.54 6.9324 73.8481 92.31%

3 Staub, Dave 9 A Tactical 66 0 9.87 6.6869 71.2329 89.04%

4 Norman, Jim 48 A Tactical 76 0 11.74 6.4736 68.9607 86.20%

5 Smith, William 5 C Tactical 78 0 12.12 6.4356 68.5559 85.69%

6 Jauch, Steven 64 C Tactical 68 0 11.28 6.0284 64.2182 80.27%

7 Wiemer, Eric 47 B Tactical 74 0 12.37 5.9822 63.7260 79.66%

8 Lehman, Bill 11 B Tactical 72 0 12.07 5.9652 63.5449 79.43%

9 Marques, Dave 51 M Standard 70 10 10.19 5.8881 62.7236 78.40%

10 Tortorici, Nicholas 15 B Tactical 70 0 12.17 5.7518 61.2717 76.59%

11 Surko, Al 7 B Tactical 68 0 11.98 5.6761 60.4653 75.58%

12 Jow, Ronnieo 17 A Open 60 0 10.88 5.5147 58.7459 73.43%

13 Mastronardi, Louie 3 B Open 65 10 10.18 5.4028 57.5539 71.94%

14 Paquin, Todd 66 B Standard 72 0 13.64 5.2786 56.2308 70.29%

15 Schmaeling, George 19 B Standard 76 0 14.43 5.2668 56.1051 70.13%

16 Carrature, Mike 22 C Standard 54 0 10.29 5.2478 55.9027 69.88%

17 Thompson, John 4 U Standard 72 0 13.86 5.1948 55.3382 69.17%

Tie Smith, Richard 31 U Tactical 72 0 13.86 5.1948 55.3382 69.17%

19 Bautista, Christopher 58 U Open 64 0 12.38 5.1696 55.0697 68.84%

20 Marrocco, Dennis 24 A Open 54 0 10.54 5.1233 54.5765 68.22%

21 Burns, Chris 61 U Tactical 56 0 11.04 5.0725 54.0353 67.54%

22 Muller, Todd 63 C Tactical 66 0 13.27 4.9736 52.9818 66.23%

23 Realuyo, Al 6 B Tactical 59 10 9.99 4.9049 52.2500 65.31%

24 Rosenthal, Bill 46 B Tactical 62 0 13.41 4.6234 49.2513 61.56%

25 Fan, Alan 14 C Open 67 10 12.37 4.6079 49.0861 61.36%

26 Finnesey, Janet 27 C Tactical 76 0 16.77 4.5319 48.2765 60.35%

27 Reale, Joe 44 U Tactical 72 0 15.93 4.5198 48.1476 60.18%

28 Palumbo, Mike 29 U Tactical 80 10 15.49 4.5190 48.1391 60.17%

29 Coppola, Charles J. 12 A Tactical 64 0 14.17 4.5166 48.1136 60.14%

30 Vamalstune, Chuck 8 C Standard 70 0 15.64 4.4757 47.6779 59.60%

31 Ball, James 2 U Tactical 52 0 12.18 4.2693 45.4792 56.85%

32 Krams, Howard 52 B Standard 54 0 13.04 4.1411 44.1135 55.14%

33 Kogan , Felix 23 U Tactical 74 0 18.23 4.0592 43.2411 54.05%

34 de Vries, Matt 53 B Tactical 70 0 17.63 3.9705 42.2962 52.87%

35 Westock, Mike 37 D Tactical 74 10 17.19 3.7231 39.6607 49.58%

36 Gabrielescu, Vladimir 50 B Tactical 52 0 14.33 3.6288 38.6562 48.32%

37 Kides, Nick 39 U Tactical 66 0 18.35 3.5967 38.3142 47.89%

38 Habicht, Nikolas 56 C Tactical 72 0 20.27 3.5520 37.8381 47.30%

39 Fazio, Andrew 42 C Tactical 62 0 17.59 3.5247 37.5472 46.93%

40 LaSala, John 62 U Tactical 78 0 22.83 3.4166 36.3957 45.49%

41 Barry, Robert 38 A Tactical 62 20 12.53 3.3520 35.7075 44.63%

42 Post, George 40 C Standard 66 0 20.25 3.2593 34.7200 43.40%

43 Gilbert, Doug 59 C Tactical 78 0 24.66 3.1630 33.6942 42.12%

44 Rosenwald, Mark 57 C Tactical 58 0 18.70 3.1016 33.0401 41.30%

45 DiPilato, Vincent 34 D Tactical 74 0 25.50 2.9020 30.9139 38.64%

46 Fellini, Frank 20 B Standard 60 20 14.06 2.8450 30.3067 37.88%

47 Vaccazino, Michael 43 C Standard 53 10 15.26 2.8178 30.0169 37.52%

48 Dubrawe, Kyle 1 U Tactical 73 20 18.84 2.8132 29.9679 37.46%

49 Melisi, Maryann 10 D Standard 64 0 23.73 2.6970 28.7301 35.91%

50 Muller, Melissa 65 D Tactical 54 0 20.81 2.5949 27.6424 34.55%

51 Friedman, Gary 35 U Tactical 64 0 25.13 2.5468 27.1301 33.91%

52 Mazzella Sr., Frank 13 B Tactical 51 20 12.51 2.4780 26.3972 33.00%

53 Chotkowski, Dennis 36 U Tactical 70 0 29.00 2.4138 25.7133 32.14%

54 Ruoff, Scott 67 C Standard 62 20 18.86 2.2269 23.7223 29.65%

55 DiNapoli, Tony 18 C Open 49 20 13.21 2.1953 23.3857 29.23%

56 Port, Jay 16 B Standard 60 20 18.58 2.1529 22.9340 28.67%

57 Gillian, Frank 45 D Open 60 20 18.96 2.1097 22.4738 28.09%

58 Rosenthal, Dawn 49 U Tactical 64 0 40.35 1.5861 16.8961 21.12%

59 Rocha, Jo 30 A Tactical 53 30 16.00 1.4375 15.3131 19.14%

60 O Bolivar, Ramon 60 U Tactical 52 30 20.75 1.0602 11.2939 14.12%

61 Quale, Shaun 33 U Open 65 30 38.11 0.9184 9.7834 12.23%

62 Horwitz, Richard 32 C Standard 61 30 80.42 0.3855 4.1066 5.13%

63 Kuder, John 28 U Open 44 20 68.11 0.3524 3.7540 4.69%

64 Camean, Manny 21 C Open 44 40 16.77 0.2385 2.5406 3.18%

65 Turrin, Brent

[Bwana Six-Gun]

At our club we welcome any new shooter. The youngest so far is Sammie Moorer, Age 9. Her Mom, Dad, Older sister Amanda (who kicks butt in Open), and Older Brother Brandon, all started IPSC here at Magnolia Rifle & Pistol Club. She shoots a Walther .22 right now just for score, but when her dad finds a 9mm or other that will fit her small hands, she will be out there going against the rest of us. She is as safe as any shooter I have ever shot with and better than many of the "adults" that come to shoot. Bring on the young shooters, they are our future!!!!

[Bill Nesbitt]

i shoot a limited JP ar15, and he does pretty damn good on steel plates with that also....but i will have build him one with a stubby stock....the a2 that i use is a little long for him......

since i shoot 3-gun.......after the pistol and practicing with that.....then i will have to find him a shotgun......

The CAR collapsible stocks work well for youth.

[f250sd]

My six year old shoots my G34 airsoft with a heinie-dawson sight set up out of a blade-tech holster, in my garage uspsa stages, and with me at the local range where I practice. We take turns running drills. Its a real great tool for teaching gun safety, especially when movement and drawing is involved, as long as you treat it like a real gun, not a toy.