to think an air rifle is not a suitable present for a 7 and 10 year old?

[notatthisage]

My kids have said their Dad is getting them an air rifle for Christmas.

H has confirmed he said this. He defended himself thus, ' They aren't allowed to own one till they are 18, so I will buy it and they will have it as a sharing present so that's ok.'

This makes no sense to me.

Our kids are not mature or sensible for their age. They love each other but also fight like crazy and properly hurt each other, quite often needing to be physically separated. They will use weapons against each other if they can. A rifle they are given as theirs is a disaster. Because it is a present they will expect, and will argue endlessly, for free access to it. If they are mad at each other, the one who has it in hand may actively hurt the other with it.

A rifle which their Dad owned and they were allowed limited access to it under close supervision may work. But this is not what they have been promised.

I grew up with them as have my children.

Used in the right setting and supervised they a great.

Used in an urban environment, unsupervised taking pot shots out of a bedroom window, they are a disaster waiting to happen.

There are plenty of other safer options for gun themed toys if he is not going to supervise them.

Sorry yes - I can’t edit the post for some reason.
‘Those below the age of 14 may shoot airguns only if closely supervised by someone over 21 years of age.’
So what you said for the Scouts etc.

Shooting Uk say…

• Airgun laws at different agesUnder 14 yearsAn air rifle can be used under supervision on private premises with permission from the occupier – normally the owner or tenant.
• The supervisor must be at least 21 years old.
• An air rifle or ammunition cannot be bought, hired or received as a gift, or shoot, without adult supervision.
• Parents or guardians who buy an air rifle for use by someone under 14 must exercise control over it at all times, even in the home or garden.
• 14-17 yearsAn air rifle and ammunition can be borrowed
• You can use an air rifle, without supervision, on private premises where you have permission
• You cannot buy or hire an air rifle, or ammunition, or receive one as a gift.
• Your air rifle and ammunition must be bought and looked after by someone over 18 – normally your parent, guardian or some other responsible adult.
• You cannot have an air rifle in a public place unless you are supervised by somebody aged 21 or over, and you have a reasonable excuse to do so (for example, while on the way to a shooting ground).

Mental idea.

This is exactly what I would do. I would report to the police that his intention is for them to own it. Let the police deal with him.

Is he off his head? There was a lad at my school who almost died when he brother accidentally shot him in the face with an air rifle. He was off for months recovering and it had lasting effects.

And that was in their teens, not at bloody 7 and 10.

What's wrong with getting them a Nerf Gun each like a normal human being?

Does this mean that their father is one of those dicks who likes taking pot shots at cats, by any chance?

We shoot in our family, including shotguns and fire arms, I love clay pigeon shooting! However there is no way I would have allowed my DCs to have an air rifle at 7, that is ridiculous.

Depends how they're going to be trained to use it and how it's going to be locked away, and RULES.
When our DS's were 8 and 9 and we lived in the middle of nowhere we all had air rifles. It was a fun family activity, pinning targets to posts and practicing shooting. In a safe, controlled environment.
The deal was that it only happened when accompanied by me or DH, and the guns were locked away at other times.
If your situation is going to be like the above with responsibility, then it's fine. I suspect this might not be what he's planning... 🙄🤔

Immature and irresponsible.

Ask him if he would be comfortable talking to the police about his decision as he obviously needs informing further on the dangers.

He sounds like an idiot and I wouldn’t honestly allow my children to see someone who thinks that’s normal behaviour.

Oh Christ. What is wrong with him?

I live in Northern Ireland and these rifles have to be licensed, for ADULTS. (Possibility of firing at police etc, I suppose). I am dumbfounded that anyone would actually buy one for a child.

My ex partner took my sons to the seaside one day and they came back with BB guns (aged 8 and 10). I'm afraid to say I put them both in the bin. It isn't worth the risk of someone being blinded, a neighbour/window being hit and the police getting involved, or an animal or bird being injured. Even used properly, they make a bloody mess and get plastic everywhere. The ones that take metal pellets - well, good luck with the lawnmower.

Are you separated from their dad? IF you live together, a proper gun cabinet where it can be locked away and used under his supervision might work - but if you are living apart don't let them go a house with a man with such a nonchalant attitude to their safety, because presumably it will be slung onto the back of a sofa or under a bed or somewhere stupid.

Children of that age don’t need an air rifle of their own. I’ve no issue with people shooting for target practice and the like, my son has done this - but I would be very surprised if this gun would be used under proper supervision. I wouldn’t want my kids near one until they showed they were mature enough to use them safely.

Would you give a 7 year old a javelin?