A 10 year-old, 60 lb child can learn to shoot...and enjoy shooting... a 38 special. The only reason a new shooter would not wind up shooting a .38 (or more) is because they've been improperly introduced to firearms. They've been given other options even before they began...they've been led to believe that if they don't like the recoil then a .22 is an option.
A .22 is great for learning the mechanics of gun handling. Being able to shoot accurately while having fun is certainly a good thing. But carrying a gun for personal protection is a whole nuther matter. Not everyone has the mental make-up to take a person's life. And one carrying a concealed weapon should not be thinking they'll stop an aggressor with brandishing and intimidation. Waving a BB gun about has gotten many a punk killed. Giving another person a .22 for personal protection is terribly misguided. They've been done a grave disservice by a well-meaning coach who has placed a firearm in their hands that he personally, would not choose to stake his life on. But, hey, it doesn't kick so that's OK?
I disagree that "any" firearm is better that none. That may be true for the individual who's already competent with larger calibers and has the mindset and willpower necessary to take a life in defense of a life... but not someone who's afraid of recoil. Little guns are not beginners' guns, they are EXPERTS' guns. If a person can't "handle" a .38, they'd be better served with pepper spray.
If a man can't teach a new shooter to enjoy shooting a higher caliber, he should enlist a professional trainer rather than put something in their hand that will put their life at greater risk. IMO.
A .22 is great for learning the mechanics of gun handling. Being able to shoot accurately while having fun is certainly a good thing. But carrying a gun for personal protection is a whole nuther matter. Not everyone has the mental make-up to take a person's life. And one carrying a concealed weapon should not be thinking they'll stop an aggressor with brandishing and intimidation. Waving a BB gun about has gotten many a punk killed. Giving another person a .22 for personal protection is terribly misguided. They've been done a grave disservice by a well-meaning coach who has placed a firearm in their hands that he personally, would not choose to stake his life on. But, hey, it doesn't kick so that's OK?
I disagree that "any" firearm is better that none. That may be true for the individual who's already competent with larger calibers and has the mindset and willpower necessary to take a life in defense of a life... but not someone who's afraid of recoil. Little guns are not beginners' guns, they are EXPERTS' guns. If a person can't "handle" a .38, they'd be better served with pepper spray.
If a man can't teach a new shooter to enjoy shooting a higher caliber, he should enlist a professional trainer rather than put something in their hand that will put their life at greater risk. IMO.
