SB 6281 Would Allow Hunter Ed Instructors to Require Live-Fire Training 4 Minors

[bigtex]

I prefer everything to be uniform. Either everybody statewide shoots, or nobody shoots.

Agree. Thus, a no vote.

This would make it consistent so why a "no" vote?

Read the bill, this would not make it consistent. The bill says it is up to the instructor if they want minors to fire or not.

[j_h_nimrod]

My apologies, I misread the OP. I though it was saying that live fire would be required for passing not the discretion of the instructor. I do not see what this would fix now, why do we need this exactly then?

[Bob33]

It will be one more very significant task for instructors to deal with: looking at Grandpa's WWII surplus rifle that hasn't been taken care of, and trying to explain to the boy and his angry Mom why he can't shoot it.

As for making live fire mandatory: quite a few programs do not have access to a shooting facility.

[danderson]

I agree with Bob, we have never allowed students to bring in any firearms into the classroom or bring there own personal firearms or ammunition for the live fire portion, we are not certified gunsmiths and will not take in any undue liability.

[bearpaw]

It will be one more very significant task for instructors to deal with: looking at Grandpa's WWII surplus rifle that hasn't been taken care of, and trying to explain to the boy and his angry Mom why he can't shoot it.

As for making live fire mandatory: quite a few programs do not have access to a shooting facility.

I like the bill because it allows instructor discretion. Therefore instructors who want to have their students live fire have the option, they could also decline live fire if they feel a weapon is unsuitable or if they do not have a range for their course.

I agree with these thoughts:

The instructor should be able to ask anyone of any age to live fire.
The instructor should be able to decline a firearm.
The instructor should be able to decline live fire unless using factory ammo.

I voted yes, but encourage that the law should apply to all ages.

[pianoman9701]

"Not sure why this would only include juveniles though. Bob, that is why the gun would be "inspected". I do think they should require factory manufactured ammo though."

Lokidog I'm not advocating for or against this. I'm only pointing out that current policy prohibits it. I do think it increases the risk of firearm failure. Do you believe most instructors can inspect visually a firearm which may be very old and in poor condition, and ensure it is safe?

I don't think personal firearms should be allowed. I agree it increases the opportunity of failure and that would come back on the instructor regardless of circumstance.

[pianoman9701]

It will be one more very significant task for instructors to deal with: looking at Grandpa's WWII surplus rifle that hasn't been taken care of, and trying to explain to the boy and his angry Mom why he can't shoot it.

As for making live fire mandatory: quite a few programs do not have access to a shooting facility.

This is very true. Where we live fire it's a shotgun only range and a 410 is used for the live fire. Allowing personal firearms wouldn't work. Most young kids are shooting .22s or another rifle.

[bearpaw]

It will be one more very significant task for instructors to deal with: looking at Grandpa's WWII surplus rifle that hasn't been taken care of, and trying to explain to the boy and his angry Mom why he can't shoot it.

As for making live fire mandatory: quite a few programs do not have access to a shooting facility.

This is very true. Where we live fire it's a shotgun only range and a 410 is used for the live fire. Allowing personal firearms wouldn't work. Most young kids are shooting .22s or another rifle.

Because the language says it's discretionary, it would be up to the instructor if they even wanted to do live fire.

[lokidog]

It will be one more very significant task for instructors to deal with: looking at Grandpa's WWII surplus rifle that hasn't been taken care of, and trying to explain to the boy and his angry Mom why he can't shoot it.

As for making live fire mandatory: quite a few programs do not have access to a shooting facility.

This is very true. Where we live fire it's a shotgun only range and a 410 is used for the live fire. Allowing personal firearms wouldn't work. Most young kids are shooting .22s or another rifle.

Because the language says it's discretionary, it would be up to the instructor if they even wanted to do live fire.

Isn't it already discretionary?  Some seem to do it and some don't.

[wildweeds]

Course I took in 1981 was live fire and right here in washington,the weapons were supplied and the live fire drill was with a bolt action .22 and a single shot 20 guage.Paper target on .22 and a straight away clay pigeon for the shotgun.Each person got 5 rounds with each.There might have been a total of 10 in that class I took.

[Curly]

Course I took in '78 had no requirement for shooting.  It was only classroom instruction.  Seemed adequate to me....... 

[lokidog]

1998 or so to 2004 or so, the team I taught with in Lacey did live fire with .243s and 12 or 20 g shotguns.  I think everyone was required to shoot and they had to at least hit the berm with the rifle.  It was tough for the smaller framed shooters, especially the shotgun.  I didn't think it was quite fair to require a kid to shoot a gun that was too big for them. 

[BigGoonTuna]

i took the online course with the field evaluation, our instructor encouraged us to bring our own guns but it was not required.  he supplied a 20 gauge and a .223 bolt action.

[Bob33]

1998 or so to 2004 or so, the team I taught with in Lacey did live fire with .243s and 12 or 20 g shotguns.  I think everyone was required to shoot and they had to at least hit the berm with the rifle.  It was tough for the smaller framed shooters, especially the shotgun.  I didn't think it was quite fair to require a kid to shoot a gun that was too big for them.

Our program just secured three youth sized .22 rifles. I think it will help the smaller shooters.

[bearpaw]

1998 or so to 2004 or so, the team I taught with in Lacey did live fire with .243s and 12 or 20 g shotguns.  I think everyone was required to shoot and they had to at least hit the berm with the rifle.  It was tough for the smaller framed shooters, especially the shotgun.  I didn't think it was quite fair to require a kid to shoot a gun that was too big for them.

Our program just secured three youth sized .22 rifles. I think it will help the smaller shooters.

That's awesome Bob, it would be nice to see other programs get some youth guns as well.