I was 11 when I got my Remington Nylon 66 22 rifle. Black with chrome trim and barrel. Had lots of fun hunting with my dad. It cost $44, half of which I mowed yards for a year to pay. Still have it and the memories. (and unfortunately can still taste some of the critters I shot and was forced to eat)
My Daughter was hunting with Me at an earlier age than this. I would think the weather was too rough for Her, and try to slip out, but I would hear those little feet hit the floor ready to go. She would also dig clams while up to the waist in cold mud. You are going to have a great time, Daughters make super hunting Buddies! Get ready for Her to out shoot You, can't beat those young eyes!This has nothing to do with growing up to be a lady, She will be a Lady with a rounded and balanced view of life.
I'm a gun nut if ever there were one, but I have to be honest and say that this doesn't strike me as a good idea. Something about giving an 11 year old girl her own rifle just doesn't feel right. Can't you purchase a rifle for her to use without making it "hers" until she's older?
Just make sure to instruct her, when she's shooting her first rifle, that you want to take the rifle just below the bolt. That's where the rifle's heart is, and you can usually cause the rifle to drop right there, instead of needing to track a wounded rifle through the brush.
Great choice, That's what I gave my 30 YOA daughter for Christmas. She tried a neighbor's and felt it was for her.
No matter how experienced you are, it would be a good idea to take an NRA safety course, also---
I started my 2 children shooting 22's when they were about 6. My son is now 22 and my daughter is 17. By the way, my daughter has always been the best shot in the family. A fact that has always driven my son up the wall.
You are the best judge of your child's maturity and ability, but there is no reason that an 11 year cannot safely use a firearm under adult supervision. Most kids who get started on shooting early under the care of a parent gain a better sense of responsibility than their non-shooting peers. I support your decision completely.
BTTT
I bought my son that rifle and he just loves it. He has to hide it from me because that is the first gun I'll grab if I'm going out plinkin'. If you are interested in getting your daughter into shooting but not hunting you should look into your local 4H shooting sports club.
Good choice in shootin' irons, TMS.
.22s can be a lot of fun. Cheap. Low recoil. Great for learning the fundamentals and hopefully instill a greater interest in larger calibers.
Don't be surprised if your daughter shoots well right off the bat, either. Most of the teenage girls I've watched at ranges appear more calm and deliberate behind a firearm than boys.
Boys seem to like the noise more than lining up a good shot.
I'm sure you'll have lots of quality Father/Daughter time with your Henrys.
Jack.