8 year olds should not be handling fire arms is they lack the means to control them. Should a kid play with a jackhammer, buzz saw or 20 lb sledge?
>Should a kid play with a 20 lb sledge?
Yes. (It’s a stick with a weight at the end for Christ’s sake!)
Next thing you know they’ll be wanting to ban sharpened sticks, like pencils, “for the safety” of children.
We had a single-shot .22 rifle in the family. I was allowed to shoot it when I could show that I had the strength and skill to lower the hammer gently, one-handed, with my thumb after it had been “cocked”.
>>8 year olds should not be handling fire arms is they lack the means to control them.<<
Depends on the firearm. I agree with you regarding the UZI, especially in auto mode.
And I think they do need adult supervision until they are, typically, ten or so. Depending on the child.
I think that depends on the child. That said, I wouldn’t let an 8 year-old handle an Uzi alone, let alone fire it, without spending A LOT of time making sure the child was ready.
I must assume you meant to say "as".
If, on the other hand, perhaps you meant to say "if"...in either case I relate the following:
I began shooting a .22 when I was five years old.
At age 8, I was shooting a Thompson MG, with a drum mag.
At age 12 I had the absolute enviable opportunity to go to the range with my uncles Army Reserve unit and shot a BAR.
(You could do things like that back in the '50's and '60's.)
The difference?
I was closely watched, intensely trained and encouraged to do as much as I felt I could do, after the power and capabilities of the weapon were shown to me.
There was always an adult next to me, ready to grab and slam if the need arose.
Of course, until I was older, I never really realized just how closely I was watched or how well I was trained.
Now, the child in question?
I don't know...nor would I venture a guess.
But if pressed, I think I would have to conclude that he most likely was not as well trained as he should have been...but I would have to say the same thing about an adult with full adult strengths and abilities.
It is what it is...an accident, probably preventable, but then, most accidents are preventable.
This one was particularly tragic and if I recall from an earlier story, there seemed to be some question about the child's ability/familiarization with the weapon, but was allowed to proceed, thus the "endangerment" or "recklessness" aspect of the suit.
Of course 8 year olds should handle fire arms. Single shot, bolt of lever action. No semi auto. Dad is standing behind him ensuring barrel control. No handguns only long barreled rifles. Auto? Semi auto? Pistols, revolvers or carbines no.