76,

".....my 10 year old son who has never shot anything more than a bb-gun."

".......... I am trying to maximise my sons potential."



Most shooting instructors will tell you in order to learn the fundamentals, start with a unloaded rifle that "fits" the shooter well.

Practice the sequence of proper shooting form using "snap caps" (also the time for the safety lessons).


Most young hunters learned with a .22 Long Rifle, or now-a-days maybe a .17 HMR = both have zero recoil.

Use ear plugs AND ear muffs.


Even moving up to a .223, .22-250 or a 20 gauge can be intimidating to the first time shooter.

If you take your time and do this right during the introduction period, he will have developed solid shooting skills that will last his lifetime !

Otherwise, he will only learn to flinch; which he will either fight for the rest of his life or just not want to shoot anymore.


Food for thought.