I had not talked to my daughter about her going shooting with me for some time. Mostly because during the summer, I get bitten by the fishing bug, so I rarely use my spare time to shoot (if I lived on some land, that would be different!!). Now that I’ve been bitten by the gun and deer bug again, I have been shooting a couple of times. Just in conversation, I told Gretchen that I would like her to come with me some time soon, and she got a big smile on her face and said, “You need to get me some ear plugs.” LOL That’s enough for me. If things don’t go well or I determine thru our preparation time that she’s not ready, we’ll postpone.

Before we go, I’m going to have her recite some basic gun safety rules to me until she’s got them down. Then we’re going to do some dry firing from our kitchen table “bench” to put those rules into practice. When I feel like she’s good to go, we’ll be off and shooting!

If you think she's ready, get her a BB gun and make it a simple straight stock type. Let her decide what way is more comfortable. Then teach her gun safety and sight pictures on that BB gun. After that, you will know what she wants.. right or left. And then can make purchases to fit her. I think its wonderful that you and your daughter have that kind of relationship.

Years ago I would have said maybe. But today, as a lefty myself, I would say no. Lefties have a great knack for adapting. And I would bet that she would not find it at all difficult to cycle a RH bolt rifle. And, today there are many more rifles for the lefties than before. Browning, Savage, Remington, and Tikka just to name a few.

These are some good thoughts. I really like the idea of dry firing in the kitchen.

Thanks for all the input, guys. I really appreciate it. I don't think I'm going to look into an air rifle, though. They are relatively heavy, and my little girl isn't that big. I'm not trying to be a T/C fanboy, but I really like their little "Hot Shot". It only weighs 3lbs, has a length of pull of 11.5", and is under $200. I think the peep sights are a great idea, too. Oh, and it comes in pink. LOL.

You did look at the Cricketts? Some of those also come in pink:

http://www.crickett.com/shop_by_bran...acturers_id=27

You did look at the Cricketts? Some of those also come in pink:

http://www.crickett.com/shop_by_bran...acturers_id=27

I looked at those first, but none of them have any specs (length, length of pull, weight, etc). I really think the Hot Shot is perfect. I love the size and weight (3lbs!), the peep sites, the fact that it's ambidextrous, the fact that is a single shot (can just keep clickin' or cycling the bolt), and the fact that the only way for it to go bang is if the hammer is fully ****ed and then trigger depressed. I can't think of a better first gun.