Kids take class to learn how to shoot guns

HOUSTON, TX — Some parents think a good way to protect their children from guns is to make sure they know how to handle one safely.  One gun range in Houston, Texas is offering a pistol camp that it says makes kids less curious about guns and teaches them how to shoot the right way.

For the kids at the Best Shot Range in Texas, firing a weapon is brand new.  For the first time in their lives, they loaded, and fired ammo at targets.

“Fire actually comes out with the bullets. So watch out! Seriously! Guns are not toys, people,” said camper Matthew Vacek.

The kids ages 11 to 14 took part in Best Shot range’s $95 pistol camp.  It’s a three hour course that allows children to get the feel of firing a gun.

Camper Andy Gu said, “With all the current world events going on. I think it’s important to safely use one.”

Before they’re allowed to shoot, owner Matt Fleming teaches safety.

Range Owner, Matt Fleming said, “You can’t just take someone’s word for it. You always have to physically inspect the chamber.”  His message he gives these kids: point the gun in a safe direction, eep your finger off the trigger and keep the gun unloaded until you’re ready to fire.

Fleming offers two courses, with the youngest participants being 8-years-old.

“Why would you want to keep it a mystery from them? Why would you not want to have that information available to them? Why would you not one to put them in the right setting where if they’re ever exposed to a gun, they know what to do,” said Fleming.

Not everyone things teaching kids this is safe.  The Brady campaign, which aims to prevent gun violence, says its studies show when kids are alone, they ignore what they learn.  The agency says instead, parents should look their weapons, and ask others if they own a gun at their home.

As for the kids at the gun camp, each says they learned something new.