Considerations should be taken if giving BB guns as gifts

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Dec. 23, 2004 - BB guns have long been, and will continue to be, a popular Christmas gift.

Before purchasing a BB gun (or any other object that fires a projectile), there are several things to consider, according to Dr. Ron Howard Jr., a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist in 4-H and youth development.

"No gun or similar object that fires a projectile using springs, air or some form of powder charge should be considered a toy. This includes BB guns, air rifles or pistols, paintball guns and even the air-soft guns," said Howard. "BB guns are not for every kid. Some are not yet ready for the responsibility of handling something that shoots a projectile," he added.

Accidents resulting from BB guns and other non-powder firearms accounted for 19,163 nonfatal injuries in 2003, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Unlike BB guns of the past, today's BB guns can penetrate the human skin, and some high-end models carry enough power to enter the human skull.

"Guns with a muzzle velocity of less than 350 feet per second, capable of penetrating the eye, may be labeled by manufacturers as suitable for children as young as 8 years; higher-powered pump guns, with velocities of up to 700 feet per second and capable of penetrating the bony skull, may be labeled by manufacturers as suitable for children as young as 14 years," said Allen Beardsley, M.D., in a report for Northern Montana Health Care.

It is important for parents to evaluate their child's maturity and level of responsibility to prevent a firearm abuse situation.

"The parent is also the one who must take the responsibility for teaching or finding a source of instruction for their child in basic safety and marksmanship. They must also establish rules and guidelines for the safe and responsible use of the gun," said Howard.

Howard noted several resources for firearms safety information and instruction including 4-H (which does not permit the use of air-soft, paintball, or similar devices in its shooting programs), Boy Scouts (as a camp activity), and Texas Parks and Wildlife hunter education courses (ages 12 and above). Howard noted that the main source of shooting safety programs is the National Rifle Association.

"Contrary to popular press opinion, the NRA's primary function is instruction in safe and responsible firearm handling and the promotion of marksmanship programs. There are literally thousands of NRA certified instructors in Texas, a great many of them also 4-H volunteers or Boy Scout volunteers," said Howard.

Regardless of where you choose instruction for your child, Howard stresses the importance of a safety program.

"Getting a child involved in a program where well-trained and highly-motivated leaders are equipped to work with, teach and coach young people who want to learn to shoot safely and well, is wise for any parent," said Howard.

According to Howard, there are three basic safety rules shooters should be aware of.

* Always point the muzzle in a a safe direction.

* Always keep the action open and the firearm empty until ready to fire.

* Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Howard said all other shooting rules are subsidiaries of the primary three.

Proper shooting equipment should also be utilized.

"Eye protection is critical to everyone on or near any location where shooting is taking place, and that includes shooting BB guns. Relatively inexpensive shooting glasses can be purchased from any reputable place where BB guns are sold," said Howard.

When purchasing a BB gun consider the child's age, size, maturity and responsibility level, and the power various guns possess. Consider the feet-per-second that the firearm projectile will travel.

For information on safe shooting, help your children visit the Texas 4-H shooting page at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ss/, or the NRA educational resource page at http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp. Several BB gun manufacturers provide information and safety quizzes on their company website.