[Red Dawg]

Took my son to the range yesterday. This isn't his first time to a pistol range. He told me that while at the firing line, he started shaking a little and did not know why. I know it has something to do with muscle memory and the muscle fibers but do not know what to call it. He's 13 and I'd like to be able to explain it to him by giving him the name of the physiological process. Anybody got any info I can pass on to him?

 

[Xbonz]

Took my son to the range yesterday. This isn't his first time to a pistol range. He told me that while at the firing line, he started shaking a little and did not know why. I know it has something to do with muscle memory and the muscle fibers but do not know what to call it. He's 13 and I'd like to be able to explain it to him by giving him the name of the physiological process. Anybody got any info I can pass on to him?

What was shaking, hands, arms, legs? Was he holding the weapon at arms length for too long w/out firing? How was his breathing? Has he ever had this type of experience at any other time he can recall? Anything he can relate to this experience? What were his thoughts at the time? How many times did the shaking occur? I'm no doctor, but these questions may lead to some self discovered answers. Meanwhile, tell him to relax, not worry about it and have fun...JMHO

 

[Red Dawg]

I told him I noticed he had his arms locked out straight in front of him. I believe he was a little over extended. He's shot before but says he noticed it more yesterday. I think he was also a little nervous because there were so many people around us and a couple of guys kept checking his shooting out.

 

[YARDDOG]

The only time I shake, Is while a pile of antlers are in my sites >BUCK FEVER PS nothing to worry ya he'll be FINE

 

[MRBARRY]

I don't know if this would apply to your son, but on days I go to the range I forgo coffee and other caffeinated beverages. And I force myself to eat a little something for breakfast, something I normally skip. This routine has helped me.

 

[Buckley]

I just call it nerves. Most people are concerned about how it will feel and sound when it fires. One guy told me he was nervous because he didn't want to look dumb by missing the target. I calmed him down my shooting one handed from my weak side. Made him feel better.

I'm taking my mother in law to the range today. She wanted to take my ccw class, so of course she gets individual instruction. Wouldn't want to sit with everyone together - no. That would be too easy.

 

[Mac45]

I suspect that it was a combination of nerves and straining to control the weapon.

If he is slow firing for accuracy, here is a stance that I have found helps smaller or weaker shooters to more easily control recoil.

Start with a weaver or modified weaver stance; off-foot forward, body bladed, and a good isotonic two hand grip [gentle push-pull]. Push the weapon hand all the way forward and rotate the elbows in until both are pointed directly at the ground. The weapon arm should now be straight and the elbow should now be gently locked. Lean slightly forward and bring the chin/cheek into contact with the bicep [sort of a cheek weld]. Acquire the sights and target and pull the trigger. Light pressure is all that is required to keep the weapons arm straight, as ergonomic leverage does the work. It effectively turns your arm into a rifle stock. It may feel very strange initially. Try it and see if it works for you. By the way, it works better for men than women due to differing joint structure and musculature. Have fun.

I hope this helps.

 

[Franklin]

I just call it nerves. Most
people are concerned about how it will feel and sound when it fires. One guy told me he was nervous because he didn't want to look dumb by missing the target. I calmed him down my shooting one handed from my weak side. Made him feel better.

I'm taking my mother in law to the range today. She wanted to take my ccw class, so of course she gets individual instruction. Wouldn't want to sit with everyone together - no. That would be too easy.

+1 nerves and anxiety.
I grew up with guns but for about 15 years, no shooting at all. When I bought my sub compact .45 and took it to the range, I didn't know what to expect or how I'd shoot. Thank God I went by myself. First my hands shook, then after a while whole body. Yes, I was embarrassed. For a the first month, every time a went shooting with a guest my hands were sweaty and shook. I am very competitive. Over time I was back to normal.
Sounds like you are a great dad. Support and reassurance along with regular trips to the range and I bet it will be gone in no time.
Tough to be human!
Best regards
Franklin
Ps Please tell your boy it's normal. That this even happens to adults, no biggy. Big smile and thumbs up. Now go destroy some paper!

 

[brownie]

I don't know if this would apply to your son, but on days I go to the range I forgo coffee and other caffeinated beverages. And I force myself to eat a little something for breakfast, something I normally skip. This routine has helped me.

If I did that, I'd get the DT's and shake unconrollably :rolf

Brownie

 

[Paladin]

Probably just nerves like everyone has said. Also holding the weapon on target for long periods can cause some shake.

Just have him keep at it and it will go away.

 

[Moylan1850]

Muscle fatique

Took my son to the range yesterday. This isn't his first time to a pistol range. He told me that while at the firing line, he started shaking a little and did not know why. I know it has something to do with muscle memory and the muscle fibers but do not know what to call it. He's 13 and I'd like to be able to explain it to him by giving him the name of the physiological process. Anybody got any info I can pass on to him?

If he was exerting muscles that he normally doesn't exert. He may have reached muscle fatigue trying to keep the proper form.

If that's it, I imagine with practice / exercise the time to reaching muscle fatigue will lengthen to the point of not being an issue.

 

[Buckley]

I took my mother in law to Flower gun range yesterday. I really thought she would be shaking or something. Not even a twitch. Then she told me she's never shot a gun before. I was very impressed.