[lildobe]

I see all these specific, arbitrary ages mentioned in this thread so far - and I have to disagree with all of them.

The age to start your child shooting cannot be pinned down to a single number. Rather, it should be based on Two things.

1) Mental maturity - i.e. can he/she understand the safety rules and WHY they are needed? Can they remember them and keep their mind focused on what they are doing. while handling a dangerous weapon.

and 2) Physical Ability. Are they physically able to handle the weapon safely.

Only you as a parent can tell if your child is ready based on these factors. No arbitrary age is a "magical" one that will suddenly give your child the ability to handle a firearm.