Not to start any dispute but personally I started out with a BB gun at about 6/7 with the occasional 22 shoot under supervision until about 12 and progressed from there. The responsibility of the BB gun and the practice it provided I would say was a valuable experience for my later years. The BB gun vs. something more powerful and noisy is not so daunting / expensive that a lot of practice and technique can be gained by the novice IMHO. The goodies (bigger / better) can come later should the child show an interest in the shooting sport(s). --- John 303.