Started shooting 22s in the third grade, then in the fourth went to a NRA range and shot under supervision, bolt action target 22s. All it cost was a penny a shot, we got saftey certified of some sort. Got more instruction in the Marines and shot Expert.

Started mine at 6. All depends on when they can follow simple instructions, remember the critical safety aspects, and maintain interest in a single activity for 2 hours after a 45 minute car drive.

BB gun at 5, he only shot at targets and only with me. We treated it just like a "real" gun and it was a good teaching tool. Bolt action .22 at 8, we've done the range and targets at his grandma and grandpa's farm. So far so good, he's respectful and guns really don't hold any novelty to him.

Now would be a good time to teach them.

I was 19, in Basic Training. Never touched a gun prior to that, and quickly learned I'm left-eye dominant.