>10 year old holding a GUN ????? Are you serious ?
>
>If that is ok with you, why don't you go buy your kids one shotgun each when they hit that age ?

I'm sure I will. I was given a BB gun for Christmas in 4th grade (I can't remember how old I was, but it must have been around 10), was told by my dad how to use it, shot a few practice shots with him, and was set loose. I shot targets, cans, sparrows, milk jugs, etc. I'm still alive. I have a healthy respect for firearms and am an avid hunter.

Now, if you would get a grip and actually read what I typed elsewhere in this thread, I told Sam he should start with a BB gun and eventually move bigger when the kid was mature enough to handle it. I think all kids should go through hunter safety courses before independently handling anything bigger than a BB gun. My neighbor's 8 year old son went target shooting with his dad and I last year (he was 7 at the time) and his dad let him shoot a shotgun at the target. The kid loved it. He is enthusiastic about the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. I'm sure my son will be the same way.

I feel absolutely comfortable having my children shoot firearms in situations I deem are safe, and I deem 10 years old supervised by me as safe.