I also can't remember when I started shooting. It's difficult to put a hard cap on age. It really depends on the kid. I would hold off a little though and maybe start with toy guns that are anatomically correct. I think as long as the child can understand the significance and consequences of misusing a firearm (including bb guns) it is probably ok to start out slow with a really weak bb gun. I would probably wait a little bit though. I know I had my first .22 when i was 10 maybe younger.