I started taking my son with me when he turned 8 and took himto the Hunter Safety Course when he was 12, but 4 months later he turned 13 and spent many week-ends at the range. WhenI was confident enough with his ability, Ibought him a Winchester "Carbine" .30-30, a Winchester 1300 and a CVA "Eclipise" .50 cal ML. With one condition, he could only use them when he went with me untill he was 16.