I think it all depends on the kid......My boy for instanceI felt was a little immature for his age growing up (he's 10 now) so I didn't start him on the BB gun till he was seven...yes seven. I felt he was mature enough to show good finger discipline and muzzle awareness. He took to shooting like a duck in water (takes after his old man!) and rarely misses what he's aiming at. He's shooting .22's and 410's now and I'll soon move him up to a 20ga and larger rifles as well.

Now contrast this to some of my buddies who have their kids shooting .22's at about age five and up and BB guns about as soon as they could hold the gun. It all depends on the kid and only you as the adult will know if they are ready mentally to start shooting.....I'm glad I waited with mine, he's a much safer and more aware shooter because of it. My daughter is seven now and she is starting with the BB gun. She is way further advanced mentally than my son was at her age and is fully aware of what she is doing (it's scary actually) but since I had him wait I thought I'd just do the same with her. This way his feelings wouldn't be hurt and she's none the wiser. Had I only had her I probably would have started her on the BB gun earlier.

Just use your best judgment and remember there will be plenty of time for them to shoot when they grow up but bad habits are hard to break. Teach them right early on and it will stay with them, if that means waiting a few extra years....so be it.