I started my oldest at 6 with a .22 in a marlin 15yn. i worked with him over time to get him comfortable with guns. now he's 14 and has his own remington 870 12 , h&r 410 single, and his marlin. he thinks my guns are his to . he seems to have a taste for my more expensive guns. i bought a new rem. 700 in 25-06 a couple of years ago and now i don't even get to hunt with it.