I guess I shot my first .22 when I was 8 or 9, I had a friend whose father would take us and let us shoot. I remember my first shotgun blast very clearly! I didn't get my own .22 until I was 27 or 28 a Marlin Model 881. That was the first gun my niece ever shot. Her son is 4, I'm considering looking for a Winchester Model 67 for his first time shooting, then he'd get it when I'm gone. My Winchester Model 69 would be OK too, it's my personal favorite, although I've just acquired a Model 57 I haven't taken out yet.