Excellent points. Kids are going to play cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, and soldier (I did anyway), but my father stressed the importance of gun safety to my brother and I. Especially treat every gun as if it is loaded and never point it at anything you don't intend to shoot. I've had a rife in my bedroom (with ammo) since I was eight. It was no big deal.

Like any other tool, a child (or adult) must learn respect for the gun and must be a reasonably responsible person. All actions are final, so if a person can't grasp that concept, they should not have access to guns, be it an adult or a youth. But don't be fearful either. The wrong time to learn is when you need it the first time.