We have had professionally trained and armed teachers in our area for 5 years. We have 6 year olds who can handle a rifle and get a deer during the season. We have two firearms training schools within earshot of our home. We are in south central Missouri. A gun control protest would not go over well here.
Many many years ago, my dad had me and my fellow Cub Scouts shooting single shot .22 rifles without problem.
I bought my son his first .22 when he was about eight. I let him keep the rifle in his closet.
I kept the bolt and ammo secured in the gun safe...