In the olden days, 1700s, 1800s, did kids, 13, 14 ,15, and younger, carry guns? Yes.
Were they more mature than kids nowadays? Probably, but the reason was that maturity was thrust upon them.
They knew that if they used that firearm, it'd better be for a damn good reason.
They could get hung, literally, for using that firearm.
Now they can't even get the death penalty. What's stopping them from committing a murder or two? They can always hit the reset button.
In this day and age, I wish that there was more of a return to the days of yore.
I will take today just fine though.
Back then there was a reason for the kids to carry. There shouldnt be a reason for kids to carry these days. But you are right, the kids back then had to seriously consider the ramifications of what they did with that weapon. I dont know if it was correct back then either, mainly because of a lack of experience on the kids part...but if it works, it works.