When I was first learning, my dad made my brother and I take the NRA hunter safety course. Then we used our own savings to buy 20ga bolt action shotguns. He was 12 and I was 13. We kept our guns and ammo in our rooms. Yes, we lived in a rural area. Can you imagine someone doing that today?
I always take a .22 to the range. They are a nice way to finish the day.