re: What is an appropriate age for a bb/pellet gun?

My 5 year old is smart as a wip, but I could only imagine what he would try to do with a BB gun. The few times I’ve taken him fishing he can’t stop spontaneously cranking the reel while I’m baiting the hook.

However, I’ve taught rifle shooting to scouts. If you start with seated target shooting that will create a much more controlled environment.

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appropriate age for a bb/pellet gun?

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No such thing. It depends on the kid and his/her training.

I had one at 8 but was already going hunting with my Dad.

When I was a kid, I got my first shotgun (20Ga) when I turned 10, so I could participate in the family hunting.

Wasn't allowed to have a BB gun until I was 16.

Didn't make any sense to me at the time, but I've come to see some wisdom in it.

Even a 10yo knows to treat a real gun with caution and respect. You only pull it out when you are going on a real hunt (where there will be adult supervision).
But a BB gun is viewed as a toy, and it is easy to do something stupid that will get you in trouble.

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When I was a kid, I got my first shotgun (20Ga) when I turned 10,

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Gave my son his first shotgun, 20 ga pump to him at 10. He was shooting a 410 at 7. Always had guns around the house in the open unloaded. Kept the shells locked up. Kids knew they were NOT toys and knew the danger of what they could do. They knew if they wanted to touch, all they had to do was ask.

Now, I know all kids are not the same, so it really is up to how you feel about your child to do as I had did. We are country folks and having a gun is just a normal thing to have around.

My son is 9 but when his was 4 or 5, we had a BB gun up at the camp that wouldn’t shoot. It had BB’s in it, you could cock it and pull the trigger, but nothing would come out. He didn’t realize it but it was perfect to teach him gun safety and we didn’t get him a working BB gun until he proved to me he could handle the broken one.

I actually think it would be a good idea to produce something like that for young kids. A none functioning BB gun that does everything but shoot the BB out is a good learning tool for a very young kid.

Depends on who is teaching him safety and use of it. I grew up hunting, my son been shooting bb or pellet gun since he was 6, He is now 10 and has harvested several small game and his first Buck at 8, he knows safety which I preach nonstop, but if you are going to be hands on at all times 7 & up seems fine. He now hunts with crossbow & 7mm-08 which he can shoot each better than me. Be Safe and have Fun. Teach your kids how to hunt and you’ll never have to hunt your kids.

Depends on the kid. I'd probably take my kid "to the range" with a BB gun at 6-7, but they wouldn't have daily access to it until they are 12-14.