How old does a person have to be to shoot a gun?

Answer 1

There is no minimum age to shoot a gun, as far as I know, in the US. The only limitations are of the person themselves. A small caliber rifle, such as a .22 (meaning the bullet is .22 inches wide) could be shot by anyone big enough to hold the gun. A larger, more powerful gun, should only be shot after one has practiced on a smaller gun first. The most important thing, after safety, is to hold the gun correctly and keep proper eye relief (distance from the eye to the scope).

Safety First.
When holding a gun:

1. Assume it is loaded.
2. Keep it pointed in a safe direction (typically the ground).
3. Always check to make sure it is unloaded before handling it.
4. Don't put your finger near the trigger unless you are ready for the gun to go off.

Shooting a gun can be a very fun and rewarding event, just make sure you are with a responsible person who has shot guns many times before.