My father (RIP) was born in 1929 and grew up in Tyler, Texas. When he was 10 years old, after working yard jobs to save the money, his father took him down to the local hardware store where he bought his first gun - a Remington Model 512 Sportsmaster .22 rifle. It was used, and he paid $3.65 for it. He wanted a rifle because most of his friends had one, except for the few who were still saving for theirs. 10 years of age seemed to be the acceptable age for a young boy in 1939 Tyler to get his first gun. He used to tell us fond stories of the times they had walking to the edge of town and having marksmanship competitions, shooting cans and logs and kitchen matches.

Imagine seeing a group of 10 to 13 year old boys walking down the street with their rifles over their shoulders on their way to shoot, without adult supervision. That’s America.