I hate platitudes but guns don't kill people, people do.
Teaching a person, young or old, to respect people is important. The sanctity of life should be paramount.
Teaching them how to safely handle weapons is more safe than a person without an idea picking up and shooting. Fire arm safety teaches respect and safety.
My family owns guns. My husband's hobby is target shooting.
THE FIRST RULE THEY WERE TAUGHT: NO POINTING AT ANYTHING EXCEPT TARGET.
Nothing is harmed here except clay pigeons. I just realized that while both shoot well enough to be invited to join teams, they never played shooting games when they were little.
They have been shooting since about 9 yo. Always supervised by dh. When they first started, I was also there to supervise. One adult/child. I was taught by my grandfather at the same age.
Guns locked/in safe when not being used. Taken out to go to range, put back upon return.
Truly, the first time they pulled the trigger was terrifying for them. As it should be.
Guns are serious weapons, but they are inanimate objects. People find all ways to kill or maim. Often it's people who haven't had gun training who are most dangerous.
Instead of hating guns, looking at mental illness and societal problems seems a better way of saving lives.
My dd and I bought a trap gun for my ds for gift. While waiting for paper work, an adult pointed a gun at us. I could see the lock in place but to this day, I am angry that I didn't say anything. Or the storekeeper. I moved us behind a shelf but didn't tell him that he was frightening me. Probably bc I thought that was his goal.
Long, long answer. I'm sorry. No. Pointing guns at strangers isn't ok. Having real looking guns out away from home is stupid and dangerous.
But, playing violent video games is worse, to me, than learning proper gun safety in a class with real guns.
Slam away. 