My raising was very similar minus the NRA participation. I grew up in a very rural community and my dad wasn’t home in the afternoons due to,his work hours so I had access to my 22 from the time I was in the 5th grade on. But you are right, kids are different. My son knew the combination to the gun safe but he had to ask permission to take his gun(s) out. So I can’t disagree with your last paragraph. In fact I think you are spot on. But there’s got to be a better answer than to restrict, regulate into oblivion or otherwise price out of range (with extra taxation, liability insurance, extra regulation, mandatory training, etc) the rights and abilities of the vast majority who are doing things correctly.
The vast law abiding people?
This kid was law abiding. Until he wasn’t.