yeah 12, but really it's not about age, it's about guidance - I had slingshots, bow and arrows and (heaven forbid) a pocket knife - all before the age of 12, these things can maim or kill if used irresponsibly, yet I am still here (as are my friends). Hell a kid can pick up a rock and throw it at someone and 99% of the time do more damage than a laser... so what would you suggest, lock the kids up and only allow outside with "parental supervision"?