I'm pretty sure that I was 11 years old, so this would be 1967. I was a very happy boy with my "new to me", Western Auto Revelation 22 single shot rifle. I had been using my Daisy Boy Scout Model BB gun for a year, and when my Dad went to the closet and handed me this rifle, I nearly cried with joy.
We hiked together with it behind the house for a year, and then I was allowed on my own, -- but no buddies allowed. Dad told me that if he caught me or found out that I had any friends along on my expeditions that the rifle would disappear.
I treasured my privilege and the rifle so much that I never even considered breaking that rule. I can only hope that many or most of you have as wonderful memories as I do from this period of my young life. jd