My brothers .338 Marlin lever action, when I was 13. We shot refrigerators and washers at the dump. First gun I bought was a Crossman .22 pellet gun. You didn't need your parents permission back then, just cash in hand.
I love knives, and I have quite a few. However, my hunting ed. teacher said save your money and buy a $5 filet knife at Walmart. It's all you need and you won't cry if you lose it in the woods.