Another point is the self discipline that comes from experience and experience takes time. I've taught young people to shoot, handle and respect guns. It's always "long" guns first. No matter the circumstances for shooting there's always a "down range" direction and any other direction is at the expense of sacrificed safety. To alter directions for shooting a long gun you pretty much need to turn your whole upper body. For a handgun, it's just a flip of the wrist. Another reason for that restriction is for the protection of the youth as well. It's much easier to accidentally shoot yourself with a handgun. If it makes you feel any better, that's not just a Pennsylvania thing. That's pretty much how it is all over.