bb/air gun for 10 yr old

[jeweland4]

I have a ten year old who has been wanting a bb gun since he was 5. I have decided to get him one for x mas but I know nothing about them. My question is what is better for a beginner/child a bb gun or air gun, and what would be easier for him to start with a rifle or a hand gun?
As a side note he does want to eventually hunt with his grandfather so this is also going to serve as safety and responsibility "training".

 

[cooldude14]

Get him a good Crosman Pumpmaster 760 they are like 40 dollars at walmart and us made

 

[chicharrones]

A decent pump model rifle with open sights would be great.

Or if pellet only is acceptable a low velocity (450fps - 600 fps) spring piston rifle is easy to cock.

A pistol version is harder to hit well with but is doable at close range.

My 12 y.o. daughter has been shooting a Gamo Recon spring piston rifle and a Walther PPK copy CO2 BB pistol. She has been able to cock the Gamo since she was 10 with no problem. Here's the Crosman version of that particular Gamo. http://www.crosman.com/airguns/rifles/break-barrel/CY6M77

 

[MedWheeler]

Many a tooth has been cut on the Crosman Pumpmaster. Can't go wrong there. While BB guns may not be as accurate as dedicated pellet guns, they are perfectly suitable for practice, and for learning proper gun handling.
The primary difference between a BB gun and a pellet gun (both are airguns) is that the pellet gun will have a rifled bore, increasing accuracy. Also, the softer lead pellets do not ricochet or bounce back from hard surfaces as easily as BBs can. However, pellet guns are usually single-shot models, while there are many BB guns that can hold fifty, a hundred, or more BBs in them.
Personally, I'd recommend a pellet gun in .177 caliber because its inherent accuracy will make it more enjoyable for a longer period of time, perhaps even after he graduates to a firearm. Heck, you might even enjoy popping it off, too!

I see you've just joined us here. Welcome aboard. If you're up for checking out another forum, drop by www.airguns.net as well..

 

[Bobson]

Personally, I'd recommend a pellet gun in .177 caliber because its inherent accuracy will make it more enjoyable for a longer period of time, perhaps even after he graduates to a firearm.

I agree with this (though I learned to shoot on the aforementioned Crosman Pumpmaster ). Be aware of whether the airgun you buy is powered by a pump handle, or by CO2 cartridges. If it's CO2 powered, it'll be another thing you need to buy (not that they're super expensive) in order for the boy to shoot. I suggest going the pump route, and there are several great options that are inexpensive - many of which you can find at a WalMart. I strongly suggest an air rifle, rather than a pistol, especially if he knows he wants to move onto hunting eventually.

One thing I want to emphasize is eye safety. Even though it may seem trivial, pick him up a pair of basic shooting glasses (there are quality pairs for around 15 dollars), and make sure he wears them. I had many a BB bounce back and come close to hitting me in the eyes when I was growing up. Like MedWheeler said, it's much more unlikely that a pellet (as opposed to a BB) will ricochet, but it's definitely possible.

I think something like this Crosman 2100 Classic would be a great choice. It's pump-action, moderate power, able to fire BBs or .177 pellets, and a great price.

If you decide you'd rather go the CO2 route, rather than pump-action, this Crosman 1077 Repeater is outstanding. My parents bought me this exact airgun when I turned 12. Can't believe they still make the thing, to be honest. It was great though.

Welcome to The High Road. Good luck, have fun, and be sure you supervise him. If nothing else, the safety habits he develops right now could be the difference between a life saved when he moves on to more powerful rifles and handguns - whether his life or another person's.

 

[Stacer]

Sheridan Blue streak .20 pellet rifle. It's accurate, and powerful enough to last a lifetime. That being said, I have a 760 pumpmaster that I use far more often.