BB gun for 5 year-old?

[rock jock]

I told my son he would probably get a real gun for Christmas. I initially though about a .22lr, but I want him to be able to practice in the backyard, so I am thinking a combo .177 BB/pellet rifle. Requirements: needs to be light, as he only four right now (he'll be five in two months). Also, as easy as possible to pump. I have seen some small kids try to pump those things and have to twist their bodies in such a way as to end up with the muzzle towards their head (not good). He'll only have this for a year or so until he gets a bolt-action .22lr.

TIA

 

[heisler]

I really liked my Crosman 781. It was dirt cheap and a lot of fun. Regardless of what gun you choose, get your son some shooting goggles, and make sure he wears them. BBs sometimes bounce right back at you.

Check here for air rifle reviews.

 

[mustanger98]

I don't know specifics on make/model/whatever, but I do know you said the kid's 5 years old. Whatever the kid's shooting, he's gonna need adult supervision, a good backstop, and eye protection.

Another think to keep in mind... the state of Florida considers a BB gun a firearm because, IIRC from hunter education, a projectile only needs 300fps to be considered potentially lethal and BBs are faster than that. The game warden told about a 7 year old boy who was killed because his own BB came back to him and hit his heart. The game warden said he knew this story because it was told to his daughter by the deceased boy's mother.

The way I see it, if you want for him to have a .22LR to begin with, I'd get both the BB/pellet deal and .22 at the same time because there will be times you'll want to take him to the range and times you'll have time to shoot in the backyard... supervised either way. I'd also recommend getting a youth size .22 that takes short, long, and long rifle. If desired, you can use the shorts to cut down on the noise.

 

[campergeek]

I got my son a daisy buck for his 6th birthday. It's a dinky bb gun, but it seems to fit him well. Assuming that your son is of average size for his age, it should be a pretty good fit for him, too. The sights are not adjustable, but my son's is pretty accurate and consistent at 5 meters. It is a bit hard for him to work the lever, but I think it'll be difficult to find any airgun action that isn't a little challenging for a 4/5/6 y.o. to operate.

 

[thereisnospoon]

"It must be Italina, it says "Fragile`" "

Dude if your gonna get him a BB gun for Christmas, you have got to get him a Red Rider and a copy of The Christmas Story.

It is the story of a little boy who wants nothing but a BB Gun for Christmas.

 

[beerslurpy]

Red Ryder or airsoft. He has plenty of time to work his way up to belted magnums. I didnt even see a gun until I was 13 or 14.

Actually, I'm a genius. Get him an airsoft.

 

[Ad Astra]

...Get him an airsoft.

I'll second that.

I don't shoot one- my backyard toy is a Drozd- but 5 just seems awful young for a BB gun. BB's break glass so easily, as well as the riccochet factor... I dunno. The AirSofts probably are a good trainer at that age.


Ad Astra

 

[jerkface11]

What's the world coming to when the Red Ryder isn't the first choice? Oh and be careful kid you'll shoot your eye out.

 

[BozemanMT]

Ok, last year, i got my best friend's kids (6, 10, 12 years old) all BB guns.
the 6 year old (boy) got a Red Ryder (which bTW, is a REALLY neat little toy, accurate within it's range and quick to pump, i almost got me one )
the 10 year old (girl) got a one shot pellet gun (she's the shooter of the bunch)
and the 12 year old (girl) got a CO2 powered semi-auto BB pistol
Did I steal christmas or what? The other presents were completely forgotten as we all went outside to shoot (big backyard, into a field, with a 6 foot wood fence). I got permission to do this BTW, and it was a hoot, they all got pretty good

This year I've gotten married to a bigger gun nut than me and we went over to the friend's house (and once again we are spending Christmas there) and checked it out. Teh 6 year old just doesn't seem ready to step up to a real 22LR. But the girls are ready, and this time the parents have no idea what we are getting. The boy gets an full auto airsoft UZI (which again looks like fun and I might need one), and the girls get a Marlin 60 (each).
But no ammo, so this way they won't be tempted to shoot in the backyard on christmas day, a 22LR will go right through that fence.
I'm going to steal christmas again! (oh, this year we got the parent's one of those cheap gun lockers (stamped steel), but better than nothing.

So, yes, get him a BB gun, see how he likes it and handles it and if he's ready mentally to move up. AT least you'll know. and I vote Red Ryder, fun.

 

[armoredman]

I was given an airsoft pistol by a friend - it's my 5 year olds training weapon. That is, when he acts mature enough to be allowed closely supervised use. Some days, that just doesn't happen...:banghead:

 

[rock jock]

Thanks for the suggestions.

thereisnospoon, you're right, I have a copy of that movie and it is great. I will probably let him watch the movie and then give him a Red Ryder on Christmas morn.

Oh, and not to worry, he will never practice with the gun w/o my supervision. I already have a set of youth-sized glasses for him.