Appropriate Firearm for young boy?

Question

I asked awhile ago about a good "starter rifle" for my son. (I appreciate the responses!) I didn't state his age, which is 5 years, however I've been having him with me when I go out to clear varmits from the property of my folks farm (12 guage shotgun) - my son has been carrying a BB gun that is at least 25-30 years-old ... it has virtually no power to it ... the BB's pretty much just fall out of the barrel - it takes 25, 30 or more pumps, for it to MAYBE "shoot" 10 feet - you can pretty much see the BB fly. I was thinking of getting him a more substantial gun (he REALLY wants one), and I am happy with his progress regarding safety ("#1-FIRST" MOST IMPORTANT - ALWAYS"!!!), knowledge, etc. I would like opinions on maybe getting him something he may enjoy more ... I was thinking of a "paint-ball" gun (?). All opinions welcome, and suggestions on a BB/pellet, or paintball gun would be appreciated too. I recently saw a BB "shotgun" - anyone familiar with such a weapon? Thanks,
g ..

HEY "DARK POET" - do you think it would be ok for him to be an airline pilot? ANYONE can get a box-cutter at Wal*Mart - WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU THINK IS THE REAL PROBLEM HERE??? Stick to "poetry" .... and KEEP YOUR "DARKNESS".

Answer 1

You sound very sensible, and would properly supervise your son...I will give you a short list of youth .22's to take a look at...

Marlin Model 15Y - $135
Henry Mini Bolt - $175
Chipmunk - $135
Crickett - $135

prices are approximate for NIB

to check them out on line
http://www.gunbroker.com
http://www.gunsamerica.com

Answer 2

There is a little .22 rifle called a chipmunk. It is lightweight and a perfect fit for a 5 year old. Use subsonic ammo like the calibri (sp?). It is a single shot, thus you have more control over what is going on. I don't have kids so I am not telling you to get this gun. I am just offering an alternative for you to look at. The calibri just fires off of the primer blast there is no powder. It is still dangerous just a little less so. The other benefit is with a small report he won't get gun-shy or develop a flinch thus he'll be a real dead-eye when he moves up to more powerful cartridges.

Answer 3

In all reality I believe that if the parent decides that they will allow their child to fire a gun they should be raised with one so this way you can teach them right from wrong from the get go and the will be far more proficient with weapons in the long run, it only says 18 on the box because of legal technicalities to protect themselves in case a child does something the parent should have prevented with training and a watchful eye, so they cannot be blamed. As far as gender differences I do not believe their is any why would it be any different for a boy than a girl, the strength of the weapon maybe but that depends on what they can control obviously I would not recommend giving a 6 year old a 30 yat 6 to fire while some could handle it it would be dangerous for most because of the kick.

Answer 4

A 5 year old in my opinion is too young for a true fire-arm. At about 7 or maybe sooner if he has shown appropriate respect for weapons. I would recommend only one gun. A single shot 22 rifle. Period no exceptions.

A single shot allows you to carry the ammo and distribute it one at a time and watch every step of the shot process.

DO NOT let some salesmen talk you into a semi auto or lever gun, (because junior will grow into it).

A single shot or nothing. This will allow use of weak ammo like the CB Cap or 22 shorts.

Give him a semi-auto and some-one will get hurt.

Answer 5

Red ryder makes a single pump bb gun that shoots a little over 300 feet per second. It's enough power to kill small animals if hit correctly. It has a lever action pump, and a wood stock. I got mine when I was eight, and this is a pretty standard first gun. Five sounds a little young for this gun, but each individual is different so maybe it's right for your situation.

Answer 6

Bound's hubby here:

I can respect your wanting your son to be able to hunt with you ... I am anxiously waiting for that day with my daughter. I know my daughter will go hunting with me, if she wants.

I do have a problem with a 5 year old carrying an actual firearm (in NJ, BB guns and air rifles are classified as Firearms, and require appropriate permits).

I believe that if my daughter goes "hunting" with me at the tender age of 5, she will be carrying a "cap" gun! There will always be the time when we both "shoot", and she will bag her game, too!

Answer 7

i agree with itsafact. I'm not sure about a .22 at age 5. I would get him The lever action daisy.Im not sure of the model of it, but it is verysimilar to a red ryder. It only costs $25 at walmart. My grandfather bought one for me and him to shoot when I was 5 or 6 and we set up a range with a backstop in the basement. It introduced me to shooting and he tought me firearm safety and marksmenship in a safe and fun way. I wasnt "turned loose " with it untill i was around 10 or 12. Im not sure it would be able to kill anything though(my friend shot himself in the foot (bare)with mine, and he said it hurt preety bad, but didnt break the skin).

Answer 8

I like the cricket 22 it is small and light, also a red ryder bb gun is perfect for beginners.

Answer 9

I started out with the Crosman 760 Pellmaster,. ( it wasn't the Pumpmaster then ). The seals in the pump are just worn out, because I used to do varmit killing with it and it did a pretty good job at that with ~20 pumps and .177 pellets.

It shot straight and accurate too. Just buy him a NEW one.

And if you can't:

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=183772

Answer 10

well i think to be honest , 5 years old is too young to have a weapon, My Father is a hunter too, and he gave away his shot guns to his grankids, 2 boys and he waited until they were 21, iam sorry, but I really think you outta wait till he is mabe a little older