BB gun VS. 9 year old boy?

Question

My son wants a BB gun and my wife wants to know what dangers are there.

Answer 1

There is no real danger if he's taught how to opperate it correctly and is with an adult when he uses it. Guns arn't toys by any means and I had a bb when I was 7 but couldn't use it without anyon eelse with me up until I was at least 12 when I got my hunter safty certificate. By then I was shooting 22's and after I got that I was aloud to go out by myself, granted we lived in the country with nobody around for miles and I could only stay in our area. You can't just hand him a gun and say here go shoot your eye out, you as the parents need to be the responcible ones, because a 9 year old won't be. BB's penitrate the skin just like anything other gun, they can and do kill people, that's the most of the dangers of them just like any gun, so if you watch him and show him how it works and how the saftys work and to keep safty on until he's ready to shoot, don't point it any anyone ever, and if he does all that he'll be alright with it.

Answer 2

I had access to bb guns at 9 and got my own .22 rifle at 10, however I had been strictly schooled in gun safety all my life, so I was quite responsible compared to most 9 year olds.

A bb gun fires a projectile that can be dangerous...it can "take out an eye" and kill small game like birds and squirrel.

I would allow it only if the gun were kept securely locked when stored and only used with close adult supervision, until the child has been thoroughly taught and accepts gun safety and the responsibility that goes with it.

All that said, shooting is a sport that requires discipline and concentration and can be a wonderful thing for a father and son to share. I have many fond boyhood memories of shooting with my dad and grandad.

Airsoft guns simply do not have the accuracy of a bb or pelet gun, therefore for target shooting just don't cut it.

Answer 3

Not to be flippant, but you could shoot your eye out. Depending on how close you are to someone the chances of a dangerous injury is slim. Accidents to happen and if your son is careless (on purpose or not) serious injuries can occur especially around the facial area. On the rest of the body welts can occur and always the chance of infection. Then there is the shooting out of windows, birds, shooting at animals, and a lot of other inappropriate behavior. I had a BB gun when around your son's age. I must admit that I did not use it wisely. Not against people or property, but against small animals until I got caught and watch my dad turn into a one piece BB gun to a two piece BB gun. I deserved it,

You know your son and how responsible he is. But remember he is still only nine years old. Like most nine year olds he does lack a certain amount of immaturity. If you live in the city I would reconsider. If in the country, I think it would be okay. Be sure to emphasize safety and what could happen if he misuses it. Make him sign a written contract so he won't come and say you didn't tell me that, etc. Most women, for some reason, have an intense dislike of all firearms. Another obstacle you might have to overcome if you decide yes.

Answer 4

This in my opinion has a lot to do with the child and how he is raised and how he is trained to use a gun rather BB or any other.
My daughter had her first BB gun at 7 years old and now she is 11 and at 10 she recieved her first 22 rifle. My brother use to volunteer ata cunty park when we use to live in NY and helped with gun safety classes.
My daughter actually started shooting BB guns ad other guns when she was 5 years old. However she has been taught how to handle a gun, the importance of never pointing a gun except a water gun at anything but targets or when hunting what she is hunting.

Answer 5

A true BB gun is very dangerous as it can take out an eye, and will penetrate the skin if fired at someone intentionally or even accidently at close range. My neighbor blinded his sister with one about 30 years ago.

Aerosoft guns a much safer as the projectile normally won't penetrate, or so they say, but you still need to worry about eye protection.

I am sure you will hear from others about the age issue, as your son is only 9, but as his parent you should know better than the rest of us what his maturity level is.

Show your son some Aerosoft pistols if you and your wife agree on getting him one. But make sure that you do this only if you both agree.

Answer 6

if u don't know the differance between a bb and an airsoft here it is....a bb gun shoots metal .177 caliber (usually) bb's they are much heavier than an airsoft bb and therefore have more puncturing power...and can kill a small animal like a bird. airsoft is much more suitable to children (with very close adult supervision) they shoot 6mm plastic bb's that have almost no puncturing power...but still can if shot fast enough...i don't really recommend letting a 9 year old have a bb gun or airsoft....there are many dangers to it...unless your son is VERY responsible i woulden't get 1 for him...and if u do get 1....try to get a clear looking spring gun...or a clear looking eletric gun (don't spend more than 30 bucks on 1 for him...becuase they will usually be black look more realistic and shoot harder) a cheap little spring pistol is very cheap and won't shoot very hard i use cheap spring pistols that i get from walmart to mess arround with my friends with.....but the down side to springs are that u have to c0ck shoot c0ck shoot...eletrics are fully auto or semi and usually are a little more expencive but more fun to shoot...for arround the same price they usually don't shoot very hard...good luck!

Answer 7

Is this a toy gun, using a spring to fire plastic pellets at low velocity? If so, the police won't be able to do much. If, on the other hand, we're talking about an actual airgun firing lead pellets, they most certainly can act - against the boy and his mother, as it's illegal for a child aged less than 17 to have an air weapon in a public place.

Answer 8

I think as long as you supervise him in using it and make sure he knows and understands the safety rules, then go for it. As far as BB's bouncing back and causing injury, use lead pellets as the risk of a ricochet is far less than a copper or steel BB. Make sure that you fire into a safe back stop and you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck.

Answer 9

it is ok to buy him BB gun make sure every time he uses it you with him and always use goggles the BB game bounce back and hit you in the eye


true what the other guy said the airsoft it way safer and still use goggles

Answer 10

He'll shoot his eye out! (LOL...from "A Christmas Story") No but seriously....I have two sons and I made them wait till they were alittle older. Unless, you can absoultely say for certain that you will be with him at all times every time he shoots. They will hurt someone. They might not kill, but they could if hit in the right place, like the temple, but they are still very dangerous. Good luck in your decision.