Best air pistol to start my son off

[Malt 379]

I've had enough of buying junk as Christmas presents for my kids. My boy asked for a load of crap last year, half of which is lying unused under his bed.

 

I'm considering getting him a pistol to start teaching him about basic air gun practices & safety, and was wondering if anybody had any suggestions as to what might be suitable for a 9 year old.

 

It goes without saying that all the usual safety aspects will be taken into consideration & he won't be allowed to use it unsupervised or without safety glasses, so I don't need a 1200 word lecture about the safe use of air guns and maintaining the reputation of the sport or anything... I was brought up around air guns and understand the need to do things properly, even if I don't get to shoot these days.

 

I started off myself with a gat, but want to get him something more substantial. I also don't want to be paying much more than £150 or so.

 

Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated.

 

PS. I'm looking for something spring powered.

[secretagentmole 1,701]

I know you are looking for a spring powered gun but how about a Crosman 2240 Ratbuster, loads about, run off a single Co2 cartridge, fairly light little pistol and accurate too.Available new for well under £100! We had one for a couple of years and found it to be worth the money and a fun little plinker!

 

A single stroke pneumatic like the Beeman 2004e could also be worth ;looking at if he can operate the pump mechanism, these seem to be a well liked little pistol but I have never owned one.

 

Spring powered guns tend to be a lot heavier! Also guns like the Gamo P800 require a lot of force to cock, better start with something he can use rather than something he will give up on in frustration as he is barely able to load it!

Edited August 14, 2011 by secretagentmole

[dave goodall 10]

i started my lad off on a ratcatcher [bANNED TEXT] he loved it started off around 7-ftlb then as he learned to use it right modded it out up to 11

[Malt 379]

I've got a king ratty here, but the 88g cartridges are expensive. I thought about the ratbuster, but again I'd much rather something spring powered. Thanks for the comments so far..

[secretagentmole 1,701]

Beeman 2004e, single stroke pneumatic then! Try one of those, no CO2 cartridges, just check he can operate the pump. Avoid SMK pistols, not even effective as a club due to the recessed hole at the bottom of the pistol grip... :whistling: :whistling:

[gravel 63]

Hi mate , its like my lad says ( buy shit, buy twice ) i know its over your budget, but its worth it in the end,

Hw 45 is the way to go ,

[secretagentmole 1,701]

HW40, under the £150 mark! Look on Guntrader, Can pick those up new for under £150, any problem with those Gravel? I know the 2004e is a clone of the HW45, but I thought the problems were ironed out!

[Malt 379]

Hi mate , its like my lad says ( buy shit, buy twice ) i know its over your budget, but its worth it in the end,

Hw 45 is the way to go ,

 

That's going into rifle sort of money there. I only want something half decent he can use to learn about the basics. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

HW40, under the £150 mark! Look on Guntrader, Can pick those up new for under £150, any problem with those Gravel? I know the 2004e is a clone of the HW45, but I thought the problems were ironed out!

 

You mean this one Moley?

 

http://www.fishingmegastore.com/weihrauch-hw-40-pca-pistol-177~10079.html

[Big bald beautiful 1,231]

Hw40pca

[Malt 379]

Hw40pca

 

The more I read up on them, the more I'm leaning towards getting him one. Thanks.

[secretagentmole 1,701]

That's the one!

[andyfr1968 772]

As above, HW40 all day long. Built to last, easy to cock and quite light. The 45's a big lump by any standards, proper quality but a bit much for a nine year old.