What to get the kids next

L

Light Infantry

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
337   0   0
So, some of you may recall my posts form a couple of weeks ago, where i was getting everything set up so my kids can practice suing a break action air rifle. Well, that is now a reality, and they have their new nicknames: one is "Hawkeye", the other is "Blind Bat".:D

Anyhow, I do want to make this fun for them and although i will continue the serious side of marksmanship, they need a little fun as well. So what's a fun gun for them? I thought that the semi auto MP5 copy would be a blast.

What do you guys think? Any other suggestions?
 
The military-look to the CO2 "fun guns" is appealing to young shooters, but when I was a kid, the CO2 revolver I had was a constant disappointment. Having to feed it gas all the time, changing velocity (accuracy) with every shot, leaky seals, etc. etc. As a kid, I settled-in with a break-barrel .177 (Chinese model 61) and just had a TON of fun. Follow-up shots were quick enough for me.

A little later-on, I got a Crosman 1377 (still made) and liked the fact I could get a scope clamped-on there. Wouldn't even guess how many pellets have gone through those 2 guns, and I still own them.

If dad (you) is content supplying allot of CO2, even loading it into the gun (a little fussy on that MP5 if memory serves) then go for it, I've been 1/2 tempted to get one of those myself. Otherwise, I'd go for something that slows them down a little, making every shot count.

Then again...I prefer bolt action rifles over semis too. :)
 
.22LRGUY said:
The military-look to the CO2 "fun guns" is appealing to young shooters, but when I was a kid, the CO2 revolver I had was a constant disappointment. Having to feed it gas all the time, changing velocity (accuracy) with every shot, leaky seals, etc. etc. As a kid, I settled-in with a break-barrel .177 (Chinese model 61) and just had a TON of fun. Follow-up shots were quick enough for me.

A little later-on, I got a Crosman 1377 (still made) and liked the fact I could get a scope clamped-on there. Wouldn't even guess how many pellets have gone through those 2 guns, and I still own them.

If dad (you) is content supplying allot of CO2, even loading it into the gun (a little fussy on that MP5 if memory serves) then go for it, I've been 1/2 tempted to get one of those myself. Otherwise, I'd go for something that slows them down a little, making every shot count.

Then again...I prefer bolt action rifles over semis too. :)
Click to expand...

Well said! Dad I think that your definition of "fun" will have quite an effect on your sons. Hitting the smallest of targets (say animal crackers at a reasonable distance) with the smallest number of shots; hitting a swinging target, popping balloons, etc., are a lot of fun especially if you present it that way.
When my boys and daughter were a little older than yours they had a game in which they got to keep shooting at balloons until they missed. Then the next in line took over. They shot very carefully as they didn't want to let a sibling take over! They are adults now but have never forgotten that game.
 
Guys

You have missed one of my main points. i am not taking away the marksmanship and target shooting from them. Just trying to add another dimension to their shooting.

We can do both. Doing one type of activity does not preclude us from doing the other.
 
Well ... why not a couple Air-Soft "guns", some holsters for them, and get them started on IPSC? Lots of "quick" action, can be done indoors in the basement/garage during winter, still needing a certain level of accuracy (though not as demanding as hitting bread wrapper tabs at 30 feet), and plenty of Safety lessons to throw in. The more they hear safety, the more it will eventually sink in.
 
Light Infantry said:
Guys

You have missed one of my main points. i am not taking away the marksmanship and target shooting from them. Just trying to add another dimension to their shooting.

We can do both. Doing one type of activity does not preclude us from doing the other.
Click to expand...

Well, I don't know about Rugerman...but I don't think I missed the point. YES, they do add another dimension to airgun shooting, but they're more trouble than they're worth in the long...make that...short run. I've had CO2 guns leak gas when new, others that lasted a few outings. It's your money though, and there is little doubt most young boys would get a kick out of them.
 
Actually, I agree about Airsoft guns for full auto fun: just use some empty pop cans as targets! Also, you can use biodegradable pellets for that, so you don't have to worry about cleanup after. A quality Airsoft gun is a fairly dependable item, certainly more than any CO2 pellet guns IMO, in large part because airsoft uses rechargeable batteries. There's tons of styles out there, and many are pretty darn close to the real things in handling, accessories and general feel.

HOWEVER...keep in mind that "Airsoft" can mean everything from a POS $35 "rifle" that uses cheap plastic and springs only, to an "entry level" clear plastic battery powered unit, and all the way up to something basically identical to a real M-4 carbine, and will fit many of the same accessories, costing upwards of $400 and more. That last category should last a long time of use, and may be the best investment of them.

Training safety? Probably safer with airsoft, more shots fired on an outing, I mean they have semi-serious competitions using these. And now even serious users/trainers for Mil/Police are increasingly using airsoft to suplement their real firearms training drills: Travis Haley, who just left Magpul Dynamics, just did a video explaining some of the benefits of airsoft for training:

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/11/04/travis-haley-on-airsoft/

Not only good for training, but safety, and can be quite fun too!

All that said, for core marksmanship training, a "break barrel" pellet gun with quality pellets...is an awesome value for the dollar IMO. Actually, forget bang for the buck, it's the best way of getting and keeping core marksmanship skills with a rifle or handgun (I also advocate Webley Tempest break barrel handguns too).
 
The Steel storm is a nice fun Shooter

It uses 2 powerlets and it is very frugal with the CO2[over 100 shots].The reason I am suggesting it, is because it is so accurate for a BB gun. Using Daisy match BB's, small groups even in Burst mode[6 shots per trigger pull] are very easy up to 10-15 meters.The Trigger is crisp and light, unlike most other guns in it's class.At under 100 dollars it is a bargain.
003-5.jpg
http://youtu.be/Bo0e9XN4sV4
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom