TargetTalk

I'm an air pistol guy... I know very little about AR.

My son just turned 6 a few months back. Rifle makes the most sense to get him involved in shooting, so he's been using a very basic Gamo Recon. It's smaller and he manages well on a sandbag. I put a red-dot on it since the very cheap Chinese 'optical scope' had such a poor view angle he had a tough time seeing the crosshair.

I'd like to step it up for him and get him a pneumatic rifle. But I need something that might adjust down for smaller shooter. Rugged would be useful of course. He enjoys hitting the chalk disc targets and knocking cans over (outside). I'm introducing him to paper targets and he's taken an interest in the 9's and 10's I shoot with my pistol. I think he's ready.

Does anything come to mind that might work for this situation? Used, SSP maybe? Although I do have SCUBA for my LP10... SSP is pretty convenient and offers passive safety since he's not quite strong enough to do that part on his own.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, Christmas is approaching.

Oz

I don't know how big the boy is, but at 6 most they are generally rather small. BB Guns would probably the best to start. They are small and light enough for kids at that age. If the kid can handle it you can start him out on 3P air pistol. The pistol program was started out a few years ago to get younger kids into air pistol. The kids start off on sandbags and eventyally work themselves up to the unsupported position.

You can let him do both guns in BB rifle and a TAU 7 jr will probably be a good air pistol to begin with on 3p pistol until he decides what he wants to shot. The TAU 7 Jr is the only pistol I know where the grips are small enough for small hands.

The one complaint I have had about Daisy pistols is that they are generally to big for small kids. The grips are the right size on the competiton pistol, but they are so front end heavy it generally takes person of better physical statue then a small kids to hold the pistol.

I used to have a list of suggestions and problems that I would take to Daisy everytime I went to the Shot Show and I usually get a the main rep for customer service that seems to be interested in my comments, but I would usually get only one answer back and then nothing. I called them about repairs and parts once and I got a reponse from the rep on the phone that it wasn't there problem and to call the dealer to which I told them that I had already called the dealer and he said he had a hard time getting parts from Daisy. All this took place a few years ago, so maybe things have changed.

For a rifle, a lot depends on his LoP

My first choice is a spring Diana 70 or 72. IF you can find one. The Diana 70/72 are sub-junior spring target rifles. By sub junior, I mean the LoP w/o spacers is significantly under 12". I think your Gamo Recon has a 12-3/4" LoP. The Diana 72 is a recoilless version of the 70. The problem is that the 70/72 have been long out of production, so you have to be patient scouring the used market. They pop up once in a while, just be careful not to pay too much for it.

A 2nd option, if Pyramid actually gets it at the end of Nov as their site says, is the spring IZH-60. Adjustable stock so the LoP can adjust as he grows, min LoP = 12". The pistol grip is what is nice for a kid. The reach to the trigger is short. I have small hands and the reach feels short for me. Because of the short rear sight rail, mounting a red dot and leaving the loading port clear will be a challenge. The only red-dot that I have that fits it is a Tasco mini-mag. The fact that it looks like it came from StarWars will also be a plus.
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/IZH_60/75

A 3rd option is the Daisy/Avanti XS40 or the AirArms S200-T (same rifle different label). This is a junior sized rifle. I do not have the measured LoP of it, but it fit me when I tried it, so my guess is about 12". You already have the CA gear for your LP10. I think the new version of the S200 has a 1-piece stock. I do NOT know the LoP of that stock. The only down side is this is a rather expensive rifle.
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Air_Arms_S200_Target/1402
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Air_Arms_S200_Sporter/348

A 4th option is the SSP Daisy 953. The only thing is the plastic stock is HEAVY, making it a rather heavy rifle, which is fine for target shooting, but is probably too heavy for him except off a rest. LoP = 12" And you really NEED to deburr the trigger sear.
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Daisy_Pow ... getPro/585

BTW how is your son handling the trigger on the Gamo Recon? I have a Delta and the stock trigger was not to my liking, so I replaced it, but may have to put the stock trigger back as the replacement trigger is a bit too light for a trainer/starter rifle.

As for the sights, I like the idea of using a red-dot. VERY easy to teach them to use it. I just use larger targets, so I do not need the magnification of a scope.

BTW I only put pyramids links so you can see what they look like. Shop around and you may likely find better pricing.

gud luk Santa

I have experience with the Air Arms S200 Target that Gary was talking about. I have a son that shoots it in both Sporter and Precision 3P. My son is smaller is stature and I had to shorten the LOP down for him. I cut the stock and reattached the butt pad for for a 10.25" LOP. Now he can shoot it in position. I would have to weigh it for you, but I think before I cut the stock it weighed right at 6 lbs. I have some pics with measurements if you would like. The trigger is adjustable and has a rail for sling and attactments. The gun itself is accurate and we have not had any problems with it. The sights hold true and just a great all around entry PCP target rifle. Good luck and good job getting your boy shooting.

Thanks for all the feedback. Indeed, this pistol guy has a few things to learn about Rifle. LoP, etc.

Just to follow up, indeed, one of the main reason for wanting to upgrade my son from the Gammo Recon is the trigger. He's _very_ good dry-firing my LP10. He's ready for a higher-quality match-like trigger. That Gammo Recon requires him to use two fingers. I'm guessing that it's a 10+lb trigger ;-)

I'll do some research on some of these suggestions. Very much appreciated!

Oz

Oz
There are a couple/few replacement triggers for the Gamo.
BUT BUT BUT they reduce the trigger weight a LOT, and there is no trigger weight adjustment. So you get what you get. I have one of these triggers on my Gamo Delta, and IMHO the trigger weight is TOOO light for a kid. It is more suited for use on a target range than in the field or for plinking.

So IF you get one of those triggers, keep the original trigger, as you may end up putting it back in.

GaryN wrote:Oz
There are a couple/few replacement triggers for the Gamo.
BUT BUT BUT they reduce the trigger weight a LOT, and there is no trigger weight adjustment. So you get what you get. I have one of these triggers on my Gamo Delta, and IMHO the trigger weight is TOOO light for a kid. It is more suited for use on a target range than in the field or for plinking.

So IF you get one of those triggers, keep the original trigger, as you may end up putting it back in.

REALLY! I had no idea the little entry-level Gamo Recon had a modular (or at least replaceable) trigger. I'll certainly entertain that as well. I agree that for live fire, even 500gm (like my LP10) is too light for a 6 YO. 1000-1500gm would be more ideal. Thanks for that tip.

Huh... I found the GRT-III trigger from Charlie Da Tuna. It has received great reviews... and only $32 shipped, I'll give it a shot. (Pun fully intended.)

Still probably time to step up to a PCP or better quality SSP, but my 4 YO girl could probably use the Recon if this trigger makes a significant difference.

Oz

Oz
That is the trigger that I have, and it WILL make a BIG difference.
It is a nice trigger, but the light trigger weight surprised me. And putting on my realistic/safety hat, a light trigger is fine on a range, but is a liability in the field or when plinking. I can hear the comments, "but I only touched the trigger..." So if you get that trigger, just be VERY careful the first few time, until you get the feel of it.

There is a clone of that trigger on another forum, and the forum managers there do NOT like any negative discussion about it. So you will find very little negative comments on the trigger. And very few people will admit that the trigger is too light for them to safely control.

GaryN,

Thanks for the insight regarding that trigger, it is duly noted. I'll install it and run a bunch of rounds through it myself before I decide it if could be managed by my 6 YO. The way we shoot, I put on the safety, cock, load, close, put it on the sand bag, let him get lined up and then let him take the safety off while he's still on target. We make a pretty safe shooting family, but going from a 4.25lb trigger to 1.25lbs is pretty dramatic. We shall see... I'm excited to pop that trigger in and see how it feels.

Eyes still open for some of the other rifles recommended. I don't think a gold anodized trigger would bring a big smile to a 6 YO's face as much as a 'new to him' rifle might ;-)

Oz

I received the GRT III trigger yesterday (probably the fastest mail-order transaction known to mankind). The trigger is _very_ light indeed. It has a pull weight that feels less than my LP10. The pull distance has not changed however. It's a very long pull.

I am a bit concerned about this trigger for use in plinking, but it certainly is a significant improvement over the stock Gamo trigger.

Oz

Oz
That was my concern.
The trigger feel is indeed MUCH better than the stock trigger, but I am not keen on the trigger weight reduction. As you noted, it feels like it should be on a 10m range, not out plinking.