TargetTalk

Hi gang,

I seek your advice on which air rifle to buy for my now five year old son who is aching to fire his first shot. I think I can develop his taste for serious shoooting later by keeping it fun and simple for now (as in back yard plinking). Even if he never decides to become a serious shooter, fun is still the immediate goal.

I really like the Airforce Edge - compressed air, two stage trigger and adjustability of both the forend and stock are very appealing. Plus that gun has got some serious WOW factor which I know he will love.

Unfortunately our host has inexplicably stopped carrying the item. I thought it might be wise to get some advice before I plunk down the 600-700 bucks.

Any suggestions?? I'm sold on PCP since I already have a SCUBA set up for my Morini air pistol and dont want to bother with CO2 or piston guns.

Thanks to all of you in advance

5 years old shooting an AF Edge????

If you can find one on the used market a Diana 70 or 72 is my recommendation. These are sub-junior rifle, which are more likely to fit him.

I like the Edge because of its' adjustability - aftrer all, he aint the ONLY one that's gonna be shooting it. Mom and I hope to get a turn as well.

Besides, arent the Diana 70 series break action types??

Yes the 70/72 are breakbarrels.

The reason I suggested the 70/72 is the very short LoP. I can't find my notes on that rifle, but I "think" the LoP goes down to 10-3/4 inches (sub-junior size) and is adjustable with spacers. I don't know of any other sub-junior size air rifle.

This link has some pix where you can compare the size of the the Diana 70 to other rifles.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/405945/t ... +the+other+...

According to the Pyramid web site, the min LoP on the AF Edge is 12 inches. So it gets down to junior size.

The the decision of a Diana 70/72 vs the AF Edge is fit and how small is he right now and how fast do you think he will grow.

The memories...I had a Diana when I was little, around 9 or 10 years old, and shot it in competitions as well. I remember liking it a lot. Best wishes and lots of fun with your son!

Wondering why you have rejected the idea of a Daisy 499B shooting Education BB gun. Works for about a quarter million new shooters each year. With a little attention to details it will hit a thumbtack at 16 feet every time. At 3 pounds it is light enough for a 5 year old.

I started out with a Daisy BB gun before the Diana. It would probably be easier for a 5-year-old to load and shoot. Like alanwein says, it's very light.

melina
Was that the Diana 70 or 72?
Did you you use the stock rear sight or upgrade the sights when you shot competitions?

GaryN, I took a look at your link, because it's been a while! Based on my memory and your pics, I think I had the 70. As for the sights, I can't recall for sure, but I know it was a peep sight.

Melina
The 70 was a recoiling rifle and the 72 was the recoilless version.