Can anyone recommend an air rifle which would be suitable for a junior (say 10-12 years old) to shoot prone?
The aim would be to teach said junior the basics of a prone position, principles of sighting etc., with a view to them shooting smallbore/fullbore rifle in due course (i.e. when old enough).
I guess the following would the main criteria:
- A fairly plain stock would be best (i.e. not a field target rifle with an AR look to it)
- Accessory rail for a handstop/sling
- Ability to fit a basic set of fit iron sights
- Cheap(ish) - will only be shot at 6 yards and not for competition so it does not need to be super accurate
- Given it's to be shot prone I suppose some kind of pre-charged system would be best for ease of reloading, but this is not essential as I could reoload for them (although I suppose a side lever would be necessary rather than a barrel break system)
All ideas gratefully received.
I'd also be interested to know if anyone else has introduced a child to target shooting in this way (I believe prone air rifle shooting is common in Germany?).
Many thanks
Nick
Suitable air rifle for a junior shooting prone
Moderators: pilkguns, m1963, David Levene, Spencer, Richard H
Daisy 888
If a bigger 12-13 year old - an 887.
Both have the same actions, but stock & sights are different.
You should be able to find a used 888 for about $200 (or even less) ... CO2 tank and the fill adapter about another $125.
Check any local high schools with JROTC programs, most are moving to compressed air guns and may have one or two they will sell.
Also some of your 4-H clubs may know folks looking to sell
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If you are willing to go with a bit more unconventional stock, you can find an older Crosman Challenger 2000 (not the newer model), you can probably get one of these for a bit over $100. This uses the small 12 gram air cylinders and has a nice adjustable stock for the smaller kids. Not a super accurate rifle (compared to other 10m air sporters), but a nice gun to learn positions on.
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Also, post a WTB note in the Buy/Sell section of this forum after you have decided
If a bigger 12-13 year old - an 887.
Both have the same actions, but stock & sights are different.
You should be able to find a used 888 for about $200 (or even less) ... CO2 tank and the fill adapter about another $125.
Check any local high schools with JROTC programs, most are moving to compressed air guns and may have one or two they will sell.
Also some of your 4-H clubs may know folks looking to sell
--------------------------------------
If you are willing to go with a bit more unconventional stock, you can find an older Crosman Challenger 2000 (not the newer model), you can probably get one of these for a bit over $100. This uses the small 12 gram air cylinders and has a nice adjustable stock for the smaller kids. Not a super accurate rifle (compared to other 10m air sporters), but a nice gun to learn positions on.
-------------------------------------
Also, post a WTB note in the Buy/Sell section of this forum after you have decided