Air Gun Home :: View topic - Daisy Red Ryder for children under 10 (supervised use only)?

rick_lindsey · New Member

Hello! I'm contemplating getting a Daisy Red Ryder bb-gun, with the intention of doing a little target shooting with my kids, teach them about gun safety, how to respect a "firearm", etc. We recently moved out into the boonies (think coyotes, rattlesnakes, and scorpions) and my wife and I are considering getting a firearm (rifle and/or shotgun). In addition to keeping the firearm locked up, I'd like to increase the safety factor by teaching my children how to properly handle a gun (and how NOT to handle a gun).

To boot I'm on a pretty tight budget... Would the little Red Ryder make a decent training tool, and how young would it be reasonable to start introducing concepts of gun safety and letting them do some supervised target shooting? My son is 5, and my daughter is 8. The box says "10 and over, with adult supervision only" but how much of that is CYA lawyer speak?

Are there other (extremely) budget-priced bb guns/air rifles that would do a better job for back-yard target shooting and teaching kids gun safety?

thanks,
Rick

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

Only you know if your kids are mature enough to handle an airgun. You can't do much damage with a 350 fps bb gun, but there are still serious safety considerations. But I think with adult supervision you could accomplish your goal of teaching them gun safety, and maybe even have a little fun in the process!

Slavia · Moderator

fritz · Silver Status Member

A Red Ryder is the PERFECT bb gun for teaching kids how to properly handle a firearm. I learned using one and so did most people I know (probably everyone on the forum, too!)

Being a kid... I did put out a couple windows with it, but never shot my eye out- because I wore safety glasses. Even today I still take out the Red Ryder on occasion, just because it is so fun to shoot.

rick_lindsey · New Member

Thanks, guys. I'm certainly not planning to turn them loose with the bb-gun... it's going to be "my" gun, and they get to use it under my supervision. I'm half tempted to take them to the county rifle range for the first few outings, just to impress upon them that this is not a toy.

-Rick

fritz · Silver Status Member

That would definitely get them in the right mindset. You might need to have a chat with the RSO (maybe a bit of delicious golden liquid persuasion would help), to give them a chat since it would be their first time at the range.

Might have to use the pistol range if there isn't a 10m smallbore, which would likely require some persuasion again.

aircube · Veteran Member

My bro had one, when he was about 10-12 and I had a Russian made pellet rifle.
I loved my air rifle, but looking back the red ryder was MUCH more appropriate for kids.

If your kids are mentally and physically mature and will listen to and follow instructions without getting excited and running out inf ront of the shooter then yes they may be ready. If not, put it away for a few years and bring it out when they are older.

The Daisy red ryder is the way to go with kids, its very light to carry and aim, easy to cock. You can fill it with lots of ammo and the bbs are't pure lead which is great.

Like the other guys said, the red ryders don't do much to anything but a paper target. the bb's pretty much bounce off of most things though so get some good safety glasses for everyone present while shooting, even spectators.

Keep in mind that its "irresitable for a lot of kids to run up and check the target when the other is shoooting. Put your hands on the shoulders of the spectator if you have too.

When it comes right down too it, how safe the situation is entirely depends on how much control the supervising adult has over the children.

If you are your wife feel you need a varmint gun. Buy an inexpensive 22 rimfire with a small scope and you'll be able to take out anything coyote sized and down easily. Alternatively, a 20 or 410 gauge shotgun would work well for snakes, scorpions, coons, crows etc. (but not 'yotes)

Have fun.

rick_lindsey · New Member

thepaladin · Senior Member

My dad and grand-dad started teaching me gun handling and safty when I 4 years old. I got my first Daisy when I was 8, and still managed to shoot a window in a thoughtless act. Make sure the kids are ready for it and take time to make gun saftey their (and of course your) nature.

I wore the rifle out on our farm, it was my favoriet "thing" (we had little money). Used safely it will give great joy.

fritz · Silver Status Member

I didn't mean "delicious golden liquid persuasion" to be consumed at the range... that's a no-no.

aircube · Veteran Member

Overunder 22/410 puuuuurfect!

yea we're on 4 acres and I certainly am not going to start shooting off firearms around here. Thats where Air Rifles and BB's come intoi their own.

Don't worry about your kids getting the wrong idea. Just teach them that even with a BB gun on 7.5 acres its still appropriate to set up a target range with a substantial back-stop and firing line that shall not be crossed unless weapons are unloaded and their safetys are on.

Kids/their dad/big yards and airguns is a perfect safe way to start a fun hobby.

fritz · Silver Status Member

When I started shooting it was at my uncle's house, into woods. Before long he decided to take his spent cat litter and we dumped it back there, it's now a backstop that could likely stop a high powered centerfire.

Rogerflat · Silver Status Member

You should just get the kid a Condor. A little heavy for him, yes. But at least there's no recoil!

fritz · Silver Status Member

Bad idea Roger. Rolling Eyes

Stick with the Red Ryder, and you might want to get yourself a Diana or 22xx. Even though I'd likely convert it to .177 to save on ammo, so a 17xx.

thepaladin · Senior Member

How many cats does your uncle have???? That must be a h***acious pile of litter. (That's "heckacious") Rolling Eyes