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BackInAction · Member

I have 3 children (6, 9, 12). Recently, I took the youngest to an Indian Guides camp-out and we had the chance to shoot BB guns. He had a blast and I had forgot how much fun it is to knock cans over and/or shoot paper targets. About ~30 years ago my father gave us the equivalent of a Crossman 2100 (I think it was called a 422? 442? back then). 99.9% of the time we just used BBs (single loading pellets was a PITA). And shot pop-cans, paper targets in the back yard.

Well, I've been thinking about getting something for the family. I been eying the Crossman 1077 (and the AS1077T), but sometimes I think "I had a blast with 'just a BB gun' why spend more on a pellet gun?". I also see there are quite a few break barrel guns on the market, how easy are they to "cock/pump"? Should I avoid 'CO2'? My paintball background tells me I should, but I know the firing modes (and demands on the air source) with air guns is significantly different than those of paintball guns.

PCP seems sort of neat, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that level of expense, even though I have an empty scuba tank sitting the basement that sits unused.

I'm looking to buy something soon, as we have our semi-annual "Man camp" (Dad take kids camping at some guy's farm) next weekend, which is the ideal place to do some plinking between trips to the fishing pond.

Suggestions?

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

I have an 8 year old son that is big for his age, and I bought him a pump gun. It's a PITA to pump up because he isn't strong enough to do it himself. I have a couple break barrel guns, and while my son can cock them they are too heavy to hold up for him. If it was my choice I'd go with a walmart break barrel to try him out on. That way if he doesn't like it or it's too heavy fro him you aren't out much.

BackInAction · Member

oddtodd · Silver Status Member

Usually break barrels are heavy just because of how much weight in steel they are made of. If you want my honest opinion go with a 2250 from crosman. It's a co2 powered lightweight. THey advertise that the rifle with scope weighs less than 4 lbs. I have one that I use outside in summer and in my basement in the winter. It's a really decent gun for the money and you can customize the heck out of them so they are fun to tinker with in the off season.

BackInAction · Member

BackInAction · Member

I've looked around a bit more and think I have a good "list" worth further consideration (though I'm willing to look at others if you bring them up).

In no particular order...

Thoughts? I'm willing to spend more, but I'm not sure on what. There are almost too many guns to pick from. I'll probably order something on Thursday (2-days from now).

I'd consider the Crossman 2250XT, but I'm worried about the cost of those 88g carts. Since they don't have on/off valves and will discharge when removed, you have to be committed to firing 200+ shots each session. Can this gun be converted to use a 9oz or 12oz paintball CO2 container? It certainly looks like one could fit within the stock cut-out. I also don't like that it comes with a scope (I want my kids to learn to use sites). I'd rather have good open sites. It doesn't look like it comes with a rear site, so it seems like I'd have to use a scope.

fritz · Silver Status Member

For the 2250xt you can convert it to use paintball tanks for about $35. A rear sight should be able to be fitted on the breech. You don't have to remove your co2 carts or 88gr when done shooting, you can leave them charged.

BackInAction · Member

I think I'm going to end up with the Gamo Delta (or Recon as it seems the Delta may no longer be made) or the Crossman Raven. So, given those two break barrel guns, what else do I need to purchase?

Barrel cleaning kit of some sort, suggestions?
Oil/lube? For pellets? suggestions?
A variety of pellets (to determine which the gun "likes best")? Suggest 2-3 types?

Thanks

Brutuz · Senior Member

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Smith_Wesson_Magnum_Series_Mini_Clear_Lens_Shooting_Glasses_Fits_Kids/780

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/p/Crosman_Premier_Light_177_Cal_7_9_Grains_Domed_1250ct/118

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Plano_Gun_Guard_300S_Soft_Rifle_Case_Hunter_Green/2378

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/accessory.pl?accessory_id=1956

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/accessory.pl?accessory_id=311

That should get you started Cool

Do NOT visit the Crosman custom store http://www.crosman.com/custom_store/2/step1 because you might be tempted to decide to buy a custom carabine Laughing

BackInAction · Member

Slavia · Moderator

Welcome to the forum!

You're probably wise to stay away from BB guns. Rifled pellet guns will be more accurate, and it wouldn't be long before your kids outgrow the accuracy limitations of BB's.

I have read that the Raven has a plastic trigger housing, so the Gamo might be a better choice. Plus there is a $35.00 trigger replacement available for the Gamo that will transform it.
http://www.charliedatuna.com/GRT-III%20Trigger%20New.htm

There are lots of ways to clean the bore, but it can be hundreds of rounds between cleanings since you don't have the high temp/pressure fouling of a powder burner:
http://www.airgunhome.com/agforum/viewtopic.php?t=1954&start=0

A spring-powered gun will take upwards of 1,000 rounds to break in, so you will have plenty of time to try different pellets as you come across them. There are also sampler packs available:
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?cx=002970863286801882398%3Ajlcminxfwdw&cof=FORID%3A11%3BNB%3A1&q=pellet+sampler&sa=Search&search_for=pellet+sampler

Pellet guns need less lubrication than you think. The silicone oil mentioned above is a good choice, but whatever you use remember two things: First, keep petroleum-based lubricants away from the breech seal - they will soften and degrade it. Second, don't use low flash point lubricants (like WD-40) in the compression chamber, since they can diesel and cause damage to the spring/seal.

Kids like targets that do things - explode in a puff of dust, fall over, spin, fly way, make noise, etc. Your choices are limited only by your imagination. Lay in a supply of candy, paint balls, cans, pop bottles, spent shotgun shells, spent pistol cases, cheese puffs, animal crackers, etc. Don't forget that you can make a backstop from a cardboard box and newspaper so you can move inside when the weather gets bad.

Wow, Indian Guides. I went with my father in the late 1950's. Camp Iduhapi, which means "paddle your own canoe." I'll bet most people think the name was made up for the Chevy Chase movie "Man Of The House."

Brutuz · Senior Member

BackInAction · Member

Slavia · Moderator

BackInAction · Member