Which air rifle is good for Children?

[slingshot]

I have been planning to introduce the 9 year old daughter to air rifle shooting. This will be done with 100% supervision, with full safety instructions, in a controlled environment.

However, I only have adult air rifles. The Diana 350 Magnum and Diana 54 Airking will be impossible for the child to shoot with. Even if I negate the cocking effort, since only I shall be cocking it for her, the weight will be an issue.

I am seeking the advice of this forum on the best way to introduce this to her. This has to be fun and not a chore. I want her to enjoy shooting and plinking before taking the plunge to serious match shooting. Some questions that cropped up in my mind.

1. Is there a recommended air rifle for children and are they available in India?
2. Any Indian air rifle that will best suit this requirement?
3. Should I go for a CO2 pistol or air rifle instead of springers? I would prefer springers as they are a more realistic air rifle experience and a good starting point for plinking and enjoyment.

Since I am second guessing here, I am only guessing the issues that might crop up. It would really help in case someone has had experience in this could offer their insights.

I have gone through the threads on this section and I have not found anything definite on this subject. However, in case this thread needs to be shifted, I apologise in advance.

[andy_65_in]

I think any PCP which is quite and not loud should meet your requirement .spring guns require a cocking effort.however the child will have to be helped in loading the rifle etc

[PRITAM PATEL]

IHP model 25 in .177 Cal
HW 25 or 30 in .177 Cal
Diana model 25 in .177 Cal

[fantumfan2003]

Slingshot,

Please ensure that the little one shoots the rifle from a support and that the little one does not bear the weight of the airgun. Kids are not strong enough to bear the weight and even if they do, they will not be able to hold the airgun steady enough to shoot accurately, which will put them off shooting.

Its a good idea to let them shoot with a support and let them master things like sight picture, trigger operation, breathing etc.

There is no Indian made airgun which fits the bill. The closest I can think of is the Weihrauch HW30S, Diana 27, Dian 24 (or 240) all in .177 caliber.

Most importantly, teach the safety rules first and lead (metal) handling precautions like washing hands with soap and water after shooting etc.

M.

I have been planning to introduce the 9 year old daughter to air rifle shooting. This will be done with 100% supervision, with full safety instructions, in a controlled environment.

However, I only have adult air rifles. The Diana 350 Magnum and Diana 54 Airking will be impossible for the child to shoot with. Even if I negate the cocking effort, since only I shall be cocking it for her, the weight will be an issue.

I am seeking the advice of this forum on the best way to introduce this to her. This has to be fun and not a chore. I want her to enjoy shooting and plinking before taking the plunge to serious match shooting. Some questions that cropped up in my mind.

1. Is there a recommended air rifle for children and are they available in India?
2. Any Indian air rifle that will best suit this requirement?
3. Should I go for a CO2 pistol or air rifle instead of springers? I would prefer springers as they are a more realistic air rifle experience and a good starting point for plinking and enjoyment.

Since I am second guessing here, I am only guessing the issues that might crop up. It would really help in case someone has had experience in this could offer their insights.

I have gone through the threads on this section and I have not found anything definite on this subject. However, in case this thread needs to be shifted, I apologise in advance.

[GreenBeret]

THe best is to go for c02 powerd pistols.. They dont have much recoil and dont need frequent load of pellets. easy to handle also...

[slingshot]

Hi Manish, Pritam, Andy, GreenBeret, Thank you for the insights.

Manish, though I was hoping that the National 25 or 35 in .177 could fit the bill, I have to agree with you. The issue that I am facing is the trigger pull. The trigger pull for these is really hard. And for a 9 year old, it would be difficult to shoot. Of course, the air rifle shall have support for her and she is not going to fire an air rifle before she goes through extensive training on safety and most importantly, the parts of the air rifle. We started the safety training this week with the Diana 350 as the demonstration air rifle and she has made great progress. Proud Dad

The other option is to get a National 25 or 35 and get it tuned and upgraded. I have seen that a lot of members have done this. I especially liked the great effort put in by Brihacharan and PKJeetesh. I also believe that Tirths and Mack The Knife are keen tuners and upgraders. However, does anyone know of good gunsmiths who can tune a National 25 or 35 for me? In fact I read here that PKJeetesh had actually got a 2 stage adjustable trigger fitted on his IHP 35. I can try DIY, but I dont want to risk it. Firstly because I have never done this before and especially since a 9 year old shall start shooting with it. If anyone can help, I shall be really grateful.

If all else fails, I shall get a Diana 27 to start.

[airguns]

For 9-10 years olds, this easy cocking and scopeable springer, the HW 25 is the best.http://www.pyramydair.com/s/m/Weihrauch_HW25L/22

[Katana]

slingshot,

Pritambhai and FF have said it all. I hope your daughter takes to air gunning in a big way. Good Luck!

[fantumfan2003]

Slingshot,

Unapologetic about being blunt. Please get your priorities right....
Don't waste your money and time on tuning an air rifle which will not be suitable for your daughter anyway....
Tuning is not rocket science I tune one almost every week, I can do it for you in a day but what will you do about the horrible trigger ?

Nothing....

So better get her a decent airgun amongst any of these.....

New
====

Diana 240
Weihrauch HW30S

Old
===

Diana 24
Diana 27

The key is to get a lightweight springer or even a PCP which has a light or match like trigger.
If you are in Mumbai, we can square this away....

M.

Hi Manish, Pritam, Andy, GreenBeret, Thank you for the insights.

Manish, though I was hoping that the National 25 or 35 in .177 could fit the bill, I have to agree with you. The issue that I am facing is the trigger pull. The trigger pull for these is really hard. And for a 9 year old, it would be difficult to shoot. Of course, the air rifle shall have support for her and she is not going to fire an air rifle before she goes through extensive training on safety and most importantly, the parts of the air rifle. We started the safety training this week with the Diana 350 as the demonstration air rifle and she has made great progress. Proud Dad

The other option is to get a National 25 or 35 and get it tuned and upgraded. I have seen that a lot of members have done this. I especially liked the great effort put in by Brihacharan and PKJeetesh. I also believe that Tirths and Mack The Knife are keen tuners and upgraders. However, does anyone know of good gunsmiths who can tune a National 25 or 35 for me? In fact I read here that PKJeetesh had actually got a 2 stage adjustable trigger fitted on his IHP 35. I can try DIY, but I dont want to risk it. Firstly because I have never done this before and especially since a 9 year old shall start shooting with it. If anyone can help, I shall be really grateful.

If all else fails, I shall get a Diana 27 to start.

[slingshot]

Thank you Manish and Pritam. And yes Manish I am in Mumbai. Would be grateful for your help. I shall send you a pm with my cellular number. And I need to start looking for the recommended air rifles. Her birthday is coming soon Cheers, Basav