It finally happened!!!!

[WesCombs]

I can't really think of a better pump gun for your son..I say get him one. Rick only pumped the gun up 8 times for all tests but he was still almost getting 600 fps. Add a couple more pumps and factor in the 14 grain pellet and I'd say you have enough force to bring down a grackel. Anything else you get will likely be a .177 that shoots around the same velocity..aka..less force. Besides that, Rick said the gun "pumps like a dream" and from my childhood experience, even the Pumpmaster 760 was a chore to pump. I don't think you or your son will be disappointed with the 22SG..I'm pretty excited for both of you! Let us know what you choose..I can't wait!

[Jaymo]

Eggs explode when shot with Daisy wadcutters from my 22SG. A .22 at 600 fps has more muzzle energy than a .177 at 725 fps, which is what my 2100 launches them at. 2 fps doesn't sound like much, but the increased frontal area drastically increases the impact.

[Jaymo]

I suppose you could get him an 850. Or get him a Crosman 1077 and use lead free pellets. Or maybe a 2240/2250 and get it power modded.

[PeakChick]

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the power needed to humanely anchor light pest birds like Grackles. I have put many a grackle in a plastic bag resting place with low to mid power .177 rifles; such as my AR2078A shooting 8.3 gr Superdomes at about 620 fps, my HW30 shooting 7.9 gr CPHPs in the low 600s....... Shot placement is everything. A good head shot or more often a solid body shot will drop them everytime. Teach your son solid shooting skills, gun safety and give him the opportunity to practice those skills. Everything else will fall into place with a good foundation.