OH Happy Day

Today my son asked if he could go hunting with me (squirrels only)lol.  I could hardly contain myself, I told my wife and she got a big kick out of it. He’s going to be 8 on Nov 5th and ask for a gun for his birthday. He knows that all of guns in the house are too big for him.

Any suggestions? I was thinking a “10 pump” easy to shoot has power enough for close range squirrels and it should fit him.
Bart
     

I read this post on another forum and agree that a multi pumper might be the way to go, considering your sons age.  Though, if he is big for his age, you might be able to get him a Gamo Recon or Delta break barrel.  Should have plenty of power at close range and only need to cock the gun once.  If you do opt for a multi pumper I can suggest one NOT to get for hunting and that would be the Crosman 760. Bought two of them for my kids about 2 years ago and wished I had saved the money.  Accuracy is terrible, especially for hunting....pretty much just a plinking rifle.  Basically tin can accuracy at 10 yards.  Best groups I could get at 12 yards was about 2 1/2" and that was with heavy pellets....I don't even want to discuss the groupings with regular weight pellets.

[vinceb]

The multi-pumpers (like the Daisy 880) can be a bit of a bear.... although they are light, accurate, and easy to shoot.

Gamo has a "Shadow 640" which might fill the bill... it's got a little more oomph than the Delta, probably comparable power to the 880, and it's a 1-pump break barrel.

[Gene_SC]

Congratulations Bart, I remember when my son was around that age and asked me for a fishing rod and real so he could go fishing with dad.. Warms ur heart and you will never forget it.

My thoughts on a rifle for him... I found a great little rifle, "Daisy 131 .177". It was used but in great shape. Very easy to cock. I am sure your son would have no problem with something like that. It shoots in mid 500 fps. very small in size and lite weight. Maybe you could start looking on the auction sites now an come up with one by his birthday. It cost me $48.00 plus $15.00 shipping..

Good Luck

Gene

I was also thinking of the 1377 ? light can customize it when he gets older. I would like to stay away from springers as of now only because of the hold issue, I wouldn't want him to be discouraged before he got started.
Bart

PS Gene he already goes fishing with me, and your right it warms ur heart.

[Gene_SC]

Hey Bart.... Funny thing. I was just on the NZ Forum and Microbugs son wants a gun also to go hunting with his dad... he he.

Here is the link. Take a look at the gun he has chosen. Right in line with what you are thinking..

http://www.nzairgunners.com/nzairgunforum/showthread.php?t=805

Gene

[Gene_SC]

Did you know that Pyramid Air still sells the Gamo Delta Cadet. $63.95. "DELTA by Gamo Easy to shoot. Easy to cock. Easy to get used to!"
Only weighs 4 lbs.


http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/model.pl?model_id=252


Gene

Yeah, rub it in Gene..He He He.  You guys who can order air rifles on the internet...don't know how good you have it.  I paid almost $20 more for the Delta and Recon (total $40) having to buy it locally through a sports store.  Can ya tell I'm a little bit jealous??   Anyway, you are quite correct about the Delta....extremely easy to shoot, there's some recoil, but not a lot.  I started out shooting Daisy Red Ryders and model 1894 BB guns and they recoiled some as well...shouldn't be a big issue.  And to say that these hold a tighter pellet group than the Crosman 760's (no recoil) would be a serious understatement.  Did I mention, to NOT get the Crosman 760's?  that's right I did! :p  

I suggest a Benjamin.  I have a well-used 347 that I would never part with.  The only drawback for a young shooter is the last two or three pumps, and Dad can provide that.    The general advantages:  only wants to be shot and be given a little oil every now and then.  The advantages for squirrel hunting:  enough power, light (he'll be carrying more than pumping and shooting), and compact (boy-sized).

Of course, an 8-year-old boy probably has an idea of what he wants.  Ask him.  Or, better yet, let him look at, and hold, various guns and then ask him.

[Gene_SC]

Thanks for you input Ashley, Always great to have as many views as possible. I bet Bart is having fun figuring out where to start..

Gene

Yep Just trying to figure out a good gun that he can handle is a chore. I'll look at the gamo...I have to order sometime today or tomorrow.
Bart

hey bart,i now recomend a beeman silver bear,or 550 and then buy a powerline 3*9*32 scope,ive had a beeman silver bear for many years,and yesterday i purchased the scope it is perfect,and your son wouldnt have a hard time cocking it,the powerline scope i bought was on sale for 5$