I remember the excitement I felt when my 10 year old self got my very first BB gun, it was so exciting, almost like a rite of passage into becoming a man. It was my first step into gun ownership and I learn many valuable lessons on how to handle a gun properly and how to operate one correctly. So the question that you are probably asking yourself right now is “What is the proper age that a child should get their first BB gun?” Well the answer to question really varies upon several factors including the maturity of the child, the size of the child and your familiarity with firearms and teaching someone how to handle one properly. I believe a good general age range for a first BB gun would be between 8 to 12 years old, but let’s look into what getting that first BB gun entails.
The Maturity Of The Child
The biggest variable in all of this is the maturity of the child. If the child able to comprehend and follow directions then any age is an appropriate age to begin teaching the child about gun safety, even if the child is under the age of 8. However if the child does not listen well and will not follow direction, then the child is obviously not ready for their first BB gun.
One thing you should know is that most states do have restrictions on how old an individual must me to buy or own an air gun. This age is typically between 16 to 18 years old so you will want to check your state’s laws regarding minors owning an airgun (to see the age requirements for your state click here). Most states allow minors to operate a BB gun under adult supervision on personal property though (check your state’s laws regarding air guns here).
Most manufacturers recommend their products to users that are 10 years old or older. It is also highly recommended that you keep the BB gun stored in a secure location that the child cannot freely access when an adult is not around to supervise.
Size Of The Child
Another factor to consider is your child big enough to properly operate the BB gun. Can their fingers reach the trigger, are strong enough to hold the BB gun up to their shoulder and are they strong enough to be able to pump the BB gun? While an adult can help with some of these consideration, you will want to consider them ahead of time to see if your child is physically able to operate a BB gun.
Are You Able To Properly Teach The Child Gun Safety?
Teaching the child gun safety is the most important aspect of all, so you will want to make sure that you really take the time to explain how to handle the gun properly and why it’s important that we follow the rules. When it comes to gun safety you need to teach the following:
- Always treat the gun as loaded.
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
- Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.
- Always use proper Ammunition.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
- If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun. NEVER LOOK DOWN THE BARREL OF THE GUN
- Don’t rely on the gun’s safety to keep it from firing.
- Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so you don’t trip or lose your balance and accidentally point and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything.
- When in doubt, do not shoot.
Choosing An Appropriate First BB Gun
A big misconception is that BB guns are relatively harmless. Sure there are some that are not very powerful, but even the low powered ones can put out an eye or cause injury or death and mishandled. Some modern day air guns are quite powerful and not totally not appropriate for young children, so it’s important to select a gun that is suitable for a child.
First BB Gun Recommendations
Below are some of the BB guns that we would recommend to young and new shooters alike.
Daisy Red Ryder
- Sport Type – Airsoft Rifles
- 0.177 Caliber BB ammo with steel smooth bore barrel
- 650 Shot capacity
- 350-Feet per Second maximum velocity
- Lever cocking, spring air action
- Stained solid wood stock and forearm with blade and ramp front and adjustable rear sight
Daisy 880
- 880 air rifle kit includes safety glasses, 4×15-millimeter scope with rings, 500 Daisy pellets, and 750 BBs
- Multi-pump pneumatic rifle .177 Cal BB or pellet
- Wood-grained Monte Carlo stock and forearm
- Shoots BBs 750 feet per second; shoots pellets 715 feet per second
- 50 shot BB capacity
- Fiber optics front sight, adjustable rear sight
- PLEASE NOTE: for each shot the bolt must be cycled before it will pump air
- Crossbolt trigger block safety
Crosman 760
- DURABLE, WATER RESISTANT DESIGN – Brown with smooth bore steel barrel
- VARIABLE CONTROL – From 350 fps to 700 fps
- COMPATIBLE WITH . 177-CALIBER PELLETS OR TRADITIONAL STEEL BBs – (pellets and BBs not included)
- CROSSBOLT SAFETY – To ensure proper and safe handling
- ELEVATION-ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHT AND BLADE FRONT SIGHT – To stay on target
- IDEAL FOR PLINKING OR PEST CONTROL