The Best Air Rifles For Beginners

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Air Rifle For Beginners

Shooting air rifles are a fun and inexpensive way for beginners to learn how to handle firearms safely. But which ones are best? Find out below.

Why Are Air Rifles Great For Beginners?

Air guns are great for beginners because they are affordable, easy to use, and have little recoil. Recoil is the backward motion of the air rifle when it is fired. A low-recoil air rifle is easier to control and less likely to cause injury.

Air rifles come with basic sights which can be used easily by shooters of all skill levels. Attachable air rifle sighting scopes are also available. However, scopes are delicate and some have complicated settings, which a younger shooter may struggle to learn. This might have the effect of turning them off from using the rifle altogether. So, teaching a beginner to use open sites is probably the best way for them to learn the basics of aiming.

Air rifle pellets and bbs are also relatively cheap, making air guns a great way to practice shooting at little cost. If some pellets or bbs are dropped or lost, replacing them is inexpensive.

An example of an air rifle that is good for beginners is the .177 Daisy 1938 Red Ryder Lever Action BB Rifle.

At What Age Can Kids Use Air Rifles?

Air rifles can be used by nearly any age. However, younger users need to be mature enough to handle a firearm.

There are air rifles that are designed for kids, which makes them easier for them to use. But, air rifles can be dangerous if not handled properly. It is not recommended to simply hand an air rifle to a child and leave them with it. They should have some parental supervision.

State laws regarding air rifles also need to be considered, as there are some limitations based on age. For example, in California, it is against the law to give a minor (below age 18) an air rifle to use without the permission of a parent or guardian.

So, parents need to make sure their children know the proper handling and safety procedures before allowing them to shoot air rifles.

Air Rifle Safety Tips For Beginners

Beginners should follow these safety steps when shooting air rifles:

1. Always wear safety glasses. This is one of the most important air gun safety tips. Flying pellets or bbs can cause serious injury to your eyes.

2. Never point air rifles at people, animals, or any object you don’t intend to shoot.

3. Firearms should always be unloaded when not in use. Do not store an air rifle with ammunition.

4. Always place the safety to “On” when not firing.

For more information, see How To Use An Air Pistol Safely.

Recommended Air Rifles for Beginners

If you’re a beginner looking for an air rifle, here are some well-regarded brands you might consider:

  1. Crosman – This American brand is known for producing affordable air rifles that are easy to use and suitable for beginners. Some popular beginner models include the Crosman Optimus and the Crosman Legacy 1000.
  2. Daisy – Daisy is another American brand that’s been around for over a century and is known for producing air rifles that are both affordable and of good quality. The Daisy Powerline 880 and Daisy Red Ryder are both great options for beginners.
  3. Gamo – Gamo is a Spanish brand that’s been making air rifles for over 60 years. They offer a range of models to suit different budgets and skill levels, including the Gamo Whisper Fusion and the Gamo Shadow DX.
  4. Hatsan – Hatsan is a Turkish brand that’s known for producing air rifles that are well-built and powerful. If you’re looking for a more powerful air rifle, you might consider the Hatsan AT44 or the Hatsan Gladius.

It’s important to note that while these brands offer quality air rifles, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare specifications to ensure that you find the right air rifle to suit your needs.

To Close

Air guns are also a great way to teach new shooters the basics of shooting without having to worry about the more extreme dangers of a real firearm. However, even air guns can cause serious injury if not handled safely. So, if you are a parent or guardian, make sure your child is responsible enough to handle one prior to letting them shoot.

Lawrence the Airgun Ranger
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