My son needs a new BB/Pellet rifle. Looking for something under $80 that anyone would recommend.

TIA

What type of powerplant do you want?

Not sure I follow your question.

Are you referring to a multi-pump vs. CO2?

Looking for something that will pump up. Don't want to have to buy CO2 cartridges. Boy just turned 8 so looking for something to transition to a single shot .22 in a couple of years.

There are six types of airgun powerplants. Pre-charged guns have an on-board compressed air tank, and are out of your price range. Gas-piston and spring-piston break-barrel guns are not suitable for kids because of the safety issues, and the fact that many take more effort to compress than what an 8y.o. is willing or able to give. Inexpensive spring guns such as a Red Ryder are not very accurate save one. And evidently, the C02 guns are not wanted.

If you want a simple lever-action spring-gun, take a look at the Daisy Avanti 499, which although is above your price range, is still worth your time to investigate. This rifle shoots only BB's. It is the only lever-action I could recommend. Otherwise, just take your pick.

If you want more of a target-rifle, take a look at the Daisy Powerline 950, which is a single-stroke pneumatic. This will probably be the most accurate rifle you can get in your price range. This fires only pellets. The only potential problem is that your child might have some difficulty in pumping, but it does have a fairly long pump arm.

A multi-pump pneumatic will be easy to pump, at least for the first three or four pumps (which is enough for plinking). The Daisy 880 is an old favorite, but at your price range, it really doesn't matter. Crosman makes one that looks like an AR, which you and your child might like. I would probably pick either the 880 or the Crosman 2100B.

I have a crosman pumpmaster 760 that I have had for probably 20 years. It's the gun I learned to shoot with and I've probably taken more animals with that gun than any other gun I own. I know they still make them (same specs? I don't know...) and you can pick one up for $50ish. I don't know about power plants, but this one is a multiple pump system. The more pumps the more power. It'll shoot BBs and pellets.

The 760 is a classic, and always a good choice for a low-end multi-pumper. I didn't mention it because it's shorter pump arm provides less mechanical advantage than the longer arms found on the 880, and this might be of some difference to an 8 y.o..

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Looking for something that will pump up. Don't want to have to buy CO2 cartridges. Boy just turned 8 so looking for something to transition to a single shot .22 in a couple of years.

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Just curious. Why hasn't he been shooting a .22 already?

If it were my kid, I'd get a Crosman 2400KT air rifle from the Crosman Custom Shop, and have them engrave his initials on it. Make it special for his first gun. It will be CO2, but adequate for teaching firearm basics and instilling the joys of shooting. They make a pistol and a rifle version of the 2400KT. The rifle version is good for his size. No recoil or loud bang, so he can focus on technique before graduating to bigger guns. My kids love ours, and seem to prefer it even though they're older now.

http://www.crosman.com/custom-shop/

(I know you're not for CO2 but one cartridge lasts 40 shots, I buy in bulk and they last a long time, and there is nothing for the little ones to pump.)

To add to the above, another site is saying Wednesday is the last day for guaranteed by Christmas delivery, and you can get 15% off using coupon code CROSMANCUSTOM.

Caladian,

Thanks for the info.

Looked at an M4-177 this afternoon at Bass Pro. Could care less that it is an AR style/looking gun, but like that the stock length is adjustable for Jr. Any input on this one?

I also like that it is a pump style and not CO2 and that it fires both BB'S and pellets.

Take a look at these two sites. Alot of information. The second link has a few at your price point. I recently purchased a break barrel that I shoot open sights and have been pleased with this power plant.

airgun 1

airgun 2

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Caladian,

Thanks for the info.

Looked at an M4-177 this afternoon at Bass Pro. Could care less that it is an AR style/looking gun, but like that the stock length is adjustable for Jr. Any input on this one?

I also like that it is a pump style and not CO2 and that it fires both BB'S and pellets.

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No meaningful input, really. At this price level, it's pretty much 6 of one/half-dozen of another. The differences are more cosmetic than mechanical. I think the adjustable stock is a great idea for your situation.

CO2 does have it's advantages, but the power levels drop off once the ambient air temps go below 60 degrees, and really drop off below 40. Of course this does not matter if you shoot indoors. But it is fun to rip off a full magazine-load at full speed.

C