Image: MomJunction Design Team
BB guns are non-powdered firearms that look like real guns. While they are fun for youngsters, choosing the best BB guns for kids is essential in view of safety. These toy guns are used to improve shooting accuracy, sharpen focus, and improve hand-eye coordination. If your kid likes BB guns and you want to get one for them, take a look at our list of the best ones below. However, ensure that your kids are under adult supervision while playing with them to avoid injuries.
Top Picks
11 Best BB Guns For Kids
1. Best Trendy Slide:Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol
The .177 caliber, 19-shot handgun-style BB gun from Umarex has a trendy slide and muzzle design with a functional, under-muzzle Picatinny rail for accessories, such as a laser or flashlight. Get a better insight into this gun pistol by watching this video.
Pros
- Drop-free magazine
- All-metal magazine
- Shoots regular steel BBs
- CO2-powered
- Lightweight and durable polymer frame
Cons
- Magazine may jam
- Shooting range may be short
"What I love the most about this gun is its authentic feel and formidable nature. The loading can be a bit difficult, but it has been a good option for casual target practice for my children."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,741 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
2. Best Easy-To-Use:Crosman 1911BB CO2 BB Air Pistol
The tried-and-tested Crosman 1911BB air pistol is constructed with a polymer frame, steel barrel, and checkered grips to handle it conveniently while assuring precision. It features a 12-gram CO2 cartridge that shoots BBs up to 480fps and removable grip panels for replacing the CO2 cartridges. This pistol includes a 20-round drop-out barrel magazine compatible with a steel 4.5mm BB.
Pros
- Fixed blade front
- Comes with cross-bolt safety
- Adjustable rear notch sight
- Includes Picatinny rail
Cons
- May not be lead-free
- Triggers may jam
"This BB pistol is suitable for casual target shooting in the backyard. It offers excellent power and precision. And although the plastic quality may not appeal to all, it is a good option for introducing slightly older children to air pistols."
Quick Tip3. Best Water-Resistant:Crosman .177 Bolt Action Variable Pump BB Air Gun
The kids’ BB gun by the trusted brand Crossman is suitable for children who prefer to play with big guns. It has a tactical-style, black rifled steel barrel. You can use this pellet gun for plinking, pest control, target shooting practice, etc. It can shoot pellets up to 600 fps and BBs up to 625 fps, giving it a competitive edge over its counterparts.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Includes a Crosman Firepow’s five-shot pellet clip
- Includes accessory rail mounts for scope, lasers, flashlights, and cameras
Cons
- May have a pressure issue
- May be a bit heavy
"Although lightweight, this rifle has been a reliable option for backyard target practice. It feels very sturdy, and its shooting distance has been impressive. While I like the consistency of the scope, I would suggest using pellets instead of BBs for better performance."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,284 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
Umarex XBG .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Best Trendy Slide | Crosman 1911BB CO2 BB Air Pistol Best Easy-To-Use | Crosman .177 Bolt Action Variable Pump BB Air Gun Best Water-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.7 Pounds | 0.05 Pounds | 1 Kilograms |
| Color | Multi | Black | Black |
| Material | Blend | Blend | - |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 2 x 10 x 7.5 inches | - | 39.25 x 2.5 x 7.63 inches |
| Frame Material | - | Polymer | Plastic |
| Dimensions | - | 10"L x 2"W x 7"H | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,741 | 403 | 1,284 |
| Price | $133.8 | $42.53 | $61.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Lightweight:Umarex Brodax .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol Revolver
The field-tested 12gm, CO2-powered revolver-style BB gun by Umarex is a popular handgun and can shoot up to 10 pellets at once. This unique revolver can catch anyone’s attention. It can shoot BBs at 375fps. Take a look at this product testing video by a reviewer to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Integrated Picatinny accessory mounts for lasers, lights, or optics
- Durable polymer frame with metal parts inside
- Integrated hex key
Cons
- May leak
"The BB gun's efficient grip and weighted body have made it easy for my kid to aim and shoot. Though a bit tricky to maneuver, its intricate reloading mechanism offers a decent shot capacity. Overall, it has come in handy to make backyard play fights more fun."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 539 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
5. Best For Shooting Practices:Daisy Adult Red Ryder BB Gun
The BB gun by Daisy is suitable for shooting sports or recreational activities. It has a maximum velocity of 350fps and a shooting range of up to 195 yards in a single shot.
Pros
- Smooth bore steel barrel
- Adjustable open rear sights
- Includes stamped metal and saddle ring with a leather thong
- Cross bolt trigger block safety
Cons
- May have loading issues
"I'm pretty impressed by this gun's sturdy lever and adjustable rear sight, which offer the accuracy my kids want. Its trigger assembly is slightly complex for little hands, but with a bit of assistance, it can be overcome. It's a fun option for casual shooting practice."
Quick Tip6. Best For Teaching Kids:Daisy Outdoor Products Model 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun
The airsoft rifle can be an ideal choice to make your child’s outdoor adventures and play sessions more fun. It comes with a low velocity of 350fps, has a 650-shot capacity, and has a manual cross-bolt for additional safety. These features make it suitable for teaching your child marksmanship under utmost safety measures.
Pros
- Lever locking system
- Solid stained wood stock and forearms
- Adjustable rear sight
- Smooth bore steel barrel
Cons
- Cocking lever may be plastic
- May be difficult to operate
7. Best Metal Frame:Red Ryder Daisy A Christmas Wish BB Gun
The tried-and-trusted gun by Red Ryder can be a perfect Christmas gift to place under the Christmas tree. It can shoot up to 650 rounds and has a wood finish. The gun includes a sundial and a compass, making it ideal for outdoor adventures such as camping and hiking.
Pros
- Metal frame and barrel
- Manual safety
- Smooth bore steel blade
- Adjustable sights
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
- May lack precision aim shooting
"This BB gun combines functionality and nostalgia, especially for me, who loved going outdoors with this. It's ideal for beginners for its easy operation, and I just gifted this to my son—the expression on his face when he received it was priceless."
8. Best Cast Iron Lever:Bear River Barra 1866 Cowboy Series Lever Action Multi-Pump BB And Pellet Air Rifle
The cowboy series gun by Bear River comes with a multi-pump system for better BB pellet firing. Its receiver and butt plate have a golden electroplating finish to offer a classic design. One to ten pumps can offer various power levels, with ten pumps shooting at a maximum of 800fps.
Pros
- Cast iron lever
- Adjustable iron sights
- Rifled 20″ metal octagonal barrel
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Air may leak
9. Best Compatible With Pellets:Barra Airguns 1866 Air Rifle
The Barra air gun is compatible with pellets and BBs, making it fun to use. With this junior rifle, your child will feel like a real gunslinger from the old west. This gun has auto safety that engages after every shot. It can shoot up to 350fps with a single-pump pneumatic.
Pros
- Long lever arm
- Includes safety glasses
- Includes BBs and targets for practice
- High-quality finish
Cons
- May not be powerful
- Plastic parts may wear out quickly
10. Best CO2-Powered Mechanism:ASG CZ .177 Caliber Steel BB Gun Air Pistol
The .177 caliber BB gun from ASG is an imitation firearm made from steel. Its durability and CO2-powered mechanism ensure maximum range and speed. The gun has an easy-to-load magazine, and its slide moves and delivers realistic blowback action, making it look like a real firearm.
Pros
- Manual safety
- Realistic finish
- Threaded muzzle
- Has authentic CZ markings and a singular serial number
Cons
- CO2 cartridge may leak
- May get jammed
"I love the exciting features of this airgun and its reliable safety and ease of use. My children can safely use it without any struggle. With proper maintenance, this will last for years."
11. Best Manual Safety:Umarex Smith & Wesson .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol
The BB gun by Umarex is an accurate physical replica of the M&P firearm by Smith & Wesson. It fits the same holster made for firearms, making it a suitable practice gun. Accurate to a plain handgun distance of 8.3 yards, this BB-firing pistol will allow shooting your targets with double and triple taps. It can shoot steel BBs at up to 480fps.
Pros
- Manual safety
- Includes fiber optic rear sight
- Includes an integrated accessory rail
- Suitable for training and backyard plinking
Cons
- May get jammed
"The accuracy and economy of this BB pistol offer a satisfying experience for casual backyard target practice with my 15-year-old. If you are new to this, note that it is more suitable for older kids due to the high power."
How To Choose The Right BB Guns For Kids?
Consider the following features when buying a BB gun for kids.
- Bodily injury: Make sure the gun protects from bodily injury. It should have manual safety enabled.
- Safety glasses: Ensure your child wears safety glasses for eye protection.
- Powerful BB guns: Avoid buying powerful BB guns, especially if you buy them to train your child or for fun purposes.
- Small BB guns: Choose small BB guns as they are safe and easy to carry.
- Basic gun safety: Ensure your child is well aware of the basics of gun safety before playing.
- Quality: Choose a gun made of high-quality, durable materials for a realistic look and a long-lasting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age can a child have a BB gun?
BB guns are classified under non-powder guns, and anyone under 18 should use a BB gun under adult or parental supervision. The minimum age recommendation for BB guns is 10 years, and this may vary according to the safety features of the gun (1).
2. What hurts more, BB gun or airsoft gun?
When compared to BB guns, airsoft guns are much safer as they shoot plastic pellets. BB guns, on the other hand, use small metal balls to shoot and can hurt the target.
3. Can I defend myself with a BB gun?
Although BB guns are legal, they are not ideal for self-defense. It can only provide you with minimum defense from the attackers.
4. Are BB guns loud?
The sound varies with different models and ranges between 82 decibels to 104 decibels or more.
5. What does the BB stand for in a BB gun?
Most users believe that BB stands for Bearing Balls. On the contrary, they are called BB guns as the metal balls used in these guns are similar to BB-size lead birdshot that is used on shotguns.
6. Do BB guns hurt?
High-velocity model BB guns, when fired from close ranges, can hurt and can be fatal at times. The metal balls are capable of penetrating the eye and may cause blindness.
7. Can a BB gun break skin?
BB gun models with an average velocity of 45m/s are capable of breaking the skin, and BB guns with more velocities are capable of fracturing bones (2).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose utilizes her in-depth expertise in reviewing kids’ essentials, toys, and gifts. She loves to write about everything, from best-selling toys to new innovations that can keep children engaged in a meaningful way. Her research process involves scouring for tried-and-tested toys that’ll help kids develop important skills while having a fun time. BB Guns are a safe and child-friendly way of sharpening their focus and improving shooting accuracy, which is why Priti has listed the best and trusted ones for her readers.
The Bottom Line
Following all the necessary rules and regulations when purchasing the best BB guns for kids is essential to ensure maximum safety. The buying guide and the detailed pros and cons of the products listed here will help you shortlist some safe and quality BB guns for your child. Our top choices include the Umarex Brodax .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol, as it is lightweight and durable, the Crosman .177 Bolt Action BB Air Gun, which includes various accessories, and the ASG CZ .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol, which has a superior range and speed. Before handing it to your child, ensure you explain all necessary precautions and safety measures.
Infographic: Things To Consider Before Buying BB Guns For Children
When selecting a BB gun for children, it is essential to consider their age, maturity level, and ability to handle the weapon responsibly. This infographic provides the points to remember before purchasing a BB gun for your child. Save and share it with others too! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
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