BEYOND PLINKING
Great for target practice, competition and youth training, today’s high-powered air rifles can also take down everything from cottontails to big game
Advertisement
Air rifles are perfect for teaching kids to shootYOUTH TRAINING
An air rifle is ideal for teaching a young person how to shoot safely and accurately. You can buy an inexpensive, simple-to-use, low-powered, single-shot model designed for youth that, with velocities below 500 fps, does not require a firearms possession and acquisition licence. Recoil is not a factor, either, and they’re quiet and very safe to use when handled correctly. And because the pellets are inexpensive, beginners can shoot all they want without spending more than they care to. Just set them up with safety glasses and reactive targets such as spinners so they don’t get bored, then supervise the fun with sound teaching methods. Both my son and grandson learned to shoot with inexpensive .177-calibre break-barrel models. They are both now very good shots, due in large part to cutting their teeth with air rifles.
RIFLE OPTIONS
Advertisement
A spring-piston break barrel is the ideal air rifle for beginners and youth. They are easy to operate, reliable and typically inexpensive. Plus, many models are available in youth sizes. One downside is they require cocking prior to each shot, which some youngsters might find difficult. Alternatively, gas-piston models would be worth considering, as they’re easier to cock. They’re also quieter and have less associated recoil. If your protege becomes more serious about shooting, you may also want to look at a PCP. Again, just expect to pay more, as PCPs are generally more expensive than spring- or gas-piston models.