BB guns

liam8282

You could say the same for numerous kids activities:

* just because they play darts, doesn't mean they are going to throw darts at each other.

* just because they play cricket, doesn't mean they are going to go beating people with a cricket bat.

* just because they play golf, doesn't mean they are going to go hit someone with a golf club.

So on.....

As I said, it is probably better to use your own judgement of your own child.

Yes there have been some accidents, Yes some kids have been idiots, but that could apply to numerous things a child chooses to do.

alleycat`

"Caveat" i think you have to be over 17 to own one of these....

I have one and i'm in my mid 30's.

I use it rarely these days but it is relaxing to target shoot once in a while.
The plastic pellets will sting at close range but are not going to break the skin.
They are mostly accurate (assuming it isn't very windy) to about 30 or 40 feet maximum.

The rules have changed on the "guns" now so they are at least 50% clear or bright colours (makes them easily distinguished from a real thing).

I got mine from these guys:-

http://www.solware.co.uk/bb-guns/bb-pistol-guns.shtml

I'd suggest a single shot (spring powered) type if they are just for target "plinking" and expect to pay about £25 to £30 for a reasonable one.

I don't know you or your son so i can't judge if either of you are responsible enough to own one but used correctly they are no more dangerous than anything else.

If they are really interested in shooting generally then speak to a local gun club.
They are generally very friendly and you have to pass a safety test before they'll support you in applying for a firearm.
Even if you don't want him to have a "real gun" understanding the safety side of it can never be bad thing.

lovinituk

I actively participate in airsofting regularly and I am in my 30's. Airsoft is a popular sport, much like paintball, enjoyed by a wide range of ages and people from various backgrounds. There are certain regulations surrounding the selling of airsoft guns (bb guns) which come under the Violent Crimes Reduction Act (VCRA) - basic points being that it is illegal to sell one to anybody under 18 and if it is not 51% or more brightly coloured ('two-toned'), then it is illegal to sell one to anyone who cannot prove they are registered as a bonafide airsofter. There are also legal issues surrounding the speed at which they can fire the plastic pellets that are used. These are not air rifles - they are relatively low powered 'toys' that fire round plastic pellets not metal shaped pellets.

Now I appreciate 'guns' are not everyones taste and it is a very sensitive subject for some but used in properly organised games on fully insured airsoft sites run by responsible site owners, they can be a lot of fun. Games I play at have a lot of younger people playing and I have said before that I am generally very impressed with their attitude, willingness to listen, learn and be part of a team. For many if they were not involved in this sport they could very well be spending their money on alcohol or worse and behaving anti-sociably.

As a father myself I will be happy for my sons to 'have' airsoft guns when they are older with the caveat that they remain my property until they are over 18 and they will only be able to possess and use them at organised events. One thing I strongly object to is parents that let young children possess them and use them outside of oragnised arenas - this is when bedroom accidents and the like occur as there is no discipline.

Back to the OP, if you are still looking I would suggest that it would be more appropriate to enquire on an airsoft forum. There are several large active ones and I will be happy to point you in the right direction if you would like to send me a message.