BB guns are an excellent way for kids to develop shooting skills, enhance their focus, and have fun with friends and family. However, choosing the right BB gun for young shooters requires careful consideration of safety, ease of use, and age-appropriate features. With the right BB gun, kids can enjoy a safe and educational experience while learning the basics of shooting, responsibility, and precision.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the best BB guns for kids, covering key factors to consider when selecting the right one, as well as recommending some of the top models available in 2025. We’ll also go over important safety tips and recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a BB Gun for Kids
Age Appropriateness
When selecting a BB gun for children, age is the most important factor. Young shooters, especially those under 12 years old, should start with lightweight, lower-power guns to ensure they can handle the gun comfortably and safely.
-
Under 8 years old: Look for softair or plastic BB guns with very low FPS ratings (below 150).
-
Ages 8-12: Spring-powered or CO2-powered BB guns with a moderate FPS (200-350) are ideal.
-
Ages 12 and up: For older kids, you can introduce higher-powered spring or CO2 BB guns with FPS up to 500, but always ensure proper supervision.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount when buying a BB gun for a child. Look for guns with the following safety features:
-
Manual safety: A safety mechanism that prevents accidental firing.
-
Bright-colored markings: These help distinguish the BB gun from real firearms.
-
No metal parts for younger kids: For younger children, look for guns with plastic parts to reduce the risk of injury.
Ease of Use
A good BB gun for kids should be easy to cock, load, and shoot. Choose lightweight guns with ergonomic designs that fit comfortably in smaller hands.
-
Lightweight: Choose BB guns that are easy for kids to hold and operate.
-
Simple mechanisms: Opt for spring-powered guns or low-pressure CO2-powered models, which are simple for kids to handle.
Durability and Build Quality
Since kids can sometimes be rough on their gear, look for BB guns made of sturdy materials like high-quality plastic or lightweight metals that can withstand the occasional drop.
-
Shockproof design: A solid build ensures the gun lasts longer and performs better.
-
Weather-resistant: A good BB gun should also be able to withstand a variety of outdoor conditions.
Top BB Guns for Kids in 2025
1 Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun
Best for: Ages 8 and up
The Daisy Red Ryder is a classic and one of the most popular BB guns for kids. With a 650 FPS velocity and a lightweight, sturdy frame, this spring-powered gun is great for teaching kids how to handle firearms safely.
-
Safety features: Manual safety and lever-action cocking mechanism.
-
Easy to use: Light and well-balanced, ideal for younger shooters.
-
Durable: Built with a solid wood stock and a metal receiver.
Pros:
-
Ideal for beginners
-
Classic design
-
Reliable and safe
-
Affordable
Cons:
-
Higher FPS may not be suitable for very young children
-
Requires proper supervision
2 Crosman 760 Pumpmaster
Best for: Ages 10 and up
The Crosman 760 Pumpmaster is a versatile, multi-pump pneumatic BB gun that offers both BB and pellet shooting. This model can be adjusted from a low FPS (around 350) to a higher FPS (600+), making it suitable for a range of ages and skill levels.
-
Safety features: Crossbolt safety, prevents accidental firing.
-
Multi-pump action: Can pump up to 10 times for increased power.
-
Versatile ammo: Shoots both BBs and pellets for extra fun.
Pros:
-
Pumping mechanism for customizable power
-
Lightweight and easy to handle
-
Shoots both BBs and pellets
-
Affordable for its versatility
Cons:
-
Requires more effort to pump for higher FPS
-
Not ideal for younger kids due to the need for multiple pumps
3 Umarex XBG CO2 BB Gun
Best for: Ages 12 and up
For older kids who are ready to take on a more powerful and CO2-powered BB gun, the Umarex XBG is an excellent choice. This semi-automatic BB gun can shoot at 400 FPS, making it suitable for target practice or backyard shooting.
-
Safety features: Manual safety and trigger-block safety.
-
CO2-powered: Runs on 12g CO2 cartridges for consistent power.
-
Semi-automatic: Shoots as fast as the trigger is pulled (up to 19 shots per CO2 cartridge).
Pros:
-
High FPS and semi-auto action
-
CO2 power is ideal for consistency and accuracy
-
Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
-
Requires CO2 cartridges
-
More suited for older or more experienced shooters
4 Bear River Stryker 150
Best for: Ages 8 and up
The Bear River Stryker 150 is a spring-powered BB gun that’s perfect for younger kids who are just starting to learn how to shoot. With a 150 FPS rating, it’s perfect for close-range target shooting and plinking in the backyard.
-
Safety features: Manual safety, prevents accidental firing.
-
Lightweight: Easy to carry and cock, even for younger shooters.
-
Affordable: A budget-friendly option for new shooters.
Pros:
-
Simple and straightforward to use
-
Lightweight and easy for kids to handle
-
Safe and low-power for beginners
Cons:
-
Low FPS limits range and accuracy
-
Not as versatile as other models
Safety Tips for Young Shooters
Always Use Eye Protection
BBs, while small, can cause eye injuries if they hit a sensitive area. Make sure your child wears proper safety glasses or shooting goggles whenever they are using a BB gun.
Supervise at All Times
Never leave a young shooter unattended with a BB gun. Always be present to provide guidance and ensure safe handling and shooting practices.
Teach Proper Shooting Stance and Techniques
Before shooting, make sure your child understands the correct stance and grip to improve their accuracy and control. A steady stance with both hands on the gun will provide better control, especially when they’re just learning.
Educate About Safe Handling
Ensure your child knows the Four Basic Gun Safety Rules:
-
Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
-
Never point the gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
-
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
-
Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
Use a Proper Backstop
Set up a safe shooting range or use a target backstop to contain any BBs and prevent them from ricocheting or going beyond the shooting area.
Conclusion
Finding the best BB gun for kids comes down to age-appropriate options, safety features, and ease of use. Whether you choose a classic model like the Daisy Red Ryder or a more advanced gun like the Umarex XBG, ensuring that your child understands proper handling and shooting techniques is key to making the experience safe and enjoyable.
With the right BB gun, your child can begin developing their shooting skills, all while learning about safety, responsibility, and focus. As always, make sure to supervise their shooting sessions and follow all safety guidelines to keep the experience fun and accident-free.