The Crosman 2100B seems like a pretty good deal. It has a rifled barrel. I personally wouldn't shoot BB's out of it....not good for the rifling, not to mention at the velocities that rifle is capable of...some nasty ricochets. Don't shoot your eye out...like Ralphy.
All REALLY good info so far, thanks guys. I do have a question on the pump air rifles (having never owned one), does is have some kind of vent off if it's over pumped? I see the QB78 at midway is going for $100, and the 2100 is $77 with a scope (scope really isn't a selling point, several older ones here I could put on it). I'm partial to the QB78 just because I like bolt guns, but not having to buy CO2 cartridges is a good plus for the 2100... Anyone have an argument to swing me one way or the other?
I picked up a Ruger Blackhawk Elite a couple of years ago at Wallyworld. Less than 1 Ben, and it includes a 4x scope. With the 10 gr pellets I get groups around .5" at 25 yards from the bench, and can hit my 4" 50yd steel most of the time offhand. However, it does that some effort to cock and I don't see any way to mount a bipod because of the break barrel.
Take a hard look at the Daisy Avanti 853. It doesn't shoot fast, but the accuracy will make the shooter the weakest link for a long time. I used one while training for matches in the National Guard.
Nothing teaches ballistics, patience, and importance of shot placement like a 10 Pump Daisy.
I appreciate all the input, but I think we've lost track of the topic, or people just aren't reading... This is a christmas gift for my 11 yo son. Leaning heavily towards the Crossman 2100 that I link earlier, unless someone can talk me out of it and into something else.
Sounds like a great gun, but could and 11 yo pump it on his own? I'll be with him while he's shooting, but it (knowing him as I do) it'll take a lot of the "fun factor" out of it if he needs to hand if off after each shot to pump it.
Only warning I'll issue is that if he starts shooting okay on the 10m or the 25-foot NRA targets, then he WILL pass you up.