Well, if you really want to go under the 300 dollar mark, and have a decent shooting pump pistol, the Crosman 1377 is the ticket imo. It's accurate compared to other inexpensive pistols, and according to lots of the guys here, can be modified in many ways. It seems to be a very popular buy around here. I have one, and although I don't shoot it much, I love it.
Whatever you get, be sure your boy's hands can accomodate the grip geometry. Sometimes you can put cut down, reduced stocks on pistols but you still have the index finger reach to consider. There are some fine shooting pump pistols in your price range but several (like the Beeman P series) tend to be large, partly due to mimicking guns like the 1911. Even though you say CO2 is out, you might want to take a look at the Crosman pistols based on their CO2 platform. They can be had from the custom shop with nice triggers and you can compete with them, yourself, if you have a mind to. The 1377 is a very good pistol but will require trigger work to make it competitive. They aren't too light, either. Another consideration for young arms. What you want to concentrate on is a good trigger and sights. Best to start them off right.
Two nice entry level air pistols are the Daisy Avanti 717, @ $159.99, and the Daisy Avanti 747, @ $199.95, single pump, pneumatics at Pyramyd Air.
I suggest the Daisy 747 or the cheaper 717. The difference is the 747 had an adjustable trigger and a better barrel.I have a 747. The only "problem" that I have w the Daisy is the grip is a slippery plastic. With the muzzle heavy balance, the pistol wants to rotate and slip in my sweaty hand. I fixed that problem w a small square of plastic non-skid from Ace Hardware put on the backstrap of the grip.
I would stay away from a spring pistol like the LP8. The recoil and vibration of a spring pistol will make it harder to shoot accurately than a SSP or CO2 pistol which has ZERO recoil and vibration.
Where are you in Hawaii? There are a bunch of airgun guys there, but most are rifle shooters. I do know that a 10m AP group used to meet at the McKinley High School range. I shot with them once. When I go over, I sometimes bring my 10m AP with me, but it can be such a hassle w TSA.
BTW for your son, take a look at the following ARs that I think will fit him.- Daisy 953, SSP, 12" length of pull (LoP), but a bit heavy, better shot off a rest unless he is strong enough to hold it. This is my favorite casual rifle.https://www.pyramydair.com/product/daisy-powerline-953-targetpro?m=585https://www.pyramydair.com/product/daisy-powerline-953-targetpro-target-sights?m=2610- IZH 60/61, spring powered, easily adjustable stock for LoP, small grip and short trigger reach, plus it "looks cool." It has a REALLY NICE trigger. Min LoP is about 12".https://www.pyramydair.com/product/izh-60-air-rifle?m=75https://www.pyramydair.com/product/izh-61-multi-shot-air-rifle?m=76BTW, the links to Pyramid Air is only to show the gun, I have no idea if their prices are competitive or not.
Aloha, Dave.I would go for the Crosman 1377.It's very light. Perfect for a 8 year old.
Quote from: BenjiHunter on November 03, 2011, 01:37:27 AMAloha, Dave.I would go for the Crosman 1377.It's very light. Perfect for a 8 year old.I like that it is cheap too for him to at least get used to. I am wondering if a CO2 for him might be better as he is not very strong. So many choices!!!