Starter air rifle?

[L4z4r0s]

Hey everyone!

A good friend of mine is having his birthday next week.

Me and the rest of the guys thought it would be a nice idea to get him his first air rifle as a surprise!!!

I'm searching for something that will be lightweight, easy to cock and shoot and have respectable accuracy (it doesn't have to be sub moa, but I don't want it to not be able to hit the broadside of a barn either) within about 20 meters or so.

I was looking at the BAM 12 (aka xisico Xs 12) which is widely available here in Greece. More specifically I was looking at this model which sports a synthetic stock (similar to the syntarg and the umarex embark).

Any opinions? Is there a better or similar alternative that won't break the bank?

[mpbby]

Well, it seems to me that, most probably, you already has chosen the right rifle.
   
Nevertheless, you could go further.  You could tell (in person, to be convincent) 'the' friend .. that you are thinking to give an air rifle to one of your friends/cousins (that lives in France.., high cost due freight, customs proceedings, etc.).   But, as "he" doesn't have any experience at all, you are asking help from a person with a very similar profile.. Do a shooting test together at 20m, paper (to adjust the rear aim), followed by beer cans/whatever .. and ask about ..  feellings of pleasure, enjoyment, etc. In general do you aprove it and I can send it? Or would you prefer 'something' different (be ready with your checklist)?

Just thinking..

[mikeiniowa]

Be careful with the synthetic stocked rifles (XS-16), plastic breech block......get the wood stocked rifle if possible..

[tripiy]

Checkout Chinese made Diana two-forty , if available in ur region. Similar power and trigger with little more quality.