Getting Started with Air Guns - Where to shoot, What to Buy?

[LRNAD90]

Hello All,

I've been wanting to do this for years, but something always seems to put it on the back burner. Trying to make a concerted effort in 2021 to actually start shooting air guns. Part of the added motivation is that my teenage daughter seems to be interested in learning. She is a girly girl for the most part, but she is the type that likes to know how to do anything, and extremely competitive about being good at everything she does.

Started by trying to do some research into the laws for shooting air guns. I live in Baltimore County in Maryland, and unfortunately fall in their Metropolitan District. So from what I can tell, I believe that means no shooting on my property.

We have a wooded section behind our home that is about 150 yards across before other homes, and downhill from what would be our shooting position. Would have been nice to be able to set-up under our deck and shoot downhill to targets set-up in this wooded section, so this is a bummer..

Then I saw a recent thread about setting up a basement range. Why hadn't I thought of this before? I have a roughly 40 foot long section that I could create a 10 M range in. Create a Rubber Mulch or Ductseal Pellet Trap and some 3/4 inch plywood for a backstop. Am I correct in assuming that there is no law against me discharging an air rifle in my basement?

While I have dreams of high end PCP rifles, I'm currently looking at CO2 powered pellet rifles and pistols to shoot and teach my daughter firearms safety and shooting skills (as well as refine mine that are largely rusty/forgotten at this point). Currently Looking at the following (in order), so any experience/feedback with them is also appreciated..

Beeman QB78
Sheridan 2260
Crosman 1077
Crosman Legacy 1000 or 2100 classic (pump - thinking this may make it get old quickly for my daughter though)

(I also have dreams of one day owning a Hatsan Flash QE or similar*PCP as well, but that is probably*a couple of years out)

Thoughts and guidance on above much appreciated..

[jimbo]

I love my 2260 and I have done some modding to it. It's a much better gun than the stock gun now Another one I really really like is my xs60c from flying dragon, awesome gun!

[north country gal]

CO2 is a good choice for indoor work at 10 meters. One of the things I've found easy to get during this pandemic is the cartridges. Can even get them, locally, at Wally. No pellets left, but they have plenty pf the CO2 cartridges.

Don't overlook CO2 pistols. Lots of fun options, there.

[Roadworthy]

The XS-60 from Flying Dragon has a solid reputation as does Mike Melick, the owner.  If it's too loud for indoor use various options are available to quiet it down.  As far as shooting inside your house - that's between you and the local authorities.  Actually if you check the codes and ordinances for your municipality it is not unheard of for outdoor airgun shooting to be legal.

[OTmachine]

+1 on thE XS60C

[superchikn]

XS60C

[Lt. Dan]

Xs60c

[Duckster]

Hold on,  Scott.

I'm not sure exactly where, but there are a number of shooting groups in your area. Check your daughter's high school for a JROTC program - or maybe another area school has one that would let her shoot.

There are a number of JROTC shooters in the Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey areas that excel in their shooting programs. Would be an excellent opportunity to get her started shooting. Also, there's good college scholarships for shooting, should she desire to pursue it.

PM me (if necessary) and I can get more info.

[Yarddog]

If its illegal to shoot in your yard, its also illegal to shoot in your basement. But! Who's gonna report you if nobody knows about it! As far as shooting in your backyard if it doesn't offend your neighbors,  and they are cool with it, you might be able to use some common sense to set up something. Yes...still illegal. But is it the crime of the century? Just a thought...you'll have to work within your own comfort zone on that OP.

Otherwise,  the basement beckons.

[Novagun]

I am sure there must be small bore shooting ranges in your suburb or near where you live. There must be some by-law that allows for shooting on a properly constructed range in a built up area.. Not hard to construct one in your basement. I have one and it is a boon to air rifle shooting and testing.
If you are considering a CO2 rifle you could do well by looking at the CR600w. A small Chinese rifle and just a gem. They are good out of the box and can be made to shine with a little tinkering. They come with a silencer that really works. Not a powerful rifle but ideal for 10 metres.

[LRNAD90]

Thanks to everyone who has responded...
The XS-60 looks like another interesting alternative to consider.  Going to assume it is the general opinion that it is a better option than the QB78?

I looked at the Flying Dragon page, I'm assuming this is a single shot rifle as well, but wasn't clear?
Also saw a company called 'Stalwart Arms' that seems to sell a repeater version of the XS-60?  Anyone familiar with this or the company?  Both Stalwart and Dragon offer 'tune' packages on the rifles, but the repeater option is enticing..

I know there are limitations with C02, particularly when it comes to low temperature performance, but honestly can't see shooting in low temps, if it is cold enough to make drastic differences, it is likely it will be uncomfortable for my daughter, and she is not likely to be interested.  The basement gets as low as maybe mid 60s in the dead of winter..

YARDDOG - You are probably right, so Indoors and on the down low is probably going to be the option..

DUCKSTER - Thanks for the suggestion.  Her school (private) has no program, and I don't think she is going to be interested enough to start shooting competitively anyway.  If she gets that into it after trying it, maybe worth investigating further though, so thanks..

NOVAGUN - Ranges that I am aware of are at least 30 minutes away, and when you add in prep time, scheduling, waiting, etc, it would end up not happening.  I look into the CR600w as well..

Open to any and all other input, thanks again everyone..

[bantam5s]

A 2100 is not a bad choice,  neither is the daisy 880.
If you keep in mind that 10 pumps aren't necessary and that 3-4 is fine for plinking,  then it's not much of a hassle at all.
The 880 is $35 at just about any Walmart,  it doesn't hurt to try one first and see how it goes but just that if a gun can shoot pellets do so because BB's aren't very accurate.
One benefit is that it helps with the practice of making each shot count.
If 3-4 pumps is still annoying,  move on but you'll never know till you try first.
If you have a long hallway of at least 10yds your house you can easily shoot an 880 on 3 pumps, just tape a target to a cardboard box filled with old blankets magazines or newspaper.
Make sure the box is large enough to eliminate any problems with missing anf you're golden.

10yds is perfect for learning iron sights which everyone should do before using a scope anyways.

[hoteltwofive]

Worth the purchase.  I’m sure others would also recommend.

http://old.thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/DaisyUsedRifles.pdf?ver=20190115

And a word of advice as a basement shooter , make the trap bigger than what you think you need.  Can never have too many targets set up.

[KevinJBrown]

Girls in general make better shots that boys anyway at the top.

Anyway, I suggest you find a club that has female shooters/coaches that can get her started correctly. They probably will even have rifles and gear (jackets, gloves, etc.) they will loan out while she decides whether she likes the sport. They will also help her get a rifle fitted to her which will give positive feedback for what she does a lot quicker that "something" you will choose and buy off the rack.

In the meantime you can look into what you can do in support such as setting up a range and backstop for her to practice. Remember that practice doesn't necessarily mean shooting pellets. Having a range set up with lights, mats, target holders etc. can go a long way.

Then you can also learn about the sport.

[Oldgringo]

'No airgun shooting in town' means the pellet can't leave your property.....where I live.

[Hoosier Daddy]

When My Grand-Daughter was showing interest, She and  I stopped by the local Cop-shop and asked If we could shoot air rifles at her Mothers house in town.
 "Not within city limits" was the officers reply.
 I asked the desk officer what if I ensure the pellet wont leave her property?
"Not within city limits".

 I didn't push it any further as she can always shoot at my house in the rural country.

[Oldgringo]

When My Grand-Daughter was showing interest, She and  I stopped by the local Cop-shop and asked If we could shoot air rifles at her Mothers house in town.
 "Not within city limits" was the officers reply.
 I asked the desk officer what if I ensure the pellet wont leave her property?
"Not within city limits".

 I didn't push it any further as she can always shoot at my house in the rural country.

That would be the non-thinking easy answer.  I'm so glad, after all the places we've lived, that we chose to call this small east Texas town home.  That question came up here before the city council and city attorney and the answer was 'keep your pellets home'.

I'm glad you and she have a place to shoot.