Beginner rifle for high school team practice

[Aiesea]

weekend!

This is my first post here so I’m hoping to learn a lot from all of you. One of my kids is going to try out for the school air Ridley team. I was thinking of picking up an air rifle so she can get some practice at home. This would be the first air rifle and to get comfortable with it, so I’m hoping to not spend more than $250 if possible.  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also any thoughts on refurbished or used models?  Thanks

[tennx]

U dont say what she will be shooting….having said that these folks will put u on the right path…My brother when in school used a daisy 853 ,which is a popular gun here….here is some light reading and also purchase info…great hobby …good luck

https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/cmp-stores/

[Ronfiveo]

I would suggest getting a rifle from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

The 853 single pump rifles were made specifically for 10m competition and you can buy one from them
For $140 total. This includes shipping.

I have two and I am so happy and pleased to have bought one from the CMP.
These rifles are single hole, tack driving accurate rifles, depending on the skills of the shooter.

 
Check them out.
[urlhttps://thecmp.org/][/url]

Tommy Whitten would be the man to talk to.
twhitten@thecmp.org

Ron

[hoteltwofive]

Welcome!

I was coming in to also say the CMP 853.  The used ones don’t require you to be a part of any group or organization to purchase. 

Maybe also speak with some of the team members to see what they used to get started or know of any equipment that you can maybe borrow or pick up for a reasonable price.  Or even seek out people to practice with. 

Stick to the budget since this is a new hobby.

I would also check local laws/regs if going to be shooting outdoors to practice.

[farrlarr]

Again, we are back to the question of what she will be shooting on the team.  If possible, I suggest that you get the same rifle she would be shooting.  Granted, good habits learned on one rifle can certainly transfer to another but it would be best for her practice to be done on the same rifle she would be using in competition. 

And, as hoteltwofive said, be sure you understand the conditions/laws she would be shooting under if practicing outdoors.  Some cities have regulations that prohibit shooting anything in city limits and you don't want to get afoul of the law.

[mafatone]

Daisy Avanti 853.

[KevinJBrown]

I’m guessing I’m going to be the contrary voice here, but do you have room for a permanent 10m indoor range with lighting? If not then I would avoid a 10m rifle. Figure out what length indoor range you have length for and get an air gun for that range. For most people this is going to be a BB gun not air rifle.
Does she have someone in the family with the knowledge and skills to train/coach a beginning shooter with the proper skills for precision air rifle? If not I’d talk to the coach and find out if they are OK with team members practicing on their own.

[avator]

yeah, I would get as close to what they are shooting on the team and practice within the same parameters.... including ammo.

[TorqueMaster]

Since all we know is that it is a high school team, we're assuming it is a 10 meter pellet rifle team?  If that's the case, I'd also suggest the Daisy 853 from the CMP -- the links already given by others.   Very accurate at an affordable price.

Also agree it'd be best to train with what will be used at school, but not absolutely required.

Also agree about checking local laws if shooting outdoors.  If indoors, and 10 meters is not available, scaled down targets are available to shoot at shorter practice ranges. 

[Novagun]

Yes a Daisy would be  a good start. However you would be well advised to buy two. Then your daughter will get a fair share of shooting practice . Not only just when you are not using the gun.

[Aiesea]

Thanks so much!  I truly appreciate all the info and will research all that has been given. My apologies for not specifying what your of shooting but yes, it would be 10m  2 position shooting I believe. I’ll definitely check about the laws and see what the schools are using too.
M
I ran across the CMP site while browsing and didn’t notice that the used ones dont require membership. I’ll look into that!

[fireslinger]

Like everyone else my first choice would be the 853 or the 753( no lothar barrel with the 753) but if you dont mind using co2 my second choice would be a crosman custom shop rifle with a lothar walther barrel. they shoot great and can be modded to your preference.

[Brazos]

My daughter shot all four years on her high school rifle team and just finished shooting her freshman year on her NCAA college team.  Don’t buy anything until you call me.  I will PM you with my number.  Way too much to post here.  For example in my daughter’s case the high school let her bring her school provided rifle and gear home.  She will be shooting 3 position.  Need to know if it is a Sporter team or a Precision team.  The list goes on. 

[Novagun]

I am waitng to see how this turned out. Maybe nothing to report so far.

[Brazos]

I am waitng to see how this turned out. Maybe nothing to report so far.

Never heard from the OP.  I have been thru this and a good resource.  My daughter was on the 7x National Championship team at Granbury HS.  She set 6 national records in HS.

[Brazos]

If you do have a kid get into the shooting sports in high school buy this book and read it.  Both parents.  Probably the best advise I can give.  Quite frankly it’s a good book for any parent to read while your kids are young.


https://mentalmanagement.com/products/parenting-champions

[Ronfiveo]

I am waitng to see how this turned out. Maybe nothing to report so far.

Never heard from the OP.  I have been thru this and a good resource.  My daughter was on the 7x National Championship team at Granbury HS.  She set 6 national records in HS.

You and Caroline should be very proud.
Any dreams about the Olympics?

Ron

[NorthernBallistics]

I am waitng to see how this turned out. Maybe nothing to report so far.

Never heard from the OP.  I have been thru this and a good resource.  My daughter was on the 7x National Championship team at Granbury HS.  She set 6 national records in HS.

Awesome, I have two boys 9 and 10, they both shoot in the backyard and one shows a little extra interest. Momma wants me to wait till they're a little older before we move up to more competitive things with guns and the boys. They're still pretty wild and dumb at this point.

[Brazos]

I am waitng to see how this turned out. Maybe nothing to report so far.

Never heard from the OP.  I have been thru this and a good resource.  My daughter was on the 7x National Championship team at Granbury HS.  She set 6 national records in HS.

You and Caroline should be very proud.
Any dreams about the Olympics?

Ron

2028

[Brazos]

I am waitng to see how this turned out. Maybe nothing to report so far.

Never heard from the OP.  I have been thru this and a good resource.  My daughter was on the 7x National Championship team at Granbury HS.  She set 6 national records in HS.

Awesome, I have two boys 9 and 10, they both shoot in the backyard and one shows a little extra interest. Momma wants me to wait till they're a little older before we move up to more competitive things with guns and the boys. They're still pretty wild and dumb at this point.

In your case I would suggest the CMP Daisy rifle.  Learn about 3P air rifle with the focus on standing.  You aren’t on a team and just wanting to learn the basics and probe for interest without a big investment.  The key is having others in your area that do this sport.  Ideally a HS team.  We were very fortunate to have a MCJROTC program at our HS with a stellar rifle program.  Had it not been for that she would have just been another kid.  Instead she set 6 long standing HS records and now shoots NCAA rifle in college.  It’s been a fun journey.  There are thousands of kids across the country involved in the Olympic rifle shooting sports.  It kind of flys under the radar but it’s a big community of about 8000-10,000 kids nation wide. 

Editing this to add check the CMP website.  They are big into this.  Next is USA Shooting Sports.