Airhawk or X5 ?

[linoww]

Looking for a cheaper.177 for my kid.I like the Ruger as it appears to be close to my RWS 34 but i hear the Stoeger X5 shoots very nice.

opinions?

[Kailua]

How old is your child?  Being spring air rifles take more time to learn to shoot.  I would think the lesser powered X5 would be easier to handle the shot cycle.  JMO

[D14Jeff]

http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/XISICO_XS12.html

[White Eagle]

I don't have any experience with either of the rifles you mentioned, but here are a couple of things to ponder.  The advantage of the Ruger is that it is a D34 clone, so parts are readily available, and it should be pretty straightforward to work on.  However, it is a full-size rifle, so if your child is of a smaller stature, this rifle might not be comfortable for him/her.  D14Jeff's link to Flying Dragon's XS12 would be an excellent choice for a younger person, and I hear nothing but great things about Mike Mellick.  That certainly is a fabulous price, and it should be good to go, right out of the box.

[ac12]

Ruger Airhawk - no spec on LoP.  44 inches OAL.  8.2 pound weight incl scope
Stoeger X5 - no spec on LoP.  41 inches OAL.  5.7 pound weight
XS12 - 14 inch LoP  (this is a full size rifle).  40.5 inches OAL.  5.7 pound weight 

Also take a look at these rifles:
IZH-60/61 - 12-14 inches adjustable LoP, 33 inch OAL, 4.3 pounds
Gamo Recon - 12-3/4 inch LoP, 37.2 inches OAL, 4.6 pound weight

Also my favorite, which is not a spring rifle, it is a SSP rifle
Daisy 953 - 12 inch LoP, 37.8 inch OAL, 6.4 pound weight  (this rifle NEEDS to have a DIY trigger tune)

[robert w]

my x5 is nice easy cocking and shoots straight . id say a x5 be a best for a kid . i ilke mine when i just want to plink short range

[linoww]

thanks for all the good advice.He isn't a small kid(12yo) but the X5 is probably the way to go.When he gets bigger i''ll move him up to a RWS 34.
Is the Flying Dragon x12 the same rifle? Also how is the X5 trigger?

Another question- is the Ruger Airhawk pretty rough(twangy etc) as shipped or is is close to a 34 in shot cycle.

[ac12]

@Robert
What is the LOP of your Stoeger X5 ?

@linoww
Based on the 44 inch overall length, I think the Ruger AirHawk is a full size rifle, not a junior size rifle.  I do not have a LoP spec on the AirHawk.

The XS12 is a LOW powered rifle, but in a full size package.
The AirHawk is in the magnum category, based on the spec FPS velocity. Higher velocity = harder to learn to shoot.   That makes it NOT a starter rifle.   

For a starter rifle, I would stay with a low velocity rifle. 
Either the X5 or the XS12 would fit the bill.

[robert w]

i never measered it but my daughter is average for 15 and it fits her darn nice. only gun she holds proper in my view . she shoots fine with any gun but she just looks a lot better with it. im gettin low 600 fps with cphp

[jfrey]

I have a ruger air hawk and a 12 year old son.   The two don't mix very well.   He can't cock it on his own yet and he's above average height and weight for a sixth grader.      My older son has been managing the air hawk ok since he was 14.    I'd like to get an xs12 from Mike for my 12 year old to fill the gap between his red ryder and the air hawk.   Something tells me I'm going to like shooting that xs12 too.

[ac12]

@jfrey
I think you will get hooked on the XS12.
I just LOVE my low power rifles.  The ease of cocking and shooting makes for a very pleasant shooting experience.  I could shoot all day w/o getting a sore arm.

The only thing to consider for your 12 yr old son is the fit.  The XS12 has a 14 inch LoP.
I used to shoot rifles with a 14 inch LoP, then discovered that I fit and shoot a rifle with a 12 inch LoP better.

[Tomcat]

Another vote here for the XS 12 from Flying Dragon.  It is a fun gun to shoot.  Very nice shot cycle and smooth trigger.  Mike will take care of you if you have any problems.  I also have a D34, but for just fun plinking, the XS 12 is better, IMO.

[linoww]

Sounds like the X12 from Mike gets the vote for the kid.I just  picked up a Blackhawk .177 for  myself in a weak moment on sale locally.

George