10 Best Pellet Gun For Kids 2025 in the United States

The Umarex NXG APX is a solid choice for younger or smaller shooters looking for a pellet gun. One of its best features is the safety it offers, including an automatic safety switch and an ergonomic grip designed with smaller hands in mind, which helps maintain better control and a safer shooting environment. It shoots both .177 caliber pellets and steel BBs, providing some flexibility in ammo choice, and has a decent power level with speeds up to 800 feet per second, which is sufficient for casual target practice without being too powerful for kids.

Weighing about 3.4 pounds and measuring just over 39 inches long, it’s relatively lightweight and sized well for youths, making it easier to handle. The multi-pump pneumatic system is straightforward to use for both right and left-handed shooters, adding to its user-friendly nature. It comes equipped with basic sights and a 4x15mm scope, which helps with aiming accuracy, and the scope mounting system holds zero well during use. The build quality is sturdy, featuring metal and alloy steel parts that provide good durability for regular use.

One limitation is that it holds only one round at a time, requiring reloading after each shot, which might slow down shooting for some users. Additionally, while the power is adequate for beginners, those seeking a stronger, more powerful air rifle might find it limited. Feedback from users indicates satisfaction with its balance of ease, safety, and performance, making the NXG APX well-suited for kids or beginners who want a reliable, safe, and easy-to-use pellet gun for learning and casual shooting.

The Umarex Ruger Blackhawk .177 Caliber Pellet Gun is a spring-piston air rifle designed mainly for adults but could be suitable for older kids with supervision. It offers a high velocity of up to 1000 feet per second, giving it strong power for accuracy and effective shooting at a distance. The included 4x32mm scope helps improve targeting, which is great for learning precision.

Weighing just about 1 kilogram and measuring 46.5 inches in length, it’s fairly lightweight but might feel a bit large for younger children to handle comfortably. The frame is made of polymer with a metal barrel, providing a good balance of durability and manageable weight. Since it uses a single round, it’s simple to load, which adds to ease of use and safety by encouraging careful, deliberate shots.

As a powerful and adult-oriented pellet gun, it lacks some kid-focused safety features that are important for younger users, such as additional trigger locks or reduced power settings. The one-year limited warranty offers some peace of mind about quality. This pellet gun is a solid choice for teens or adults new to air rifles who want a durable, accurate, and moderately lightweight option, but younger kids may require closer supervision or a model designed with more child-specific safety features.

The Umarex Ruger Explorer Youth Break Barrel .177 Caliber Pellet Gun is specifically designed for young users, making it a solid option for kids interested in learning to shoot. One of its standout features is the emphasis on safety, including an automatic safety system and a rubber recoil pad to enhance comfort and control. With a shorter overall length (37.125 inches) and a lighter frame (4.45 pounds), it’s manageable for younger users to handle and maneuver.

The power and velocity are appropriate for beginners, shooting .177 caliber pellets up to 495 feet per second, which is sufficient for target practice without being overly powerful for inexperienced hands. The spring-piston mechanism is simple to operate, and the fiber optic sights aid in improving accuracy, making it easier for kids to hit their targets. Durability is another strong point, thanks to the all-weather synthetic stock designed to withstand rough handling.

However, there are some potential drawbacks. The power might be too limited for older teens or more experienced young shooters looking for a more powerful pellet gun. Also, while the fiber optic sights are helpful, they may not be as precise as advanced optical sights. In summary, the Umarex Ruger Explorer is a well-rounded pellet gun for kids, focusing on safety, ease of use, and durability, though it may not satisfy those looking for higher power and advanced targeting systems.