10 Best Pellet Gun For Kids 2026 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 Daisy Outdoor Products Model 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun is a classic choice for kids interested in starting with pellet or BB guns. It features a wood grain design with a solid wood stock, giving it a traditional look and a comfortable feel for young users. Weighing just 1.9 pounds and measuring about 35 inches long, it’s light and sized well for children to handle easily. The gun uses a lever-cocking, spring air action and shoots .177 caliber BBs at a maximum velocity of 350 feet per second, which is moderate power—enough for target practice but still relatively safe for supervised use.

It holds a large capacity of 650 shots, so kids can spend more time shooting and less time reloading. Safety is a key consideration here: the adjustable rear sight and blade front sight help improve aiming accuracy, reducing stray shots and accidents. The gun features a metal barrel combined with a solid wood stock, balancing durability with lightweight handling, though it might not withstand very rough treatment over time. Being lever-cocked means it’s manual to operate, which can be a good learning experience but requires some hand strength.

Though it’s a BB gun rather than a pellet gun, it suits beginners wanting a fun, manageable shooting experience with decent accuracy and safety features. Parents should supervise use and ensure safety gear is worn. This model is well-known and highly rated, making it a solid pick for kids ready to responsibly learn shooting basics.