Let’s talk about the future of airgun sports. Spoiler: it’s not the old boys hanging around telling tales about “how things used to be.” It’s the next generation—kids, teens, and young adults—who could carry this hobby forward. If you’re a seasoned shooter, it might be time to share the joy with someone younger and stop gatekeeping the sport as an "old man’s game." Trust us, nobody needs another case of generational gun ownership syndrome (you know, the “I’ve always had a gun, I know best” types). Spoiler alert: they’re usually wrong.
Start Them Young, Start Them Smart
Introducing young people to shooting sports isn’t just about sparking interest; it’s about instilling respect and responsibility. When taught properly, junior shooters learn to appreciate the power of an airgun—not flaunt it irresponsibly in public like the headline-making hoodlums who make the sport look dangerous. Spoiler: the danger lies not in the airgun but in the lack of education and oversight.
Yes, airguns can be dangerous if misused. So can ice hockey (seriously, check out the comparative fatality stats and get back to us with your “shooting is always dangerous” argument). The key difference? Education. Teach them respect, and they’ll carry that discipline into every aspect of their life, while ensuring the sport remains safe and enjoyable.
Starting them young doesn’t just prevent accidents—it also keeps the anti-gun brigade at bay.
This isn't a left vs right argument, as both sides have sharp feelings on this. If every airgun user behaved responsibly, the sport wouldn’t have to fight the bad PR caused by a few individuals who lack basic common sense.
Now that we’re clear on why to start juniors early (and responsibly), let’s move on to the how.
Prerequisites: Understanding the Rules
First, the law. UK airgun laws can feel like a mash-up of common sense and head-scratchers, so here’s the breakdown:
Age 18+
Full freedoms: you can buy, own, and shoot PCP airguns without restrictions (other than FAC).
Age 14–17
You can use an air rifle unsupervised on private premises with permission.
You can’t buy, hire, or receive an air rifle/ammo as a gift. Someone 18+ must buy and look after it.
You need supervision (from someone aged 21+) if carrying an air rifle in public, even with a valid reason.
Under 14
You can shoot on private premises, but only under supervision by someone 21 or older.
Parents or guardians must keep control of the airgun at all times, even at home.
When in doubt, just go with “the gun is yours,” and let the younger shooter use it under your supervision. For more details, check out this BASC guide.
The Length of Pull: The Make-or-Break Factor
You probably don’t think about it, but length of pull (LOP) is critical for junior shooters. This is the distance from the trigger to the buttplate, and it determines whether holding the gun feels natural—or like a chore.
Shorter arms mean shorter LOP requirements. If the LOP is too long, the shooter’s stance gets thrown off, leading to:
Uncomfortable shooting.
Poor accuracy.
Frustration.
A dusty rifle sitting unused in a corner.
The solution? Visit a store (like ours, obviously) where junior shooters can physically try airguns for size. If they can’t cock it or hold it comfortably, don’t buy it. Remember, comfort leads to confidence, and confidence leads to skill.
The PCP Contenders: Guns That Work for Junior Shooters
Let’s dive into the options, starting from the budget-friendly and working up. These are guns we believe are suitable for younger shooters, with the pros and cons laid out clearly.
Starter PCPs
Snowpeak PR900S
Why It’s Great: Short LOP, lightweight, and affordable. Comes with a silencer in the box.
Why It’s Not: Fiddly magazines and a bolt-action system that requires decent strength to operate.
Stoeger XM1
Why It’s Great: Adjustable for size, comes as a complete kit, and is popular among shooting clubs.
Why It’s Not: Same bolt-action struggles as the PR900S.
Snowpeak CP2 PCP
Why It’s Great: Pistol and Rifle Conversion Kit
Why It’s Not: Same bolt-action struggles as the PR900s and power is capped at 8 Joules
Remington T-Rex Bullpup
Why It’s Great: Bullpup design for shorter overall length, side-lever action (easier to cock), and Picatinny rail for scope ease.
Why It’s Not: No silencer options and a low shot count.
Mid-Level PCPs
Reximex Lyra K
Why It’s Great: Compact, side-lever action, Picatinny rail, and QD fill port (no fiddly probe).
Why It’s Not: Longer LOP, which might be tricky for shorter shooters.
Reximex Myth
Why It’s Great: High shot count, tactical look, side-lever action, and robust stock.
Why It’s Not: Heavier and slightly fiddly magazines.
Sub-Premium PCPs
Walther Reign M2
Why It’s Great: Lightweight bullpup with high shot count, Picatinny rail, Lothar Walther barrel, and silencer compatibility.
Why It’s Not: Plasticky feel (though this helps with weight).
Final Tips for Junior Shooters
Choose a gun with the right length of pull for the shooter’s size.
Side-lever actions are easier to operate than bolt-actions (and less frustrating).
Bullpup designs keep the overall length short and manageable.
Avoid overly complex magazines—self-indexing mags fail more often than you’d think.
Don’t skimp on the kit: tanks, scopes, and gun bags are essential.
If you want to reignite the sport in the younger generation, make their introduction to shooting a positive experience. Think comfort, ease of use, and—most importantly—fun.
Got questions or need help finding the right setup? Drop a comment below or pop into the shop. We’re here to help—without the outdated “old man’s game” nonsense.
Happy shooting! 🎯
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