Hello All,
I recently decided it was a good time to introduce my 8 yr old daughter to shooting. Great time to teach safety, more safety, and some shooting basics.
When I was about her age (granted it was 40+ years ago), I got the Crossman 760 Pumpmaster. I loved it. My Gpap taught me everything. I had it for 10+ years when it finally gave out. I couldn't think of a better way to introduce my daughter than to get that same rifle.
Disappointment is a major understatement. The thing is $40 so it is what it is, but compared to the one I had really isn't even a comparison.
Beyond just the general flimsy feel there are problems that really are awful. Thought I'd list just a few:
The barrel itself can turn/twist +/- 60°, putting the sights near sideways.
The pump handle being completely light plastic feels like it'll break any second.
The bolt/ breach are a little misaligned meaning you need to shove it into place.
Like I said, I didn't expect much but I'd like to at least think it'll last during this early beginner time. The old ones had a metal handle and linkage to pump. That's my biggest issue here. It takes more force now as the handle is short, less leverage. Guaranteed it'll break.
Oh well, things get cheap and corners cut over time. Stay profitable, compete, etc I get it. Mostly it's just me. Memories of this thing are some of my best as a kid at my GPa's house. I want to share that with my daughter but this isn't going to do it.
I'm wondering if I should just grab the Red Ryder and go from there
.
Thanks for listening, mostly I just had to vent. That said, I'm definitely open to suggestions of what might be a solid choice for her.
All the best.....
I recently decided it was a good time to introduce my 8 yr old daughter to shooting. Great time to teach safety, more safety, and some shooting basics.
When I was about her age (granted it was 40+ years ago), I got the Crossman 760 Pumpmaster. I loved it. My Gpap taught me everything. I had it for 10+ years when it finally gave out. I couldn't think of a better way to introduce my daughter than to get that same rifle.
Disappointment is a major understatement. The thing is $40 so it is what it is, but compared to the one I had really isn't even a comparison.
Beyond just the general flimsy feel there are problems that really are awful. Thought I'd list just a few:
The barrel itself can turn/twist +/- 60°, putting the sights near sideways.
The pump handle being completely light plastic feels like it'll break any second.
The bolt/ breach are a little misaligned meaning you need to shove it into place.
Like I said, I didn't expect much but I'd like to at least think it'll last during this early beginner time. The old ones had a metal handle and linkage to pump. That's my biggest issue here. It takes more force now as the handle is short, less leverage. Guaranteed it'll break.
Oh well, things get cheap and corners cut over time. Stay profitable, compete, etc I get it. Mostly it's just me. Memories of this thing are some of my best as a kid at my GPa's house. I want to share that with my daughter but this isn't going to do it.
I'm wondering if I should just grab the Red Ryder and go from there

Thanks for listening, mostly I just had to vent. That said, I'm definitely open to suggestions of what might be a solid choice for her.
All the best.....
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