how old are the boys ? the break barrels are heavier and require more skill - but i was 14 (when my number was 817-297-9988 and we called harold taft to report weather - and he'd mention it with the same broadcast)....(matter of fact , this desk i'm using right now was his granddaughter's).....but when i was 14 , i got a diana 36 and i was big enough for that ...... $300 ? the newer discos arent as good as they were.... if it were me , i would try to get a deal on two hw 95 rifles new somewhere.....or two diana 34's... even if they decide not to stick with it , those good german airguns are like harley davidsons and will hold their resale value . ...especially the weihrauchs... also, after mastering a spring / piston break barrel , one should be able to shoot any other king of gun...