So bought my 5 year old son a Sig MPX .177 CO2 pellet rifle and a Sig 320 ASP CO2 pistol. Got the package deal.

The MPX has mostly functional operation. Select lever, mag release, charging handle, etc, etc

I have 3 other mags and at least 9 belts - pretty much same for 320.

I have targets, lots of CO2 canisters and lots of pellets ordered and even lube.

So this is going to be his Christmas present and used on some acreage at the grandparents.


Any helpful suggestions?


Please note I do have firearms for him - more than many on you here... Just my wife wants me to wait. I’m “bridging” the gap while I have to wait.

What I am asking for - for those that have experience shooting CO2 pellet air guns... any lessons learned?

Supervision.
Shoot them till the cartridge runs out. If you put it away with a partial fill when you go to use it, it will be empty. The seals are not perfect.

Yes. Total control - got that covered.

Eye and ear so he gets used to routine. It will be handled with exact care as a live firing gun.

I used to train people years ago... a few.


I never really had a CO2 type airgun. Just curious to see if there are any lessons learned. Yes, read the deal on seals - hence the lube and use good quality CO2 Canisters.

No unused CO2 for sure.... thanks!

Check to see if a co2 cart is actually empty before unscrewing... had this happen once when I wasn't paying attention assuming it was empty...

Don't check by firing an empty canister at your hand. Even though it wont blow a pellet hard enough it will blow the skin off your fingers(wasn't me)

Good lesson learned for someone.

Yes... check. Don’t check by putting hand or any other part of body in front of muzzle.

Holy crap, he's already 5?!!?

Kids like targets that break, fall over or make noise. They get bored of punching holes in paper. So, clay pigeons, Oreo cookies, saltine crackers, marshmallows, plastic army men, silhouette metal targets that fall over, swinging metal targets and the like.

Yup - good one.

I guess we're all kids.

Are you going to put a scope on the rifle? Be aware that pellet rifles recoil in 2 directions, so they need special scopes. I'm not sure if this is just for break-barrel spring rifles, or CO2 as well. But be aware of it.

Going to remember the tip on crackers

I know it amazes me how fast times has flown by.

Good to know. I plan on regular sights for now and maybe a red dot later.

His Savage Rascal has a scope. Almost bigger than the whole rifle.

Yes we are. Kids with money...