Just looking at getting a rifle / scope initially for backyard plinking with the little fella (12 in a few months), and then maybe we go out hunting a little later if we are any good at groupings!

Just researching and seeing what the state of play is. Way back I had a BSA Airsporter with an 'Ox' square mainspring (which was over the legal limit for the UK at the time, but...), and a Webley (? I think) pistol specific model I can't remember.

I'm picking up that Gamo should be probably avoided, but still looking into others like Air Chiref and Umarex and others that I see on the GunCity website.

Cheers

The other option is a 30 min drive to a friend's place that has some land, but I can't always do that as he is very busy and away a lot.

There is definitely a reason why Weihrauch is still in demand; build quality is great and performance is always great too. Accurate & well built with one of the best triggers on a sporting air rifle.

Modern BSA spring rifles are really just Gamos, perhaps they have a little better advantage with a BSA barrel, but they arent built to last and they have a heavy trigger.

If you are going full size then you can look at the likes of Cometa Fusion or Fenix; another spanish made brand but better than gamo - nice trigger once adjusted for a crisp letoff, accurate and high power for future pest control.

If you have the budget you could look at the Weihrauch HW50 (also called HW99 in UK), well regarded rifle that is a little easier to handle than full size rifles, but not too small to be awkward to use for adults either.

Power is around UK limit - 12 footpound, so cocking effort is managable for a 12 year old, or supervising adult, but enough power for future hunting its ok for rabbits and birds.

Trigger is their famous Rekord trigger - adjustable and can be made nice and light and predictable.

If a rifle is easy to cock, easy to shoot, recoil not too hard, accurate - hell have a great time and likely remain interested in the sport.

multipump pneumatic is a good option, but you cant beat - one cocking action, one shot with a springer - multipump may become fatiguing or less reward for the effort.

Co2 is good fun, a little more maintenance if seals go, and changes in point of impact on hot days vs cold etc, but he'll find it cool to use once you add a suppressor etc.

Reference your backstop - it will stop pellets but it will be noisy! I'd suggest a "quiet" trap using packed in rags, or rubber chip so you don't irritate the neighbours. I'd also suggest being proactive and advising your immediate neighbours that you will be shooting an airgun into a VERY safe target box and the noise will be minimal. Saves them later saying the noise was "frightening" and getting you in trouble with the Plods.

Empasis on the fact you are pre warning them and not asking for permission.

Yeah, further reading showed the link between BSA and Gamo which made me 'think'.

As I mentioned above, thinking something 'cheap and easy' to start and verify his real interest or just a passing 'fad' before spending more money. But if we're 'into it' then I think Weirauch definitely at the top of the list. Some very nice rifles there, especially the 95.

Thanks to everyone for the useful and interesting responses and suggestions. Looking forward to getting sorted. Cheers.

Youngs have the 177s Cannons for 200 bucks.