So I decided to get my son (who is still in his single digits) a S&W 3rd Gen replica airsoft gun. The winters here are harsh and this way he could get some practice indoors. So I started searching around and found that most of the 3rd Gen replicas are not very realistic, just a shadow of what a 3rd Gen is supposed to look like. The spring guns were awful and the gas blowback guns weren't much better. I want a gas gun because it cycles, breaks down, etc. but didn't want one that looked like it was made by Tyco for $1.25.
and one of his airsofts (battery operated) - I don't remember the cyclic rate or fps, but it looks like a solid stream coming out the barrel when it's on full auto. The "scope" is actually the reservoir. I dunno, but with the way he painted it (the body used to be transparent), I'd be unhappy seeing it in a dark alley.
Don't even get me started on those plastic pellets he spilled all over the house - they get everywhere. I'm sure your son is more mature than my brother so you won't have the same problem.
