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Yorkie,
If you are thinking of a pellet rifle one of the best sources in the nation is Tim McMurray at MAC-1 in Gardena. I have two Crossman 600s he’s worked (one freshened, one mod’d), keeps my RWS 6M up, rebuilt my 1st air rifle (Hy-Score 809M built by RWS), modified a Sheridan, and finally did a serious tune/warm-up on a RWS 48.
I’m a believer in .22 pellets except for 10 meter stuff. .22 is easier too obtain than .20, .25, etc. I firmly believe the RWS is a better air rifle than the Benjamin Nitro, though the pneumatic piston is somewhat easier to shoot. Unless your son is strong for his age either the RWS 48 or Benjamin Nitro will be hard to cock.
I’d recommend something along the lines of an RWS 34/36 in .22 and have Tim tune it for smoothness not power. These are also less powerful and quieter which is a plus in Redondo Beach, assuming use on your property.
The PCPs are nice and easier to shoot. Down sides are costs to obtain plus additional gear required and easier to shoot accurately plus increased rate of fire. I view the spring piston difficulty as a plus as it requires good consistent technique to shoot accurately, one of the reasons I spent the money for the hot-rodded 48 from Tim.
If you want to shoot inside your garage than a used 10 meter .177 air rifle such as a FWB 150 of 300 series are very and don’t need a heavy duty bullet trap/back stop. I obtained a used FWB 150 for my 9 year old niece to use in their garage. Caution on these as they’re complicated (expensive) to work on.
.22LRs I recommend a good bolt gun. I have built a few 10/22s with heavy barrels and just don’t enjoy them as much as a good bolt gun. There are lots of good suggestions but if you can shop around look for a used Remington 541 of some flavor as they have better features allowing them to shoot better and allowing for mods later. Old .22LR target rifles often come up for sale at good prices.
I haven’t lived in So Cal for almost 30 years so no help on ranges.
S/F, FOG
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