Customer Rating: 
Summary: Exactly what I wanted for my 10 yr old...
Comment: I wanted to purchase an air rifle that my son could use in the backyard and also take to the range when I shoot my rifle and maybe something to have on camping trips and so forth. We looked at Gander Mtn for air rifles but they were [..].
I noticed that Gamo seemed to make some decent entry-level adult rifles, so I thought I check to see if they had something smaller... I found this Recon.
It's a break-action single pump .177 caliber pellet rifle. This one seemed like it would be the perfect size for my son, so I ordered it. When we got it, all we had to do was attach the scope and we were out in the back yard shootin.
After we got the scope dialed in my son was exploding ice cubes with it at 15-20 yds. It'll push flathead pellets straight threw a Pepsi can without moving it. Plenty powerful enough for any kid... and yeah it would easily kill a bird or small animal no problem, so be careful! ...and don't let the kids play with it without an adult present.
This smaller rifle shoots in the 500fps range which is about half the power of a full power adult rifle. It'll put heavy dents in thick soup cans, but will not puncture them with the flathead pellets. The single cock pull strength requirement is adequate for a 10yr old, my son has no problem with cocking, loading, and firing. He's really learning how to handle it responsibly, and doing very well. The single cocking mechanism is preferrable, I think, to a pump-action or CO2 cannisters.
It comes with a scope (although not a real fancy one) that gives an OK reticle. Most people call it crap and say "replace it!" I say for target practice at 10-20yds it's just fine. The only thing that I would say about the scope that is a bit of a pain is that the elevation and windage adjustments are covered by screw on caps (that look like adjustment knobs!) that have to be fully removed to allow access to the real adjustment controls which have to be turned with a screwdriver.
Once it's dialed in it shoots pretty straight... I was able to get 1" groupings with it just aiming with my elbows resting on a table. If you're looking for a toy, this is not it! It should be treated like any other real gun because it is definitely powerful enough to kill. Yes, you could easily kill birds, squirrels, or other small pests with this rifle; but do behave responsibly. It could kill a raccoon, but probably not humanely... I wouldn't try it with this little gun.
Also be aware that you will need to clean this thing after every outing. It does collect a good bit of lead/copper dust and bits in the rifled barrel that will need to be scrubbed outta there to keep it shooting straight. A $25 dollar cleaning kit that can accomodate .17 caliber bores would be good to have.
A cardboard box backed with plywood and filled with empty 16oz. water bottles or gatoraide bottles makes for a great backstop. The flathead pellets find the tough lexan plastic nearly impossible to penetrate at 500FPS.
This is a perfect first rifle for a 10-14 yr old. I'm sure tomorrow we'll be out in the backyard again looking for army men or barbie dolls to shoot at... it's a fun way for a dad to spend an afternoon with his son.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great !!!
Comment: I bought this air rifle for target practicing with my 12 year old son. Out of package, it gives the impression of a nicely designed, high quality product. The scope is a rather simple one; needs to be installed and sighted in. Installation of the scope was a simple procedure using a screwdriver but sighting in is a bit more complicated. After the adjustment of scope by spending 20-25 pellets, the rifle shoots very accurately. The fluted barrel has an impressive quality: a very clean metal work. Break-barrel mechanism is smooth and easy to do. We practiced with Pepsi cans for a while; Pepsi emblem is a nice round shape for a target. Then we used pennies for a more challenging target. My son was able to hit 3/3 from 12 yards, I was not able to hit any myself. But I am the proud father of a sharp shooter:D Overall, this is a great air rifle and a lot of fun.
Disclaimer: It is not adviced to leave children alone since this is definitely not a toy and please do not hurt the animals.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Comment: I was a little skeptical after buying this gun, that it would not be powerfull enough to kill squirrels in my neighborhood. However, after sighting it in and going hunting it blew away all doubts about accuracy and power. I killed 3 squirrels with head shots from 45yrds away.
It is an incredible air rifle for the price.
However it really likes " Gamo Raptors" ,and " Crossman Premiers"
for accuracy.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Ding, What Can?
Comment: Perfect gun for shooting rats and targets, have to say there is nothing bad about the gun the scope maybe, but not the gun itself a 30 dollar scope from crosman (4x32) i put on it and every thing is working perfect. Its a Must Own for indoor and outdoor shooting(preferable outdoor it is pretty strong).
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Very nice youth pellet gun
Comment: I got this for my 10 yearold's birthday. It was a big hit. The gun is very accurate at 150 feet. The scope is a bit simple and cheap but the gun is not. I would rate the gun at 5 stars easily if it were not for the scope.
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