There’s a certain rite of passage that comes with holding your first BB gun. I remember my own—a classic lever-action that felt like a piece of history in my hands. The weight, the smell of the oil, the satisfying click of the lever… it was the beginning of a lifelong appreciation for marksmanship and firearm safety. Today, as an expert reviewer, I see parents searching for that same experience for their children: a rifle that’s safe, reliable, easy to use, and built to create lasting memories. The goal is to find a tool that can teach responsibility and skill, not a toy that will break after a week.
- Lever-cocking, spring air action, 0.177 caliber BB rifle
- Stained solid wood stock and fixed open rear sights
What to Consider Before Buying a Youth Air Rifle
The ideal customer for a youth air rifle is a new or young shooter, typically aged ten and up, who needs a platform to learn the fundamentals of shooting under strict adult supervision. The key factors to consider are size, weight, and ease of operation. A rifle that’s too long or heavy will be cumbersome and discouraging. The cocking mechanism should be manageable for smaller arms. For this entry-level category, power is less important than safety and accuracy. A maximum velocity of around 275-350 FPS is perfect for backyard plinking—powerful enough to punch holes in paper targets and knock over cans, but not so powerful as to be intimidating or unsafe in a controlled environment. The Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle is designed specifically for this user, ticking all the boxes for a first-time shooter’s rifle with its lightweight frame and simple lever-action design.
While the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The GAMO Swarm Whisper Air Rifle features the IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston that allows higher velocity, less vibration and a longer lifespan than...
- DURABLE, WATER PROOF SYNTHETIC DESIGN - With rifled steel barrel, built-in BB reservoir and side-load pellet chamber
First Impressions: A Classic Design Built for Fun
Unboxing the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle is a nostalgic experience. It immediately brings to mind the classic air guns of yesteryear with its stained, engraved solid wood stock and sturdy steel construction. At just 2.2 pounds and under 30 inches long, it felt perfectly balanced and sized for its intended audience. We immediately noticed the simple sighting system, featuring a fixed open rear sight and a bright TruGlo fiber optic front sight, designed for quick and easy target acquisition. It doesn’t try to be more than it is: a durable, straightforward, lever-cocking BB rifle purpose-built for training and recreational fun. The massive 400-BB reservoir is a clear indicator that this gun is made for long, enjoyable plinking sessions.
What We Like
- Perfect for Beginners: Lightweight, compact, and very easy to handle for young shooters.
- Classic Build Quality: Features a durable and attractive stained solid wood stock and steel components.
- Simple and Fun to Use: The lever-action is easy to cock, and the 400-round capacity means less time loading and more time shooting.
- Excellent Value: Reasonably priced, providing hours of fun and training for a small investment.
What We Didn’t Like
- Low Power by Design: Not suitable for any kind of pest control or hunting; it will bounce off many hard surfaces.
- Basic Sights: The iron sights are adequate for plinking but are not adjustable, and there is no way to mount a scope.
- Inconsistent Front Sight: While advertised with a TruGlo fiber optic sight, some users report receiving a standard blade sight.
Putting the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle to the Test
A BB gun’s spec sheet only tells half the story. The real test is in the backyard, with a line of soda cans and a stack of paper targets. We spent several afternoons putting the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle through its paces to see if it lives up to its legacy.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The first thing we noticed is how solid the rifle feels. The blend of 50% wood and 50% steel gives it a substantial feel that plastic toy guns simply can’t replicate. Several users confirmed our findings, with one parent noting it was much better quality than the toy guns they were considering. Its 29.8-inch length and 2.2-pound weight are a perfect match for young shooters. We had an 11-year-old tester handle it with ease, and feedback from other users confirms even 8-year-olds (with supervision) and smaller teens can operate it comfortably. The stained wood stock is smooth and the lever action has a solid, reassuring feel, making it an excellent tool for teaching proper gun handling.
Cocking, Loading, and Operation
The lever-action spring-air mechanism is the heart of the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle. It’s simple, intuitive, and requires minimal effort to cock, making it ideal for younger users who might struggle with a break-barrel rifle. Loading is a breeze: just pour up to 400 BBs into the reservoir, and you’re set for an entire afternoon. We did encounter a moment where the cocking mechanism seemed to jam, an issue a few users have also run into. However, we found the fix to be simple, as another user pointed out: engage the safety, then pull the handle up until you hear a distinct click. This resets the mechanism, and we were back to shooting in seconds. It’s a simple quirk that, once known, is easy to manage.
Sighting and Accuracy
For a smoothbore BB rifle in this price range, our expectations for accuracy were modest, but the Daisy 105 pleasantly surprised us. The TruGlo fiber optic front sight on our test model was bright and easy to see, helping our eyes lock onto the target quickly. It’s worth noting a recurring complaint from some buyers who received a plain black blade sight instead of the advertised fiber optic one, which is a quality control issue to be aware of. The rear sight is a fixed open notch, and there are no rails for mounting a scope or red dot. This is a common point of frustration for those wanting to upgrade, but it forces new shooters to master the fundamentals of iron sights. At 25-30 feet, we were consistently hitting soda cans and grouping shots tightly on paper targets. As one user happy with their purchase stated, “It’s quite accurate for a smooth bore rifle,” and we wholeheartedly agree. For learning marksmanship, it’s more than capable.
Power and Performance
With a maximum velocity of 275 FPS, this is definitively a low-power airgun. We tested it against various targets, and it confirmed what many users have discovered: this is not a hunting or pest control tool. BBs bounced right off squirrels and turtles, and one user noted it wouldn’t even dent a peanut butter jar. However, we view this as a key safety feature, not a flaw. The Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle has just enough power for satisfying backyard plinking without the risks associated with higher-velocity rifles. It’s perfect for teaching a child in a controlled environment where an overpowered shot could cause damage or injury. It sends a clear message without being dangerous, which is exactly what you want in a first BB gun.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle is overwhelmingly positive, especially from parents. One father called it “by FAR My sons Favorite Christmas Gift!!” highlighting the sheer fun factor and value it provides. Many echo the sentiment that it’s a “Great starter gun!” and praise its surprising accuracy and comfort for the price. However, feedback is also balanced. More experienced users who bought it for pest control were understandably disappointed by its low power. The most common complaints revolve around the non-adjustable sights, the lack of scope mounts, and the occasional rifle shipping without the advertised fiber optic sight. Yet, even with these minor flaws, most agree with one concise review: “You’ll get your money worth out of it in fun.”
How Does the Daisy 105 Stack Up? Alternatives to Consider
While the Daisy 105 is a fantastic starter rifle, some shooters may need something with more power or features. Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives.
1. Winchester 1977XS Dual Ammo Air Rifle
- Dual ammo .177 caliber BB or pellet
- 1, 000 FPS with alloy pellets
The Winchester 1977XS represents a significant step up in both power and versatility. Clocking in at up to 1000 FPS and capable of firing both BBs and pellets, this rifle is geared towards older teens and adults. It’s a much more serious tool for target practice and is powerful enough for small pest control. If the Daisy 105 is the elementary school of air rifles, the Winchester is high school—more capable, but requiring more maturity and skill.
2. Gamo Swarm Maxxim G2 .22 Multi-Shot Pellet Rifle
- caliber: 0.22
- velocity: 1000.00 ft/sec
The Gamo Swarm Maxxim G2 is in a completely different category. This is a dedicated .22 caliber hunting air rifle. Its 10-shot rotary magazine and gas-piston powerplant are designed for serious small-game hunting and long-range accuracy. It’s an excellent choice for an experienced shooter looking for a powerful, quiet, and efficient hunting tool, but it is far too powerful and complex for a first-time young shooter.
3. Gamo Swarm Whisper Air Rifle .177 Caliber
- Muzzle velocity 1300 FPS
- Whisper Noise Dampening
Similar to its .22 caliber cousin, the Gamo Swarm Whisper offers multi-shot technology but in the more common .177 caliber. It’s an excellent all-rounder, powerful enough for pest control and small game while also being a tack-driver for target shooting. It’s a great option for those who want high performance and modern features but find the Daisy 105 too basic for their needs.
The Final Shot: Is the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle for You?
After extensive testing and evaluation, we can confidently say the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle is one of the best first air rifles a young person can own. It masterfully balances classic wood-and-steel construction with a size, weight, and power level that is perfectly suited for teaching the next generation of shooters. It is not a hunting rifle or a long-range precision tool. It is a memory-maker, a can-plinker, and an exceptional instrument for teaching the fundamentals of firearm safety and marksmanship. For the price, the value and fun it delivers are simply unmatched.
If you’ve decided the Daisy Youth Model 105 BB Rifle is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API