BB guns are a great way for kids to get started in shooting, and their quiet operation and relatively low recoil make them easier for children to master. They are also much less expensive to shoot than live-fire firearms, and they can be used indoors or in the backyard, saving on range fees and travel expenses.
Unlike airsoft guns, bb guns usually use a spring piston with a manual sliding safety that must be manually engaged or disengaged. The trigger clicks as it nears the firing point, giving you a chance to adjust your grip or sight alignment before pulling the lever to fire.
Many real-world handgun models are made into BB gun versions, so owners can practice their shooting skills at home or in their yards without the need to bring a live-fire firearm to a range. This can be especially convenient for people with limited storage space, or those who may have restrictions on where they can carry a handgun.
BB guns are commonly used for pest control, but because of their lower power and plastic pellets, they aren’t as effective as a traditional centerfire or rimfire firearm at dispatching small animals. However, if you’re a homeowner trying to manage rodents and other nuisance wildlife, a bb gun can be very useful for euthanizing the animal or removing it from a desirable location. It can also be more humane than using a shotgun or rifle, and a much safer alternative to poison.