Curious Relics #105: Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Part IV
Sam.S 02.26.25
Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! It’s been over a month since our last article as regular content took a break for SHOT2025, and I got sick. In our previous segments, we explored the history of the Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun, examined its variations, and discussed dating techniques and specifications. Today, we’re wrapping up this series by taking America’s iconic BB gun to the backyard for some shooting – just as it was intended.
Curious Relics Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Curious Relics #098: Long Ago Long Barrel – H&R 676 22LR Revolver
- Curious Relics #099: Gotta Start Somewhere– H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver Part II
- Curious Relics #100: Easy Dating – H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver Part III
- Curious Relics #101: Love Revolver Snipers – H&R Model 676 Part IV
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
Backyard Plinking: The Red Ryder Experience
I’ll admit I felt somewhat silly setting up for a Red Ryder shooting session. Instead of a formal range, I went with the classic backyard approach – setting up a cardboard box with a paper target at about 15 yards. The only thing that would have made it more authentic would have been pop cans hung by a string or placed on a fence post.
The nostalgia hit me immediately when I first shouldered the Red Ryder. It took me right back to those summer days of youth where an afternoon with this BB gun represented the peak of freedom and adventure. Today’s model feels remarkably similar to what I remember, with the same satisfying ‘click’ when the lever cycles and the same distinctive weight distribution. One thing I noticed is how these guns seem to become natural extensions of your arm after just a few minutes of shooting. Even decades removed from my first Red Ryder experience, the muscle memory returned almost instantly
Using the Red Ryder again felt natural, though it was easier to cock than when I was little. I remember having to put the stock between my legs and pull up on the lever every time. The lever action worked reliably throughout my shooting session with standard Daisy BBs. Accuracy-wise, I found myself shooting to the right in a roughly 4-inch group at 15 yards while standing freehand.
The sights are straightforward – a rear square notch and large square front post that still allows enough light to gap when properly lined up. The trigger is fair for an inexpensive BB gun – it could certainly be worse, though the squishy pull likely contributed to my tendency to shoot right.
The length of pull is noticeably short for me. I’d be interested in trying the adult-length version to see how it compares although I doubt I will ever write about it unless it is drastically different. Maybe a review come next holiday season? Loading is simple through the door in the barrel shroud, and with the high BB capacity, there’s more than enough ammunition to shoot all afternoon. Overall, it provided enough fun to see the session through.
Final Thoughts: An American Icon
After spending time with the Red Ryder, my appreciation for this humble air rifle remains strong. It represents something more meaningful than just its performance. The Daisy Red Ryder embodies an American tradition of introducing young people to marksmanship and responsible gun handling. Its modest velocity and simple operation make it an ideal platform for learning fundamental skills.
Is the Red Ryder a precision instrument? No. Its smooth bore barrel, simple sights, and spring-piston design have inherent limitations. However, judging it solely on accuracy misses the point. The Red Ryder was never designed to be a competition-grade air rifle. It excels where it was intended to – as an affordable, reliable introduction to shooting.
Throughout its 80+ year history, Daisy has maintained the Red Ryder’s essential character while adding to its product line. The fact that today’s model remains recognizably similar to those produced decades ago speaks to the soundness of its design. Meanwhile, its enduring popularity – boosted by films like “A Christmas Story” – ensures its place in American culture for generations to come.
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics segment informed as well as entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We did not just realize how guns were supposed to look and function. It was a long and tedious process that has shaped the world we live in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm out there that you feel does not get much notoriety? What should our next Curious Relics topic cover? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
