OK to start things off, this is a review of the Daisy Red Ryder Lever action BB Rifle but the Vimeo Video also compares the Red Ryder to the very similar Crosman Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Riffle, If you have not checked my Marlin Cowboy review out, you can see it here.
So for the most part I am going to focus on the Red Ryder in this text version but I will refer to the Marlin Cowboy when comparing the two BB air rifles.
Type: BB spring air rifle.
Manufacturer: Daisy.
Model:Red Ryder.
Materials: Mostly metal and wood.
Weight: 2.2 pounds.
Barrel: Smooth bore.
Propulsion: Spring.
Action: Lever action.
Ammunition Type: Steel BBs 4.5mm.
Ammunition Capacity: 650 rounds.
FPS: Up-to 350.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull is pretty good, not super light but predictable. (the trigger area is much larger then the Crosman Marlin Cowboy which may be more suitable for adults with thick fingers)
Accuracy: When I originally tested my Marline Cowboy I thought it performed well but the Daisy Red Ryder definitely has the advantage in the accuracy department, at least in my testing. I got about a 1.5 inch 8 shot group from a free standing position 20 feet away from the target.
Build Quality: This is a pretty much all metal and wood gun with a build quality almost exactly like the Crosman Marlin Cowboy. Daisy has even made some improvements like upgrading the lever to metal from plastic, most likely to compete with Crosman on this feature. The only plastic I found was the trigger, safety and front sight assembly.
Realism: Even though this BB gun is styled after the classic lever action Cowboy Rifle, it's not a close replica to any that I know of. You have to keep in mind the purpose of this gun - meant primarily for younger first time shooters. There are some nice touches like the leather tassels and the Red Ryder name burned into the stock .
Purchased From: Walmart.
Pros:
Inexpensive introduction to the sport of Airgun shooting.
Made out of Mostly Metal and Wood - Now including the Lever.
Large capacity internal barrel magazine (650 rounds).
Adjustable rear sight for height.
Decent 300+ fps velocity.
Excellent accuracy and consistency.
The original maker of this style of BB rifle - great track record!
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Cons:
Plastic trigger, safety and front sight assembly.
Some people may find the non removable metal loop for the leather tassel a bit intrusive.
Comments:
I think this is a wonderful little BB rifle and even though it's intended for the young entry level shooter it can make a great back yard plinker that anyone can join in and enjoy - adults included! I plan to be shooting either the Red Ryder or my Marline Cowboy side by side with my little guy when he is old enough to shoot one of these fine lever action BB rifles. When it comes to picking between the Daisy Red Ryder or the Crosman Marlin Cowboy Lever Action BB Rifles it comes down to a few points: Both have almost the exact same build quality so it may come down to which look you like best? The Daisy was more accurate while the Crosman had a bit more power. The Red Ryder had the lighter but longer lever action pull while the Marlin Cowboy had a heavier shorter lever pull.
If you can't decide just buy them both because they are dirt cheap to buy and tons of fun to shoot, so when your friends come over you can always pass them one so they won't feel left out!
My Vimeo Video Comparison Review for these Lever Action BB Rifles:
