Barra 1866 Review | Classic Air Rifle Fun for Kids

87 Overall score

Updated At

Price: $54.97

Customer Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.4 out of 5 stars

Manufacturer: Barra

Build Quality – 30%
9.0
Safety Features – 25%
8.5
Ammunition Options – 20%
8.0
Ease of Use – 15%
7.5
Accuracy – 10%
7.0

Barra 1866 Review – At A Glance

Weight

Power Type

Ammunition

4.1 lbsPump-pneumaticBBs and pellets

Safety Features

Capacity

Velocity

Automatic safety50 shots350 FPS

Barrel Material

Frame Material

Dimensions

Alloy steelMetal36″ L x 5″ H x 1.25″ W

Included Accessories

Rounds

Color

  • • Safety glasses
  • • 1,000 BBs
  • • Paper targets
50Rosie or Gold Junior

Pros

  • Classic lever-action design
  • Dual ammo capability (BBs and pellets)
  • Automatic safety feature
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Complete starter kit included

Cons

  • Pumping may be tough for small kids
  • Less accurate with pellets
  • Smoothbore barrel

Barra 1866 Review – At A Glance

Weight

Power Type

4.1 lbsPump-pneumatic

Ammunition

Safety Features

BBs and pelletsAutomatic safety

Capacity

Velocity

50 shots350 FPS

Barrel Material

Frame Material

Alloy steelMetal

Dimensions

Included Accessories

36″ L x 5″ H x 1.25″ W
  • • Safety glasses
  • • 1,000 BBs
  • • Paper targets

Rounds

Color

50Rosie or Gold Junior

Pros

  • Classic lever-action design
  • Dual ammo capability (BBs and pellets)
  • Automatic safety feature
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Complete starter kit included

Cons

  • Pumping may be tough for small kids
  • Less accurate with pellets
  • Smoothbore barrel

Barra 1866 Review: Ideal BB Gun for Beginners

BB guns are often the first step into the world of shooting sports for kids and youth, offering a fun and educational experience. The right BB gun can teach safety, accuracy, and responsibility, all while providing endless hours of entertainment.

The Barra 1866 Junior Cowboy BB Gun Kit is designed specifically with young shooters in mind. Its classic lever-action design and easy-to-use pump make it a great starter air rifle for children, providing a safe and enjoyable way to learn shooting basics.


Product Details – Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit for Kids

  • Weight: 4.1 lbs
  • Dimensions: 36″ L x 5″ H x 1.25″ W
  • Power type: Pump-pneumatic
  • Caliber: .177 (BBs and pellets)
  • Capacity: 50-shot BB reservoir
  • Velocity: 350 FPS
  • Barrel Material: Alloy steel
  • Frame Material: Metal
  • Rounds: 50 rounds
  • Automatic Safety: Engages after every shot
  • Accessories: Safety glasses, 1,000 BBs, paper targets

Best For: Young shooters looking for a safe, beginner-friendly BB gun with easy-to-use features.


Barra 1866 Review – Pros & Cons

Pros of Barra 1866 BB Gun

  • ✅ Classic lever-action design for an authentic shooting experience.
  • ✅ Lightweight and easy to handle for younger users.
  • ✅ Dual ammunition capability: shoots both BBs and pellets.
  • ✅ Automatic safety feature for enhanced shooting safety.
  • ✅ Includes accessories like safety glasses, BBs, and targets for a complete starter kit.

Cons of Barra 1866 BB Gun

  • ❗ Pumping action may be challenging for very young kids.
  • ❗ Smoothbore barrel, which affects pellet accuracy.

The Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit has received mostly positive reviews for its beginner-friendly design and classic look. Users appreciate the safety features and included accessories, making it a solid choice for young shooters.


In-Depth Review of the Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit

For young aspiring marksmen, finding a safe and reliable BB gun can be a challenge. The Barra 1866 Junior Cowboy Rifle meets this need with its simple pump-action design, beginner-friendly features, and all-in-one starter kit. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this BB gun ideal for kids and youth.

Classic Design with Modern Safety

The Barra 1866 Junior BB Gun offers a nostalgic design that mirrors the classic lever-action rifles of the Wild West. Its metal frame and alloy steel barrel give it a sturdy feel while keeping the weight manageable for children. One of the standout safety features is the automatic safety switch that engages after every shot, a must-have for new shooters who are still learning gun safety.

For parents, knowing that safety is a top priority offers peace of mind. The automatic safety feature ensures that even in moments of excitement, the gun won’t fire accidentally, reinforcing the importance of safety-first training.

Simple Pump-Action Mechanism

Unlike more complex air rifles that rely on CO2 cartridges, the Barra 1866 uses a single-pump pneumatic system. This makes it easier to use and less expensive in the long run since you won’t need to buy replacement cartridges. A single pump is all that’s needed to achieve a maximum velocity of 350 feet per second (FPS), which is sufficient for backyard target practice but safe enough for beginner use.

For some younger kids, the pumping action may require a bit of strength, but once they get the hang of it, the process becomes much easier. The long lever arm assists in making pumping smooth and manageable, especially for those under adult supervision.

Dual Ammo Capability: BBs and Pellets

One of the most exciting features of the Barra 1866 BB Gun is its dual ammunition capability. You can load either .177 caliber BBs or pellets, offering versatility for different types of shooting. BBs are great for target practice, while pellets can provide slightly more accuracy and impact.

However, due to the smoothbore barrel, pellets may not perform as accurately as they would in a rifled barrel. Still, for casual backyard shooting, the difference is minimal and shouldn’t detract from the overall experience.

Full Starter Kit for Young Shooters

To make this BB gun even more appealing to parents, it comes with a full starter kit. The kit includes safety glasses, 1,000 BBs, and paper targets, so your child can start practicing right out of the box. These extra accessories not only save you time and money but also emphasize the importance of safety and preparedness when handling air guns.

Build Quality and Durability

The Barra 1866 Junior Rifle is built to last, with a metal frame that ensures durability even with regular use. The alloy steel barrel holds up well under repeated firing, making this gun a solid investment for kids who are serious about learning to shoot.

Despite its strong build, the rifle is lightweight at just 4.1 lbs, which makes it easy for younger kids to hold and aim. Its shorter length compared to adult models also improves handling and ensures better control, making it perfect for youth training.

Drawbacks: Pumping Effort and Smoothbore Barrel

While this BB gun has many positives, it’s important to note a couple of potential drawbacks. First, the pumping mechanism, while efficient, may require a bit of effort for very young children. Parents may need to assist with the initial learning curve. Second, the smoothbore barrel doesn’t offer the same level of accuracy for pellets as a rifled barrel would. This can make shooting pellets slightly less precise, though for general target practice, it won’t make a huge difference.


Who Should Buy the Barra 1866 BB Gun?

Ideal For:

  • Young beginners looking for a fun and safe way to learn shooting basics.
  • Parents seeking an air rifle with strong safety features.
  • Kids who enjoy outdoor target practice and casual backyard shooting.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Not Ideal For:

  • Kids who might struggle with the pumping action and need a gun with easier operation.

Customer Experiences with Barra 1866 BB Gun

We have thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with this product to provide a well-rounded view of its performance.

  • Great for Learning: Users found that the Barra 1866 BB Gun is the perfect first air rifle for kids. The included safety glasses and targets allow children to learn the fundamentals of shooting in a controlled, safe environment.
  • Authentic Design: Many buyers appreciate the gun’s classic lever-action design, stating it brings a sense of nostalgia while being perfectly sized for youth.
  • Safety Features: Parents praised the automatic safety feature, saying it gives them peace of mind while their children learn the ropes.
  • 🚫 Challenging for Younger Kids: A few users noted that the pumping action might be difficult for younger kids, especially those under eight years old.
  • Complete Kit: Families love that the kit includes everything needed to start shooting right away, saving them time and effort in gathering all the necessary accessories.

Value Analysis of the Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit

The Barra 1866 BB Gun offers excellent value for families looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly air rifle. Its combination of classic design, safety features, and dual ammo capability makes it a versatile and cost-effective option for young shooters.

Key Strengths: Safety, Ease of Use

  • Safety First: With its automatic safety switch and lightweight build, the gun prioritizes user safety, especially for children who are new to shooting.
  • Ease of Use: The simple pump-action mechanism means no need for CO2 cartridges, keeping operational costs down and making the gun more accessible for families.

Considerations: Pumping Effort and Accuracy

  • Pumping Mechanism: Some younger children may find the pumping action difficult at first, though older kids will adapt quickly.
  • Pellet Accuracy: The smoothbore barrel is great for BBs but might not offer the precision some users expect when using pellets.

The Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit is a great choice for parents who want a safe, fun, and educational shooting experience for their kids. Its affordable price, thoughtful design, and included accessories make it a standout product in the beginner air rifle market.


Final Thoughts: Is the Barra 1866 BB Gun Worth It?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit is a reliable and safe option for kids who want to learn to shoot. Its automatic safety, classic design, and included starter kit make it a great beginner’s air rifle, though younger kids may need assistance with the pumping mechanism.


FAQs – Barra 1866 Review

Is the Barra 1866 BB Gun safe for kids?

Yes, the Barra 1866 BB Gun is designed with safety in mind. It includes an automatic safety switch that engages after every shot, and the starter kit includes safety glasses to help reinforce safe shooting practices. It’s ideal for kids under adult supervision.

What type of ammunition does the Barra 1866 BB Gun use?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun can shoot both .177 caliber BBs and pellets. This dual-ammo capability makes it versatile for different types of shooting, though it performs best with BBs due to its smoothbore barrel.

Is the Barra 1866 BB Gun easy to use?

Yes, the Barra 1866 BB Gun is easy to use thanks to its simple pump-action design. However, younger children may need help with the pumping mechanism as it requires a bit of strength. Once mastered, it provides a fun and educational experience for young shooters.

Does the Barra 1866 BB Gun come with accessories?

Yes, the Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit comes with safety glasses, 1,000 BBs, and five paper targets. This makes it a complete starter set for young shooters, saving you the trouble of purchasing additional accessories separately.

What is the maximum velocity of the Barra 1866 BB Gun?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun has a maximum velocity of 350 feet per second (FPS). This speed is suitable for target practice and general backyard shooting, providing a balance between safety and performance.

Can adults use the Barra 1866 BB Gun?

While the Barra 1866 BB Gun is designed for kids and youth, adults can also use it for casual target practice. However, adults might prefer the full-sized model if they want more power and a longer stock.

What material is the Barra 1866 BB Gun made of?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun features a metal frame and an alloy steel barrel. This gives it a sturdy and durable build, making it capable of withstanding regular use by young shooters.

How many rounds can the Barra 1866 BB Gun hold?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun can hold up to 50 rounds of BBs in its reservoir. This allows for multiple shots before needing to reload, which is great for extended shooting sessions.

Is the Barra 1866 BB Gun accurate?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun is accurate for casual backyard shooting, especially when using BBs. However, due to the smoothbore barrel, it may not be as accurate with pellets as a rifled barrel would be.

What age is the Barra 1866 BB Gun suitable for?

The Barra 1866 BB Gun is recommended for children and youth, though adult supervision is advised. Younger children might need help with the pumping action, but older kids will find it easy to use and a lot of fun.


Barra 1866 Review – Conclusion

The Barra 1866 BB Gun Kit offers an engaging and educational experience for young shooters. With its automatic safety feature, classic lever-action design, and included accessories, it provides everything kids need to start learning how to shoot safely. While the pumping mechanism may be challenging for younger children, the gun is well-suited for older kids who are ready for target practice in a controlled, safe environment.