My 17 year old is an expert and he said to tell you to buy an automatic with the ones you put the bb's in the scope. It should say it on the package. He said you do not have to buy an expensive brand either to get good quality. If it is around $40 to $50 it should be a descent gun. Do not buy a single shot. My advice as the mom is-------- I had my son hold his gun up close(to our garage vinyl siding, in a spot on the bottom where it wouldn't show) about 3-5ft away and the bb put a little tiny hole in it. So our rule is SAFETY first, always wear safety glasses or you never play at our house again and you do not shoot towards my house with vinyl siding. They usually play at my cousins farm anyway so it isn't that big of a deal. But they should always wear safety glasses and protect there ears with a hat. They will have a blast if they follow these rules.