I'm not a big fan of toy guns for this reason. I'm pretty sure our boys will be firing my 10/22 (well supervised of course) before they get BB guns. IF they ever get BB guns. Thinking (aloud) about it, a 10/22 is something they can keep throughout their lives, and still get some use out of, and .22lr ammo is cheap. I think in the long run, that would be the best way to go.