Can a 9 year old boy cock it or is it too tough for him? I know, tell him to be careful, but my kid is sharp and smart.
294958
It's not too hard to cock. Once you figure it out. Im 19 and not a strong guy. If I had say falls in easy to medium range when cocking.
294959
Oh yeah, use your shin as leverage, put the trigger guard and grip angled on your shin and just pull. It feels like 15 lbs this way.
294960
I believe he would be able to with practice but I would treat this as giving him a handgun. It has that type of damage potential. I have a archery bag that I use for my compound bow and this crossbow shoots a good 5 inches into that bag from 30 yards. A couple bolts have even sunk completely into the bag. This is a deadly weapon. If I were to get my 9 year old a weapon I would go with a BB gun over this but it is your call. I would only allow its use with close adult supervision and proper gun safety training. As for a BB gun I think he would be able to use that with a little less worry that he will harm himself or another. I believe he would be able to with practice but I would treat this as giving him a handgun. It has that type of damage potential. I have a archery bag that I use for my compound bow and this crossbow shoots a good 5 inches into that bag from 30 yards. A couple bolts have even sunk completely into the bag. This is a deadly weapon. If I were to get my 9 year old a weapon I would go with a BB gun over this but it is your call. I would only allow its use with close adult supervision and proper gun safety training. As for a BB gun I think he would be able to use that with a little less worry... » Read More I believe he would be able to with practice but I would treat this as giving him a handgun. It has that type of damage potential. I have a archery bag that I use for my compound bow and this crossbow shoots a good 5 inches into that bag from 30 yards. A couple bolts have even sunk completely into the bag. This is a deadly weapon. If I were to get my 9 year old a weapon I would go with a BB gun over this but it is your call. I would only allow its use with close adult supervision and proper gun safety training. As for a BB gun I think he would be able to use that with a little less worry that he will harm himself or another. « Show Less
294961
I believe he would be able to with practice but I would treat this as giving him a handgun. It has that type of damage potential. I have a archery bag that I use for my compound bow and this crossbow shoots a good 5 inches into that bag from 30 yards. A couple bolts have even sunk completely into the bag. This is a deadly weapon. If I were to get my 9 year old a weapon I would go with a BB gun over this but it is your call. I would only allow its use with close adult supervision and proper gun safety training. As for a BB gun I think he would be able to use that with a little less worry that he will harm himself or another.
294962
This is definitely not a toy. The bolt fires at a high velocity, and would likely kill a person. It can easily penetrate a piece of 1/4 inch plywood from 15 feet. In a word it is 'dangerous'. Much more dangerous than a BB or pellet gun. It would be irresponsible to give this as a gift to a child.
1279747
My 3 year old is just starting to figure it out. He has opened it once, but I wouldn't say it was easy for him. He can close it better than he can open it.
2027603
It is not difficult to cock. I am skinny ~average strength. Anyone who says the rope cock is too long or has to be cut is *doing it wrong*. Read the directions please on the rope device before posting otherwise. You put 1 hook on one side of the stock, thread the device around the stock, then put the other hook on the other side of the crossbow string. What you're left are two short lengths of rope handles and 3 fulcrums which do all the work for you. Don't just attach the two hooks and pull with all your might with all the leftover rope. This crossbow is fun and easy to use :)
1347737
No. A 9 year old could assist an adult with construction, and operation, but there are no safeguards. Once built, with a motor spinning a tool, this kit has the potential to cause significant injury.
303333
Unless he is very big for his age, it will be too big for him and difficult for him to control. My 7 and 9 year old love it.
678920
My son (4) is pretty rough with it and takes it outside to vanquish bad guys (weeds and rocks) it has a few dings but you have to look close. it is very tough and I would recommend for even the roughest of little kids. Even his sisters (12 and 13) have taken a few rounds with it.
136493
I imagine it is the "draw weight" or how hard it is to pull back the string (cock it). This one is so strong that my 6 ft tall strong son has a hard time cocking it. I bought it as a gift for him and now wish I had gotten a less powerful one. We now have the option to buy an expensive cocking device attachment for it.
1521880
My son uses it, you just have to be a little careful if you know what I mean ;)
2190557
Depends how strong he/she is. This takes considerable effort to cock. Also, how are they with safety?
727794
My kids are so hard on everything and we've gone thru so many guns I'm not even sure if or how long this one lasted. Sorry I'm not much help. FYI....I used to be pretty anti gun....even toy guns....but I have boys and it's inevitable!
2220385
My chld is younger and really enjoys it. She's not strong enough to use it for very long at one time. Neighborhood kids in that age group like to stop by when they see my child shooting it, and ask if they can have a few turns shooting it. They all seem to enjoy it. I'd say go for it!
1483103
It depends on the child. The game is fun, the rules are fairly dimple but a pittle deep and may require a little bit of reading between the lines.Ive played it with a 9 year old and he had fun, but he didnt quite grasp the concept.Your boy will probably grow to love it.
1818848
I don't think there would be a problem with an average 15 year old to cock it. Nice gun, just a little heavy and made for a taller person. I am 5'8" and it is a bit long for me. I still use it and is very accurate.
268674
I don't think too easy. There are enough modes (14) to make it fun.My son is 7 and I have to help him with the main body part especially and pushing some of the stiffer parts together.
1720075
Yes and no. Good for all ages, but a nine year old might not be as taken with it.
2063506
It is a very heavy crossbow and can be difficult to string and cock. If you are confident that your 12-year old can constantly hold a 15lb crossbow and load a 90lb draw (with the rope cocker), then it might be nice for him. Be safe.
1421561
Depends on his age. If he is around 5 he would have to work at it but could do it. 3 & under I would say it would be quite hard for him but I don't put anything past some really ambitious little ones.