Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Model 1938 - Classic Wood Stock

Our review of the Daisy Red Ryder Model 1938 finds it best suited to beginners and casual backyard plinkers who want a traditional lever-cocking BB rifle with a solid wood feel. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a stained solid wood stock and a reliable lever-spring action that delivers predictable, low-recoil shots at short range, making it easy to teach safety and basic marksmanship to young shooters under supervision. It is not a high-power air rifle, but it excels as an entry-level, low-cost shooting option.

Key Features

• 177 Cal BB with steel smooth bore barrel: Provides a simple, durable barrel setup that is forgiving for basic plinking and training rounds.
• Lever-cocking, spring air action: Delivers consistent single-shot mechanics that are easy to operate and maintain for new users.
• 350 fps max velocity: Low-velocity performance appropriate for safe short-range shooting and backyard target practice.
• 650-shot BB container with pour spout: Keeps a large supply of zinc-plated BBs accessible and easy to load while resisting rust.
• Stained solid wood stock and forearm: Gives a traditional rifle feel and balance that many users appreciate over synthetic alternatives.
• Adjustable rear sight and blade front: Enables basic sighting adjustments to improve accuracy at close distances.

Who It's For

The Daisy Red Ryder Model 1938 is ideal for parents introducing responsible shooting to teenagers, hobbyists who want a nostalgic lever rifle for casual backyard plinking, and anyone seeking an affordable, low-power BB gun for basic target practice. Its wood stock and straightforward cocking system make it accessible and intuitive for new shooters.

Those looking for high power, long-range accuracy, or advanced modularity should look elsewhere; this model tops out around 350 fps and is built for short-range use and training rather than competition or pest control.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong value: solid wood stock and simple mechanics for a modest price point.
• Good short-range accuracy thanks to precision-ground, blemish-free BBs.
• Large 650-shot container with pour spout and rust-resistant zinc plating.
• Easy to use lever-cocking action that suits beginners and younger shooters.

Cons

• Mixed reports on long-term durability from some users, so occasional maintenance may be needed.
• Limited power and range compared with higher-velocity air rifles, restricting use to close targets.

Specifications

Brand	Daisy
Model	Red Ryder Model 1938
Caliber	.177 cal BB
Barrel	Steel smooth bore
Action	Lever-cocking, spring air
Max velocity	350 fps
BB capacity	650-shot container with pour spout

Our Verdict

The Daisy Red Ryder Model 1938 is a practical, old-school BB rifle for beginners and casual shooters who want a wooden stock and uncomplicated lever action. Its precision-ground, rust-resistant BBs and handy high-capacity container make it good value for supervised training and backyard target practice, though those needing more power or long-term heavy use may prefer a different class of airgun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes; the lever-cocking spring action and low velocity make it a good option for supervised beginners learning safety and basic shooting.

How fast do the BBs travel?
Top velocity is about 350 fps, which is intended for short-range target shooting rather than long-range use.

Are the BBs rust-resistant?
Yes; the included zinc-plated BBs are described as extremely rust-resistant and precision-manufactured for uniform accuracy.