My 5yo is going to have have 'Santa' leave a BB gun under the tree. He's dealing with some eye dominance issues, so I'd like something that I can mount a red dot type scope on.

What do you suggest for a BB gun with optics capabilities for him?

My first was a Daisy 880 and am sorta leaning that way right now. I like the idea of the multi-pump vs. a single pump. Thoughts?

Without researching it, I believe the 880 may have a rifled barrel, which is probably a good thing.

Several years ago I bought my son a Daisy Red Ryder, which I believe is a smooth-bore BB gun. Let's just say the accuracy, even at close range, left a LOT to be desired.

If I stood directly behind my son and watched as he shot, I could see the BBs traveling as straight as a hockey stick toward the target. I don't know if we just got a bad one or if they are all like that.

Was looking at Red Ryders the other day. Damn thing was made in China.
I hate it when our heritage products move production to China.
I'm sure Wal Mart demanded it.

Personally, I don't like BB guns for anything. Steel BBs tend to bounce and ricochet, dangerous for the shooter and for bystanders, as well as windows. I much prefer pellet guns shooting lead pellets, which tend to penetrate things like wood or splat flat on things like cinder block or rocks. Eye protection is always a must, of course.

I would go with the the multi-pump variety. I've had several and the ability to vary the power level is handy, and they kill crows, rats, etc just fine.