If the clue “Ammo for a Red Ryder rifle” from the April 6, 2025 NYT Mini stopped you in your tracks, you’re not the only one. Unless you’ve watched A Christmas Story on repeat or grew up plinking cans in the backyard, this one might’ve gone straight over your head.
The Red Ryder isn’t some obscure reference, either. It was named after an old comic strip cowboy, and it was popular then, but the rifle gained cult status thanks to its role in that Christmas holiday film. So, what kind of ammo does the Red Ryder rifle and many other similar airguns actually use? Well, that’s what we’re here to help you figure out.
Ammo for a Red Ryder Rifle NYT Mini Answer
The answer to the “Ammo for a Red Ryder rifle” NYT Mini Crossword clue is BBS.
These are small, round metallic pellets commonly used in airguns. They are the signature ammunition for the classic Red Ryder BB gun made by Daisy Outdoor Products. Unlike the plastic BBs you find in airsoft replicas, the ones used in these air rifles are typically steel-made. As such, they pack a decent punch for hunting, target shooting, or “plinking” as it is often called.
The Red Ryder is a lever-action rifle that gained pop culture fame thanks to A Christmas Story. However, the gun has been around since the 1940s, courtesy of an old comic strip of the same name.
While other airguns may use lead pellets for better precision, BBs remain iconic for casual shooting. And that’s what makes this three-letter answer a tricky one if you’ve never handled an air rifle.
