Is it safe to shoot a Red Ryder BB gun in a basement?

It CAN be safe- with some preparation on your part. First, you should use eye protection when shooting ANYTHING- that means safety glasses with lenses that will protect your eyes. Shooting glasses are available in the sporting goods dept. at places like Walmart, or regular safety glasses at places like Home Depot or Lowes. BBs can bounce from a hard surface. Second, you need a target that will trap BBs without them bouncing. A large cardboard box, stuffed with shredded news paper will work- have your targets taped over the open side of the box (also allows to recover and reuse your BBs) Then you need a safe area to shoot- clear from you to your target, and BEYOND your target (when you miss). This should not include things that are easily damaged by BBs, like glass, appliances that would be chipped, etc. and not where people will be walking. Finally, if you are a youngster, you need permission from your folks. The best way to get that is to show them what you want to do, and why you would like to do it that way. Good luck, shoot safe.