My son's first .22

[7222 Hawker]

So... my little guys asks me today if he can have a .22 or a bow an arrow from Santa. I was proud at first thought but then naturally a little skeptical. They never wrote a good book on parenting... I trust a bunch of back woods boys over the damned books anyway...

I got him a Red Ryder last year and he is damn good at it. Trying to be a good dad... advice please?

[bjl333]

Yeah !! Why not ?!?!? If he is old enough for the responsibility then get it for him. 10/22s are $200.

[ryan0320]

That's what you got for your kid, B-man?
haha
How old is your son?

[caoboy]

Get him a Marlin Model 60! He'll love it.

[Markus]

Marlin Model 60 if your gonna keep it plain jane.

Ruger 10/22 if you feel like having the option of upgrading the bejeesus out of it.

Either way you cant go wrong but those two there should be more than enough gun for your son. Just make sure you teach him how to use it and keep an eye on him at all times when he is using it!

[41M]

Marlin and Savage both make single shot bolt actions with reduced sized stocks that are great for children.

[MongooseV8]

Yeah I vote for a Savage bolt gun. 10/22 or a Model 60 will just teach him the spray technique. Its easier to teach trigger control when you have to make your shots count, instead of just shooting enough times to hit what you want to.

Plus a jammer is a quick way to lose a kids attention. You wont have many feeding issues (If Any) with a Marlin or a Savage bolter.

Then when hes a bit older get him a semi cause they are super fun once you work the bugs out.

[cmichini]

Another vote for a bolt gun.
In addition to teaching responsibility, gun safety, etc., I'm of the opinion that starting with a bolt action focuses the shooting more on the shots themselves vs. making noise and smoke.

Of course part of every range session has some blasting time, but for providing the basics I think a bolt gun is best.

[CSACANNONEER]

You are going to be the best judge of his maturity level and if he can and WILL always be responsible with it. So, if you think he's ready, he's ready or you're just a bad parent. Since you are responsible enough to ask other's for their opinions about this, it would be hard for me to believe that you're a bad parent.

As far as what model to get, get him something that fits him now. He can always get others as he grows. I'm all for teaching new shooters (regardless of age) with single shots or, at least, non-semi autos. People need to learn proper shooting techniques before they just start throwing lead down range.

[emc002]

My son was mature enough for his 1st .22 at 5 years old. Sister will not get hers until 6 years old (or later), she was just a little too wild at 5.

I started my son out on a Henry Mini-Bolt. Single shot, iron sights, good beginner rifle and darn accurate.

[jedininja]

I dont see a problem with a kid having a .22 as long as he is supervised while using it. Its not something that he should be able to keep in his bedroom and show his friends. But if its locked in a safe and taken out when you guys want to shoot, then it would be a great way to teach him some gun responsibility.

[AJAX22]

Get him a single shot bolt action sears and roebuck or marlin.. Or possibly a cricket if he is small.

60-100 bucks and he'll pick up good habits from it...

Semi autos become ammo dumping devices in the hands of young ones.

[lugar]

Go for it. I got my first gun at 8. It was a single shot .410. Was bagging doves like crazy on first hunting trip. It made me feel responsible and grown up.

[XDRoX]

My son is 2 years old. I have a Marlin 60, Ruger 22/45, and a Ruger 10/22, all brand new (never shot) in the safe.

I can't wait until he's old enough to start giving them to him.

[bjl333]

My son is 2 years old. I have a Marlin 60, Ruger 22/45, and a Ruger 10/22, all brand new (never shot) in the safe.

I can't wait until he's old enough to start giving them to him.

hahaha ... My daugther is only 20 months and I am looking into "Pink" rifle builds already. My 5yr old son should be well armed by the time he gets to 1st grade !!!