Youth revolver recommendations?

[NocturnalDoc]

I'm looking to get a .22 LR revolver for my 12 year old, for his birthday. He and I have shot a Ruger Single Six, but no other .22 revolvers.

So, any favorites for young shooters?

[BSlacker]

Well you have shot the best their is the Ruger Single Six. You can get one in 32 H&R Magnum to 22lr/22mag. Once started down that road one can have all kinds of fun. Starting a youth out with a single action Ruger in 22cal is like giving a lifetime of fun. For a high impact give him a Freedom Arms in 22lr.

[nrvnqsrxk]

I was recommended 617, Model 17, and Model 18 when I first started. I'm surprised S&W are offering them again.

[SamIAm]

Along the same lines

Ruger Bear Cat. Smaller and lighter than the Single Six.

If you want a modern revolver, you may want to check out the SW 317.

[NocturnalDoc]

Well you have shot the best their is the Ruger Single Six. You can get one in 32 H&R Magnum to 22lr/22mag. Once started down that road one can have all kinds of fun. Starting a youth out with a single action Ruger in 22cal is like giving a lifetime of fun. For a high impact give him a Freedom Arms in 22lr.

Holy Sticker Shock, Batman! Now I see what you mean by "high impact." On my WALLET!

Yep, already have the kids hooked. That was a few years ago with the 10/22s. For a .22 pistol, I love my Buckmark. But my son really has his heart set on a revolver.

[Tom-ADC]

One more vote for the Bearcat!!

[NocturnalDoc]

Those 617s look nice, but I think the 317 with the short barrel might not be ideal. Of course, I'm thinking of short barrel revolvers in higher caliber, so in .22LR it might not be a big deal. Still, I would think the longer sight radius would still be quite useful for a young shooter trying to stay on target.

Good suggestions, all. Keep 'em coming!

[NocturnalDoc]

Bearcat looks great too. One Single Six that I shot (a very new one) actually had a safety device on it. Anybody know when these started showing up?

[rogervzv]

I'm looking to get a .22 LR revolver for my 12 year old, for his birthday. He and I have shot a Ruger Single Six, but no other .22 revolvers.

So, any favorites for young shooters?

I just bought my own 12 year old son a Ruger Single Six. He loves it. This is a quality firearm that he will have all his life. Someday my grandkids will use it.

The Single Six, hands down IMHO.

[psango]

Ruger Single Six or Bearcat both very nice to shoot.

[acourvil]

Those 617s look nice, but I think the 317 with the short barrel might not be ideal. Of course, I'm thinking of short barrel revolvers in higher caliber, so in .22LR it might not be a big deal. Still, I would think the longer sight radius would still be quite useful for a young shooter trying to stay on target.

Good suggestions, all. Keep 'em coming!

The 617s are a great choice if his hands are big enough. If not, then the 63 would be a better choice than the 317. It's also the smaller J frame, but you can get a 5 inch barrel, and its steel instead of light alloy. I got a model 63 for my daughter when she started shooting, and I think it was a really good choice to start with.

[41M]

I recommend a Single-Six with adjustable sights. The adjustable sights make for a better sight picture, and consistency of the single action trigger pull should help him further develop his shooting skills.

[22popnsplat]

I recommend a Single-Six with adjustable sights. The adjustable sights make for a better sight picture, and consistency of the single action trigger pull should help him further develop his shooting skills.

I have to agree with the above , a single six with adjustable sights and i would get stainless as it is easier to clean and little marks can be polished out . it could still look new when your grandchildren get it.

[rogervzv]

I recommend a Single-Six with adjustable sights. The adjustable sights make for a better sight picture, and consistency of the single action trigger pull should help him further develop his shooting skills.

+1. The adjustable sights model is all I ever see in stores around here.

[gvbsat]

I would check out the Heritage arms SA as well. I picked one up for cheap, I think I payed 1 Ben for it. When I got it it had only the 22 mag cylinder with it and I had to spend a whole $29 (including shipping) for the LR cylinder. It looks like it is retailing for around $150. I picked it up just because it was so cheap so I could take care of my small rodent issues using the primer only 22 rounds, as they where eating my eggs and spooking the chickens. I was not expecting much, but it sure has turned out to be a really nice accurate pistol. It does have an external safety just FYI.

http://www.heritagemfg.com/site/index.cfm?CFID=21615005&CFTOKEN=8fbe37ce93d02706-4D414A44-F7F0-F2D7-E454BF8EF8FEF25F