Best 22lr for my kids?

[23 Blast]

Started my son (8yo) on my 10/22 that has a Tapco stock on it. That way we can both shoot it with the adjustable LOP. The 10/22 is so customizable that it's the perfect all-around rifle. It can be modified with an adjustable stock and iron sights to train the young-uns, then modified as they grow and their skill increases and their tastes change.

[ThatsJustBadTaste]

+1 for the 10-22, and when they get older and want something cooler you can put it in a G36 kit

[Ron-Solo]

My grandson is now 8. I started him on the Crickett, although he has fired my ARs and Mini 14, they are too barrel heavy for him to shoot on his own. I also got him a 10/22, but he still prefers his Crickett. He hits anything he aims at, can work the rifle without help, and is very safe with it. Being able to properly shoulder a rifle is important. He takes pride in his accuracy and can out shoot kids a lot older. He can work the 10/22, but he doesn't shoot it as well because it still doesn't fit him right.

Also, Keystone Arms makes full size stocks for the Crickett as they grow. All three of my grandkids have Cricketts and 10/22s. My granddaughter's rifles have pink stocks. Someday I'm going to build them all their own AR rifles.

I am a HUGE fan or the 10/22, but they have to grow into them.

[johnthomas]

http://www.henryrepeating.com/rifle-minibolt.cfm

Check these out.

[GRmilitia88]

I learned to shoot when I was nearly 4 with my grandfather's Winchester 62, and taught all my cousins with a Taurus 62 (nearly the same weapon).

These are pump action 22s which take 22lr or 22 short.
They are uber reliable, and can take a beating.


Winchester 62



Taurus 62
The bottom is the carbine version, which might be a little easier for the little guys!

Just remember to fully engrain all gun rules with them!
1. Treat all firearms as if they are unloaded
2. Always point them in a safe direction
3. Finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire
..... etc.

Good luck, and thank you for bringing the youngsters into the sport!

[liketoshoot]

I'm with Ron. Get them guns that fit them right now. So what if they grow out of them? Then, they get to buy new ones. My boss just picked up a pair of Henrys for his two boys. One gets a standard length rifle and the other gets the youth model. Learning to shoot with a gun that fits properly is a million times better than learning to shoot the wrong way.

^^this^^
it is very important they feel comfortable with it and not stretch to hold it.

[edlegault]

I still have (and occasionally shoot) my first rifle -- a .22lr single shot bolt action. I think it was sold by Coast-To-Coast hardware stores or JC Penney. Anyways, it has a safety that is automatically engaged each time the bolt is opened. Shot up a lot of tin cans as a kid and bagged a few grouse (head shots) with it, too. My dad's idea was that with the single shot I would have to make every shot count. I had to buy my own ammo out of my small allowance and I counted the pennies with each shot fired

[shadow65]

I got my son a Ruger 10/22CRR, I liked the short barrel so much I put one on my 10/22.
You can put one or two rounds in to start. The CRR has shorter stock and barrel.

This. But I would also invest in the Crickett.
Dave N

[ejhc11]

Maybe the Marlin XT-22. Youth sized and they have them with a single shot adapter and when they grow up you can change to the 7 round magazine. No need to worry about outgrowing the rifle.

My 11 year old son has his choice of my Ruger 10/22, Winchester Wildcat 22LR rifle, Henry H001 level action, AR15s in 22LR and 5.56mm but still chooses his single shot Marlin 915Y he started when he was 8 years old. He still likes the simple open sights and one shot feed.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/xt/XTY.asp

[Lex]

I got few rifles for my son (7) such as Sig 522, GS522, Ruger 10/22 and even custom made Mini Zimmerman with light barrel. All of them still too heavy and too long. Finally got him a Marlin XT22 Youth Version. It has shorter pull and lighter stock and barrel. It is a single bolt action and iron sight. He will have lots of fun with this rifle. As he gets older I can always change it to a adult stock.

[jazman]

I am a big fan of the Henry's. Excellent, all American made guns, very smooth right out of the box. The youth model or the big loop would be great for the kids. They have to cycle the lever each shot so they are thinking vs. just blasting. Later on is time for a 10/22.

[JAGACIDA]

The single shot as a learner has a great tradition. Many to choose from. I like the newer models with the option of single shot. A 10/22 is good too, but I'd train by using 5 mags with one or two cartridges in each. Discipline first and savor the shot. Then after training let 'em go nuts. I learned military range etiquette in the Navy with a single shot even though I had guns from the age of 5 years up. The 1911 and M16 came later when training required it.

[copter976]

No one's touched on this yet (that I could see), so I'll throw in my .2

What ever rifle you choose, have some sort of BiPod on the front. For littler shooters, it makes their FIRST experiences much easier. Then you can slowly work them into the standing positions, etc...

Here's one of my son and his Colt/Umarex M4. He absolutely loves this gun!!!

[sholling]

I think it's important to start kids with a single shot rifle that fits them. Single shot teaches them to take their time and make every shot count.

[SeanO]

Cz Scout if it fits. Might be a bit big for the younger one. Single shot and you can convert to magazine fed. $250-$300ish.