Best first rifle for 10yo son

[DEF23]

Myself, I have three sons (4,7,10) as well who all enjoy shooting (almost daily) and I have any number of .22lr's for them to choose from in many different styles of action, sizes, shapes and purpose (think dozens).

And the one thing that all of them have in common is learning how to shoot on an OPEN SIGHTED, bolt action, SINGLE SHOT, manual cocking rifle.......my grandfathers old Winchester 67.

I know the stock is a little long for them at first, but the single shot makes them a lot more conscious of aiming & shooting every single shot fired. The open sights make them have to learn how to be more aware of their shooting techniques (stance, trigger pull, steady hold, ect.) and make them become better small game hunters (shorter shooting distance). The manually cocked action makes it easier to carry said weapon into the actual hunting fields with a round in the chamber (SAFER then something with a safety that can be 'swiped off').

Not saying I'd go out and get a Winchester 67 or even a bolt action necessarily. But something along those lines is great for starting out with for a 1st time shooter.

Maybe a Stevens Crack-shot, a Marlin or Henry lever action, Chipmunk or a Taurus .22 pump.

Save the semi-autos and scopes for when they are ready to move up the 'shooting experience ladder'. We (as parents) do our children no good when we give them all of the "latest & best stuff" and teach them to rely on their equipment. Better to let them start out the same as the majority of us did and let them learn how to improve themselves if they are interested in the shooting sports enough.

My oldest is currently shooting an Romy AIM-74 .22lr that he helped to build himself last summer (his 3rd .22lr & 2nd build), the middle boy is shooting a Chiappa .22lr upper on a Plum Crazy lower --- but the youngest one is just staring out his shooting career using that ole' Winchester 67 single shot .22lr, on instantly responsive targets (cookies, cans, fruit, ect.) at ranges UNDER 25ft........so that he can enjoy the sport and learn the basics first. The rest will progress as he does.....

Hope that helps you out some, sir.

[clipofblanks]

Ruger 10 22, or bolt action savage

[Tom-ADC]

Henry H001 in a young stock, I have friends that really like the handiness the shorter length gives.

[Kruncher]

Absolutely!!!

Exactly what i was looking for.

Thanks gentlemen (& ladies if any posted)!

[kcjr1125]

I like the Henry golden boy.

[trigger945]

My son loves the Henry H001. He was 10 when he first shot it. Blew through ammo very quickly despite it not being a semi-auto.

It looks beautiful, too.

[Ron-Solo]

My grandkids, ages 6, 8, & 10 all have Crickett rifles. They all have a 10/22 also, but they are still a little big for them. The 10 year old is close, so I'm going to put a Hogue youth stock on it for him. As he grows, I wil put the original stock back on it. Proper stock fit is important. He also shoots my S&W M&P 15/22. At this tie, he prefers the Cricket because he hits anything he aims at.

The Henry and Browning .22 lever actions are also good choices.

[Kruncher]

Again, thanks all for the thought out posts. Armed AMT, I did laugh out loud with that one, well played sir!

The little guy wanted an XBox 360 (though I don't think he even considered asking for a rifle / gun) , ... I'd rather spend out weekends outside. I have some homework to do, thanks again all!

[bryantech]

No Xbox 360.

My 10 year old daughter loves to shoot the Marlin 99 .22LR. It is tube fed and hold 16 or 17 rounds. I can't remember. She can't wait for Friday nights and weekends when we can go to the range.

[gym rat]

I think a single shot .22 is safer than a semi auto for a kid.

[Vee3]

I second that recommendation. Was going to provide a link to the CZ website but its being updated. Here is a link to Buds Guns Shop: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/a...cout&x=13&y=10

I third it. Best youth rifle available IMO...



If your Son's a little smallish, a Savage Rascal might be better at his age. Weighs ~1/2 of the Scout and has slightly shorter LOP and scaled down grip area for little hands. Just bought one with the intent to lengthen the stock 2" to use as a simple, compact camping rifle that my 14 year old Son, Wife and I can all shoot.

[rm1911]

I have two boys, 10 and 11 1/2. The older loves the mp15-22. The younger loves shooting his savage bolt 22.

Honestly, they're kids. They'll love any gun you get them.

[G21Shooter]

M&P15-22 or Ruger 10/22!!

[varmintshooter]

I got my son a Rossi youth matched set from Dick's. Basically you can switch between two barrels, a break open single shot .22 and a .410. (The single shot keeps me from going broke buying ammo too) I also ended up buying the Rossi weaver base for it and put a red dot sight on it. He absolutely loves it!

When my daughter turns 9, she'll get a pink one.

Good luck!

[Iskra]

First rifle my sons shot (they were about 8 & 10) was a .22 bolt, they thought it was ok, but a little awkward - they both shoot left-handed. Next one they tried was a 10/22, and they both felt the semi-auto was "boring". 3rd time out, they shot a Marlin 39A and couldn't get enough. Now they're 13 & 15 and the 39A is the older one's favorite gun and we got the younger one a Henry. They want to go shooting all the time now...