Junior or Kid size model .22 recommendations?

[SoCal Gunner]

I've got a 7yr old that loves to go shooting. He's been using my Sig 522, but can only use it on a bench rest or prone. He can't hold it up to shoot off-hand.

So the other day I ran across a Savage "Rascal" while walking the gun show. It is truly a child's rifle in size and weight. I say that because I was thinking of getting a 10/22 or a takedown before I ran into this model. So then I poked around some and I've come across several other youth model 22s like the Cricket, a Marlin youth model, and a Henry Youth model as well.

Anyone have experience with these and have some pros and cons for the price ranges? Any other good choices out there?

Here are some links to the rifles I mentioned above:

RASCAL

CRICKET

MARLIN YOUTH

HENRY YOUTH


PS - I'm sure he's already spoiled with the semi auto, but that doesn't mean a bolt action would do him some good (and slowdown my ammo consumption!)

[Fate]

There are other threads on this subject, especially in the young calgunners area.

That said, I recommend the Rascal. My 8 year old got it for Xmas last year and he runs it like a champ. The accutrigger really helps develop a good trigger pull. The peep sights are easy to use. It cocks on bolt close and doesn't require other motions like the Cricket. It also has a really good safety and a great feed ramp so the kid isn't fumbling with getting the round in.

Customer service is also great as I had to return the poly stock his came with because it was slightly warped to one side. Within 10 days of mailing it away I had a replacement in hand.

[SoCal Gunner]

I didn't even realize there was a youth section until you mentioned it. I searched for "junior" inside of rimfire and came across only a couple threads (but I did find the Cricket in doing so).

[Spyguy]

I had bought a Ruger 10/22 Carbine with factory pink laminated wood stock for my 7yo daughter. But it's too big for her now. I'm buying a used Ruger compact stock from a fellow Calgunner that I can cut down to shorten the LOP, but it will still be a rather large and heavy rifle for her.

So I ordered a Savage Rascal for her as a Christmas gift. With pink stock of course! (That's her favorite color.) From everything I've researched, it's a great rifle for very young children. For tweens, a CZ Scout would be really nice.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Get him a browning 1911 .22. It's only 85% of the actual size 1911.

[evolution1974]

I have the Crickett and a Thompson Center Hot Shot. Between the Crickett and the Savage Rascal, I would go with the Rascal. Between the three, I would go with the Hot Shot. Your child should be able to shoot all three of these guns off hand.

If your child was older I would recommend the CZ Scout.

Top is the CZ Scout, middle is the Crickett and just below it is the TC Hot Shot.

[SoCal Gunner]

Anyone know of a shop in the IE stock the Rascals?

[coq]

My 7YO daughter does great with the Rascal…I even like shooting it. Really accurate, great trigger but I thought safety is just a little stiff for the kids (I may look for a fix on that). Just 2.5 pounds. I highly recommend it!

I ordered it online and sent to FFL, but the Big 5 where I am had them as well. Maybe start there.

[shooterfpga]

Crickett! Its crazy how accurate these things are! Theyre made for kids but dont be fooled its a tack driver in a small package.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

[boukca]

Get him a Ruger 10/22 now. The size is right and it will be a rifle he can use his entire life. I am an old adult and still love my 10/22.

[SoCal Gunner]

^I was going to look for a 10/22 and initially considered the takedown, but I think those would still be too much (in weight and length) for him to shoot off-hand.

[boukca]

I will be down in the So Cal area next week. If you want, I'll meet up with you and let your son shoot my 10-22, ammo is on me.

[Occams Rasor]

Kids grow like weeds so you might want to look at rifles that can grow with the kid. If bolt is an option, Ruger amer. rimfire compact has a trigger pull length of
12.5". Later you can buy a the standard model butt plate the increases the pull to 13.75" for about $20. The compact wt is ~5.5lbs. Not too bad.
If want an auto, then the 10/22 has all sorts of after market stocks. I am sure you could find a short pull length for now.

[Furncliff]

Browning lever. BL22

These are small enough, and light enough.

The CZ Scout barreled action can be moved to a full size CZ stock without any modifications when he out grows the small stock.

[SoCal Gunner]

I will be down in the So Cal area next week. If you want, I'll meet up with you and let your son shoot my 10-22, ammo is on me.

That is a very generous and thoughtful offer. If our schedules line up, I'll take you up on it. That said, I wouldn't feel right consuming your ammo so I'd be happy to bring some of my own or perhaps something else in my collection that you'd like to try.