boys first 22 rifle

mrbassantlers · 10-24-2007, 10:44 AM

My son is 6 yrs old and I would like to buy him his first rifle so he can start plinking with dad. Looking aroung at local gun shops, all I have found in youth models are Cricket rifles.The plastic cocking piece and overall quality kinda turn my stomach. What companies make good quality youth model 22 cals just like dads?

two-70 · 10-24-2007, 11:02 AM

Henry makes some good youth rifles

Idaho Dave · 10-24-2007, 11:07 AM

there are higher quality crickets look here Crickett Rifles, Davy Crickett, Youth Rifles

with nice wood stocks and stainless barrels got one just a while back for my daughter. had to order it though but it is well built and pretty accurate for what it is and what it cost. she has only had it a little while and already shot 100's of shots through it

there is also the chipmunk Shooters Discount, Inc. - Chipmunk Youth Rifle 22LR Rogue Rifle Company’s "Chipmunk" Youth Rifles like this but I have never actually held one

ruger22com · 10-24-2007, 11:54 AM

I am a big believer in starting a kid out with a REAL rifle...and a NON-semiauto.

If you can find one...I recommend an old russian single shot tula bolt action military trainer. They are safe, small, deadly accurate, cheap and never have a problem. most are pretty beat up, but the wood can always be refinished and are a perfect kids first rifle.

Bravo · 10-24-2007, 12:07 PM

I agree with not getting a semi-auto. I love autoloading .22's, but I've been taking firearms apart and putting them back together for years. As odd as it may sound, I don't mind having things not work quite right (not just guns, everything. Cars, Computers, etc). I enjoy the challenge of making it work again.

He, being 6, would probably be frustrated from down time, and might want to give up the sport. I would get either Single Shot, Bolt Action, or Level Action. There are some pump action rifles out there as well, but I'm not sure if any come in a youth size.

I would pick one of these:

Henry Repeating Arms Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms Rifles

H & R Firearms: Firearms: Rifles

Marlin Firearms: Bolt Action 22 Rifles : 915Y

Savage Arms Mark II Rimfire Series Model Mark II GY Youth

The Henry Repeating Mini-Bolt looks like a neat little rifle...

mrbassantlers · 10-24-2007, 12:12 PM

I sincerely believe that every child should learn with a single shot. It helps emphasize the importance of making 1 shot count and will in my opinion make the child a better marksman in the long run.

toolman · 10-24-2007, 12:15 PM

Rossi makes several youth combo's that come with 2 or 3 barrels in chamberings from .22 lr to 12 ga. The barrels are easily swapped and when he gets older, a full sized buttstock can be installed. My oldest grandson just got a Browning BL-22 for his B-Day and I'm building him a shorter buttstock for it, when he outgrows it, we'll add a pad to lengthen it, and when that gets too short, we'll put the original back on it. FWIW, the Rossi's are pretty inexpensive and Academy usually has a pretty good selection of them.

Bravo · 10-24-2007, 12:31 PM

Rossi USA

That looks like a very nice combo....is Rossi partnered with H&R/NEF? Their firearms look almost identical.

mrbassantlers · 10-24-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravo

I agree with not getting a semi-auto. I love autoloading .22's, but I've been taking firearms apart and putting them back together for years. As odd as it may sound, I don't mind having things not work quite right (not just guns, everything. Cars, Computers, etc). I enjoy the challenge of making it work again.

He, being 6, would probably be frustrated from down time, and might want to give up the sport. I would get either Single Shot, Bolt Action, or Level Action. There are some pump action rifles out there as well, but I'm not sure if any come in a youth size.

I would pick one of these:

Henry Repeating Arms Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms Rifles

H & R Firearms: Firearms: Rifles

Marlin Firearms: Bolt Action 22 Rifles : 915Y

Savage Arms Mark II Rimfire Series Model Mark II GY Youth

The Henry Repeating Mini-Bolt looks like a neat little rifle...

Thanks for the input, I didn't know Henry made a youth rifle. I checked it out and it looks pretty sweet. All the reviews I've found are all very positive. It is the official youth rifle of the US Olympic team. Think I will look into the Henry further.

Dierte · 10-24-2007, 07:20 PM

I believe that savage makes a .22 that comes with both a youth stock and an adult stock. That way you only hafta buy one gun. I'm pretty sure that I saw it at Gander Mountain.

Big Dog · 10-25-2007, 05:14 PM

I'd second the Savage. My first .22 rifle is an old Stevens single-shot boltie - different than today's Savage, but I'm a believer in brand loyalty as long as the quality is there.

mrbassantlers · 10-25-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dierte

I believe that savage makes a .22 that comes with both a youth stock and an adult stock. That way you only hafta buy one gun. I'm pretty sure that I saw it at Gander Mountain.

I will definitely keep that in mind when buying the rifle.

scoutman · 10-27-2007, 02:20 PM

i would not buy him a youth model 22 because most 22 these days are usualy smaller guns so you could get him a ruger 10/22 and he should be able to shoot it just fine. stay with a regular size rifle so he can use it when he is an adult that way you dont have to buy more that one gun or buy extra things to add so it would fit him better in the future

NRAJOE · 11-01-2007, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-70

Henry makes some good youth rifles

Yepper....I bought the Golden Boy .22lr a few months ago...great fun and they really stand by their product.

After getting it home from Cabela's and wiping off the grease I noticed an abrasion and a nick in the brasslite receiver.

After a couple weeks it kind of bugged me so I emailed Henry about buying a replacement receiver...non other than the President of the company emailed me saying they will send me a replacement for free.

1 1/2 weeks later there was a nice shiny brasslite receiver on my door step with zero inperfections on it....you can't go wrong with Henry!

genwinters · 11-01-2007, 02:58 PM

I learned on a rossi. easy to maintain, easy to shoot and very accurate

shrub · 11-02-2007, 04:32 PM

I started on a criket, deadly out to 100 yards till i outgrew it. awsome gun for beginners. I dont know about the new ones but mine ( made in 1996 if i rember right) is a very high qauilty fire arm. Still have it to hand down to my kids someday.

andrew cochran · 11-21-2007, 09:59 AM

Those Henry youth rifles are some really good guns. They will last many years!

CrazyIvan · 11-21-2007, 10:23 AM

I bought a Marlin break-off barrel .22lr rifle. It is a small rifle, semi-auto with a 7-round magazine. I got it just for plinking. It would be great for a boy's starter rifle. Check em out:

Marlin Firearms: Autoloading Rifles : 70PSS

Can be had for a VERY fair price too.

Mooseman684 · 11-21-2007, 10:41 AM

One of the New Savage .22 youth rifles with the accu-trigger are Very nice and well built. I won one at the NRA Banquet last year.
Rich

rckymtnboy · 11-21-2007, 10:51 AM

If you have the money for it, that Henry is a great choice. Keep in mind that your kid is probably going to be handing down the same gun to his kid one day...you want it to be something good, right? That Marlin that Crazy Ivan recommended sounded good too.

If you don't have the budget for a Henry, those Crickets are great first guns too, and now they come in all sorts of variations. They're just not the highest of quality. Bolt action is definitely the way to go for a first gun. It forces them to think about each shot. There's another single shot .22 out there made by the Rogue Rifle Company
out of Lewiston, Idaho. It's called the Chipmunk. Here's a review of it on Gunblast.com:
Rogue Rifle Company’s "Chipmunk" Youth Rifles

This is the one I bought for my nephew in .17HMR. He was frustrated shooting my old Stephens bolt action .22 because his arms were too short for it and it was very awkward, not to mention unstable. The Chipmunk was a perfect fit and he's into shooting more than ever. Not saying you should get a chipmunk, just keep in mind comfort for your kid. It will make a world of difference for him if he has a good fitting rifle.

10-24-2007, 10:44 AM	#1
mrbassantlers Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: north central Oklahoma Posts: 84 Trader Rating: (0)	boys first 22 rifle My son is 6 yrs old and I would like to buy him his first rifle so he can start plinking with dad. Looking aroung at local gun shops, all I have found in youth models are Cricket rifles.The plastic cocking piece and overall quality kinda turn my stomach. What companies make good quality youth model 22 cals just like dads? __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing.... it wastes your time and annoys the pig.

10-24-2007, 11:02 AM	#2
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778 Trader Rating: (0)	Henry makes some good youth rifles __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

10-24-2007, 11:07 AM	#3
Idaho Dave Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 495 Trader Rating: (0)	there are higher quality crickets look here Crickett Rifles, Davy Crickett, Youth Rifles with nice wood stocks and stainless barrels got one just a while back for my daughter. had to order it though but it is well built and pretty accurate for what it is and what it cost. she has only had it a little while and already shot 100's of shots through it there is also the chipmunk Shooters Discount, Inc. - Chipmunk Youth Rifle 22LR Rogue Rifle Company’s "Chipmunk" Youth Rifles like this but I have never actually held one __________________ Living the life Last edited by Idaho Dave; 10-24-2007 at 11:12 AM.

10-24-2007, 11:54 AM	#4
ruger22com Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mobile Alabama Posts: 723 Trader Rating: (0)	I am a big believer in starting a kid out with a REAL rifle...and a NON-semiauto. If you can find one...I recommend an old russian single shot tula bolt action military trainer. They are safe, small, deadly accurate, cheap and never have a problem. most are pretty beat up, but the wood can always be refinished and are a perfect kids first rifle. __________________ www.CheapGunParts.com http://ruger22.com/art/banners/tiny.gif Home of the "YELLOW JACKET" Bolt Buffer and Takedown Bolts! Free Shipping & Lifetime Warranty!

10-24-2007, 12:12 PM	#6
mrbassantlers Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: north central Oklahoma Posts: 84 Trader Rating: (0)	I sincerely believe that every child should learn with a single shot. It helps emphasize the importance of making 1 shot count and will in my opinion make the child a better marksman in the long run. __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing.... it wastes your time and annoys the pig.

10-24-2007, 12:07 PM	#5
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,775 Trader Rating: (0)	I agree with not getting a semi-auto. I love autoloading .22's, but I've been taking firearms apart and putting them back together for years. As odd as it may sound, I don't mind having things not work quite right (not just guns, everything. Cars, Computers, etc). I enjoy the challenge of making it work again. He, being 6, would probably be frustrated from down time, and might want to give up the sport. I would get either Single Shot, Bolt Action, or Level Action. There are some pump action rifles out there as well, but I'm not sure if any come in a youth size. I would pick one of these: Henry Repeating Arms Rifles Henry Repeating Arms Rifles H & R Firearms: Firearms: Rifles Marlin Firearms: Bolt Action 22 Rifles : 915Y Savage Arms Mark II Rimfire Series Model Mark II GY Youth The Henry Repeating Mini-Bolt looks like a neat little rifle...

10-24-2007, 12:15 PM	#7
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,363 Trader Rating: (0)	Rossi makes several youth combo's that come with 2 or 3 barrels in chamberings from .22 lr to 12 ga. The barrels are easily swapped and when he gets older, a full sized buttstock can be installed. My oldest grandson just got a Browning BL-22 for his B-Day and I'm building him a shorter buttstock for it, when he outgrows it, we'll add a pad to lengthen it, and when that gets too short, we'll put the original back on it. FWIW, the Rossi's are pretty inexpensive and Academy usually has a pretty good selection of them. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

10-24-2007, 12:31 PM	#8
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,775 Trader Rating: (0)	Rossi USA That looks like a very nice combo....is Rossi partnered with H&R/NEF? Their firearms look almost identical.

10-24-2007, 07:20 PM	#10
Dierte Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 51 Trader Rating: (0)	I believe that savage makes a .22 that comes with both a youth stock and an adult stock. That way you only hafta buy one gun. I'm pretty sure that I saw it at Gander Mountain.

10-25-2007, 05:14 PM	#11
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,071 Trader Rating: (0)	I'd second the Savage. My first .22 rifle is an old Stevens single-shot boltie - different than today's Savage, but I'm a believer in brand loyalty as long as the quality is there. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

10-27-2007, 02:20 PM	#13
scoutman Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 143 Trader Rating: (0)	don't go small i would not buy him a youth model 22 because most 22 these days are usualy smaller guns so you could get him a ruger 10/22 and he should be able to shoot it just fine. stay with a regular size rifle so he can use it when he is an adult that way you dont have to buy more that one gun or buy extra things to add so it would fit him better in the future __________________ god made all man, but Samuel Colt made all man equal

11-01-2007, 02:58 PM	#15
genwinters Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Plymouth, MI Posts: 294 Trader Rating: (0)	I learned on a rossi. easy to maintain, easy to shoot and very accurate

11-02-2007, 04:32 PM	#16
shrub Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Guilford Vt. Posts: 104 Trader Rating: (0)	I started on a criket, deadly out to 100 yards till i outgrew it. awsome gun for beginners. I dont know about the new ones but mine ( made in 1996 if i rember right) is a very high qauilty fire arm. Still have it to hand down to my kids someday.

11-21-2007, 09:59 AM	#17
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 1,911 Trader Rating: (1)	Those Henry youth rifles are some really good guns. They will last many years!

11-21-2007, 10:23 AM	#18
CrazyIvan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 2,299 Trader Rating: (0)	I bought a Marlin break-off barrel .22lr rifle. It is a small rifle, semi-auto with a 7-round magazine. I got it just for plinking. It would be great for a boy's starter rifle. Check em out: Marlin Firearms: Autoloading Rifles : 70PSS Can be had for a VERY fair price too. __________________ "Minimum wage, minimum effort." "Never underestimate the power of stupidity." ~Me

11-21-2007, 10:41 AM	#19
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,283 Trader Rating: (0)	One of the New Savage .22 youth rifles with the accu-trigger are Very nice and well built. I won one at the NRA Banquet last year. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

11-21-2007, 10:51 AM	#20
rckymtnboy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: I am a dual resident. Posts: 340 Trader Rating: (0)	If you have the money for it, that Henry is a great choice. Keep in mind that your kid is probably going to be handing down the same gun to his kid one day...you want it to be something good, right? That Marlin that Crazy Ivan recommended sounded good too. If you don't have the budget for a Henry, those Crickets are great first guns too, and now they come in all sorts of variations. They're just not the highest of quality. Bolt action is definitely the way to go for a first gun. It forces them to think about each shot. There's another single shot .22 out there made by the Rogue Rifle Company out of Lewiston, Idaho. It's called the Chipmunk. Here's a review of it on Gunblast.com: Rogue Rifle Company’s "Chipmunk" Youth Rifles This is the one I bought for my nephew in .17HMR. He was frustrated shooting my old Stephens bolt action .22 because his arms were too short for it and it was very awkward, not to mention unstable. The Chipmunk was a perfect fit and he's into shooting more than ever. Not saying you should get a chipmunk, just keep in mind comfort for your kid. It will make a world of difference for him if he has a good fitting rifle. __________________ When they come for my guns, I'll give 'em the bullets first!