Back to the basics.....looking for a .22 rifle

[14GDHPs4ME]

Well guys, my little man is growing up fast (gonna be 5 soon) and I need a .22 rifle. Most of us started shooting at a young age, and it helped us all become the responsible, safe gun owners we are today. I would like my kid to start where we all started...on a .22. I don't want to buy a little cricket, because I'm looking for versatility and longevity. I want something he can handle when he's small (with my help at first) but that's big enough for an adult to use. Here are my questions:

1: Is it even possible to find a rifle that he can shoot now and won't "expire" on him like one of those crickets? Keep in mind I wouldn't mind shooting it too.

2: What are the prices like these days on the popular models? Ruger 10-22, Marlin, etc.

3: Should I steer toward something with a wood stock if I'm looking to keep this in the family for a long time? I'd really like to make this an important milestone in his life as well as something he could share with his own kids in 20-30 years.

[Slab]

10/22 is the pick i would go for being a carbine the stock is just a bit shorter and im sure at least at 1st youll probably use a bench most are going to be right in the 200 mark or just above for a basic one. mags are around 15-20 bucks and are in every store in the free world.

[SW342]

Ruger 10/22

[AustinTx]

I think the Remington 597 is a much better gun. For quality, Marlin 39. For bolt action, one of the Marlins. I think the 10/22 is over priced.
At

[Lone_Wolfe]

I would consider a bolt or lever action for the tyke's first gun. I have a Marlin 25N that is as accurate as the day is long. Those levers that Henry makes look good to.

[14GDHPs4ME]

Anyone have prices to go on? Honestly, I'm not looking for anything that takes me for more than $200. It's just a .22 after all.

[Lone_Wolfe]

I think Walfart has the aforementioned Marlin bolt for under 2 notes.

[14GDHPs4ME]

I think Walfart has the aforementioned Marlin bolt for under 2 notes.

Oh really? Sounds great for some good, lasting quality. May I say also that it's an honor to have my thread graced by your presence, Lone_Wolfe:embarassed:

[dsmw5142]

You can find 1022's on sale for well within your price range. Just look around. I have two. One I got at Sports authority on sale for like $150. The other I have had forever and don't remember what I paid for it.

There are about 20 different variations of the 1022. I think they are all listed on the Walmart website with pictures. Do a little bit of searching. The carbine length version should be about right for a starter gun that you and your kiddo can share.

Also, it's a bit bigger, but the Marlin 60 has been around since the stone age and it is impossible to kill. Personally, I was started at 8 years old with an old Ithaca lever action single shot .22 Keep an eye out at gun shows and pawn shops... you never know what you'll come across.

[winchester62]

I think Walfart has the aforementioned Marlin bolt for under 2 notes.

I bought a friend's twins each a Rossi and Taurus copy of the Winchester 62 slide action .22. The Rossi was used and cost $150. It was CLEAN as a whistle once I went over it. The Taurus was new and about $100 more than the Rossi. Besides the silly safety device, it isa darn pretty gun with a case hardened receiver. I don't know if it is a ^real^ case hardened finish, but it really looks nice. These are great rifles that will last. They are steel and real wood. They are definitely not the same as the gun they are moddled after, but they are a lot closer than many current offerings.

I would look for a used rifle if I were you. I recently bought a Browning 22 Auto (ATD) in very nice shape for $350. It is an early Japanese made one and looks new. New ones aren't as nice and cost over $200 more - if you can even find one. If you have time to look - do! There are many used older style slide/lever/bolt action .22s that would be a great choice. And you never know. He may be sitting by the fire many years down the road admiring it with HIS son or even grandson.:cool:

[Lone_Wolfe]

Oh really? Sounds great for some good, lasting quality. May I say also that it's an honor to have my thread graced by your presence, Lone_Wolfe:embarassed:


Thanks for the kind words. :wavey:

Oh, and while you're at Walmart consider the Savage Mark II F .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle w/ Accutrigger. Those are very reasonably priced for what you get. I LOVE the accutrigger.

[striker6126]

Keep a check on gunbroker . I just got my second one today $190.00 shipped &transfered Wood stock,scope, ram line 30 rnd mag.. I also bought one a couple of weeks ago synthetic stock , scope ,25 rnd butler creek mag for $240.00 shipped& transfered. Walmart around here is 193.99+ tax.

[dsmw5142]

Thanks for the kind words. :wavey:

Oh, and while you're at Walmart consider the Savage Mark II F .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle w/ Accutrigger. Those are very reasonably priced for what you get. I LOVE the accutrigger.


I don't know about the Savage .22 However, I have a Savage 20 gauge that has seen literally thousands and thousands of shells fired in 20 years that I have had it without issue. It has been an excellent gun and I would not hesitate to try the .22

[Lone_Wolfe]

I don't know about the Savage .22 However, I have a Savage 20 gauge that has seen literally thousands and thousands of shells fired in 20 years that I have had it without issue. It has been an excellent gun and I would not hesitate to try the .22

My experience with Savage is that they're not "Fashionable", they are just underrated, very solid guns.

I bought a used 30-06 over 20 years ago and haven't always given the love it deserves but can't find a thing bad to say about it yet. Accurate as **** too.

[14GDHPs4ME]

If I should choose to go semiautomatic, what are the opinions here regarding tube vs magazine? Keep in mind, I'm looking for reliability and longevity. This purchase, while not a big dollar one, is to represent a father-son bond and I want it to last for generations.

[Lone_Wolfe]

If I should choose to go semiautomatic, what are the opinions here regarding tube vs magazine? Keep in mind, I'm looking for reliability and longevity. This purchase, while not a big dollar one, is to represent a father-son bond and I want it to last for generations.

My vote would defiantely be with a Marlin 60. Bombproof and not nearly as finicky as the 10/22 can be. I have a battered, tattered 60 from the 60's and I call it "Timex" for a good reason. Plus no worried about losing/breaking magazines.

You may be able to find a nice used one for around 1 Franklin.

BTW, it's a tube feeder.

[Matt VDW]

How hard is it to load the tubular magazine on a .22 rifle without pointing the muzzle at any portion of one's anatomy?

[Fenris Wolf]

Marlin Model 60. I bought a stainless model with synthetic stock for $189.

[Lone_Wolfe]

How hard is it to load the tubular magazine on a .22 rifle without pointing the muzzle at any portion of one's anatomy?

Not at all. One easy is to sit sideways with the rifle pointed downrange across your knees. Have the downrange knee a bit higher to encourage the rounds to slide up the tube.

I've also done it standing with the rifle under one arm loading it with the opposite hand.

Yet another way is to stand the rifle on the ground and you off to one side feeding the rounds in. I've taught children this method since they are already the right height to feed the rounds in the tube.

[2afreedom]

I agree that the 10/22 is a good rifle and I own one. I still have a soft spot in my heart for the bolt action though and after looking and looking I have decided I want a Savage Mark II with the accu-trigger. Wally has them for under $200 and they offer a ten round detachable mag (which you can also get at Wally's if you need a replacement) and an adjustable trigger. The 10/22 is rugged but the trigger is not the best and the flip up iron sights are rudimentary at best. Both the sights and the trigger are easily upgraded but I am not interested in putting that kind of money into a plinking gun. Bolt actions are not as finicky with ammo and I think are better for teaching new shooters. There may be a youth stock you could get for the gun until your son grows out of it. That said, you won't go wrong either way.

[Jim in MI]

For semi auto to have him own for a lifetime I'd go with Marlin 60, stainless.

For a little gun to shoot as a tyke CZ makes a really nifty bolt action 22lr and Henry makes a little kid sized lever gun too. These are both well made guns, not plastic pieces of throw away junk. He will have to learn how to clean them, and they have nice wood, so he will learn how to take care of them.

[60buckscash]

my vote would be for the henry. I bought one for my lil brother (10). It's a solid gun that is accurate and will last a long time with a lil tlc. My other thought about it was to not hand him a semi (multiple easy shots) and say have fun. The lever action teaches him to take care with his shots and is "safer" than a semi for a beginer in my eyes. They are also a light gun that can be used by many sizes(10 yo and me 6'2") and are easy to maintain and unload. In my eyes the ultimate learner and keeper. FWIW the reciever has a scope groove cut into it.

[Guyver]

My first .22 was a papoose, but it wan't my first gun...

I'd get a bolt over a 10/22 for him. It will make him take at least a little time between shots, and teach patience to go with the breathing techniques. With a 10/22 he will probably just keep pulling the trigger, screw the breathing... fun is fun.

The Savage Mako Shark is an outstanding bolt 22, but for his first, I think I'd go with something a little cheaper... The Walmart Marlin for under 2 bills sounds perfect, as chances of him tearing it up are probably high. If he is very responsible, and you think he would take care of it, the Mako Shark would probably hold it's resale well, as well as make him proud of it.

http://firearmslocator.com/user_images/5980589.jpg
http://firearmslocator.com/user_images/7760443.jpg

[D3S3RT_P3NGU1N]

I'd go for a 10/22, I taught both my niece and nephew to shoot on one. The thing you really have to remember with most young kids is that they tend to have the attention span of a goldfish, so the extra fun factor that a semi provides is great for holding their interest.

[txgunguy]

Marlin Model 60 FTW!!! They are 134$ brand new at Academy. 14 round tubular magazine. Micro groove barrel and wood stock. I have had mine since I was 12 and it still gets played with. Very accurate at 50 yards with open sights.

[GLOCKLOVER74]

Ruger 10/22

+1 :cool:

[Gdirty5]

Get a 10/22 and put a tapco stock on it. The 10/22 cost me ~187 at academy earlier this year, and ~80 bucks for the stock. Its stock extends so it'll help as he ages...
Here's a pic of mine for reference:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/disgookonfiya/IMG_2854.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/disgookonfiya/IMG_2856.jpg

[Southpaw69]

If you want to spend a little more and have a really good quality and accurate bolt action, i would recommend a cz-452. I ordered an "American" model yesterday.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/4233/cz452za1.png

They have a few different models available, check em out.

[Keeperofthedew]

I'd say a Marlin bolt rifle would be good.
981t if you don't mind a synthetic stock, 881 if you want wood stock and are willing to look around a while.
I started with a Marlin 25N (old version of the 925) and I still take it with me just about every time I go to the range. The only things I don't like is that the magazines can be forgotten (I've done it more than once) and then you've just got a single shot, and the fact that it will only feed LR rounds whereas the tube fed ones will feed LR as well as shorts and longs.
Good luck!

[GTFord1]

It all depends on what you want, really, as far as automatic or bolt action. The CZ 452's are great, accurate guns. So is my Savage MkII.

Heavy barrel, thumbhole stock. That's a Harris LM bipod on it. It also has the Savage AccuTrigger, which is NICE. I almost bought a 452 first, but no one had them locally, and Dick's had a good sale on these with the scopes included for $350.

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4262/savage1sm9.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7084/savage2zk4.jpg

[JerryO]

I have a grandson that is 5.

Any regular .22 is to heavy for him to hold. He can shoot them from a table thou.

I gave up and bought them all.

Cricket is light enough but very toy like. Kid doesn't mind that. It is quite accurate. It gets me to stand by him and hand him 1 round at a time. Ejection is next to NONE (the fireing pin does the ejection as the bolt goes fully to the rear). Cocking (pulling the knob) is an effort for a little tot. Probably should have got the stainless one. A scope mount was $20, but I wanted it light. It came with a rear peep sight.

Henry minibolt is very like the cricket, maybe an oz heavier. It has the same hand feeding, cocking and ejection. It comes as a stainless steal with a nice plastic stock. It has fiber optic open sights (they look nice, but I don't shoot them well) For twice the price of a blued cricket.

The CZ scout (with single shot adapter) is a real gun. But is heavier and more money than the above. It does provide a feed trough and a real ejector. For $30 you can add a 5 shot clip. I put a 1 inch tube 4x .22 scope on it. The scopes just make sighting feel better.

The Henry lever is nice. the youth is an inch shorter on both ends and a few oz lighter than standard. I put a scope on it and my wife shots it with the kids. These are a good price at the Local farm store has the standard lever .22 for $205.

The winchester wildcat (russian) is about the same weight as the henry youth lever .22. They were $180 localy. It seems to be a very accurate .22 bolt action. it comes with both 5 and 10 shot clips.

Taurus model 62 pump carbine. Nice and fun. Tube feed that only takes .22 LR. Can't add a scope due to top ejection. To heavy for the 5 yo, but the 10 year old likes it.

The 10/22 has stayed home, but is about the size of the henry lever. And the kids love the scope. also love the auto with a large mag.

Rem 597, savage bolts, marlin mod 60, marlin bolt. are just to big and heavy for my 5 year old.


JerryO

[alank2]

Hi,

If you have the money, get a CZ 452 or 453 ($275-$500) in various forms. I really wanted a CZ 453 Varmint until the price convinced me it was more than I wanted to go.

I ended up opening a Bass Pro credit card when they had a $100 gift card promo going on and I added to that a $10 off $50 coupon and also $15 in rewards I had built up and the $189+tax Marlin 925 ended up costing me less than $80 out the door. So far I really like the Marlin 925. I put a Mueller APV scope on it and replaced the trigger with a Rifle Basix while they were on sale at Midway. If it would stop raining around here I'm looking forward to taking it out to test some more... I was pretty set on the CZ because it felt so much more like a real rifle than many of the toy feeling 22's I've looked at, but the Marlin also feels like a decent rifle.

I plan on teaching my son to shoot it when he is old enough. One nice thing about a bolt 22 is that he won't just be able to pop pop pop off a bunch of shots without taking his time to aim each one well. It is magazine fed so no concerns about pointing the muzzle anywhere but down range.

Good luck,

Alan

[jangy]

CZ 452. It's my favorite .22. It comes in various models. Get the lux if you like iron sights. Extremely accurate and well made. Got mine for $270.

[oldfort]

I have a fondness for old Remington Nylons. I have 8. I have never seen a Nylon 66 auto miss a shell. I take my grandkids to the range and we shoot bolt .22's with target sights at paper, then they spread blue rocks on the berm behind the targets and we break out the Nylons. They love it. I started picking the 66's up for $65, but they are more now. They are a very good and overlooked youth .22 that can be used into adulthood. Good luck.

[AustinTx]

I have a fondness for old Remington Nylons. I have 8. I have never seen a Nylon 66 auto miss a shell. I take my grandkids to the range and we shoot bolt .22's with target sights at paper, then they spread blue rocks on the berm behind the targets and we break out the Nylons. They love it. I started picking the 66's up for $65, but they are more now. They are a very good and overlooked youth .22 that can be used into adulthood. Good luck.


These were excellent guns, probably a little ahead of their time. I never could understand why Remington stopped making them.
At

[AustinTx]

How hard is it to load the tubular magazine on a .22 rifle without pointing the muzzle at any portion of one's anatomy?


I guess you might allow the muzzle to point at you. This type of mag was the most common around my neck of the woods, when I was a kid and I never heard of anyone shooting them self while loading their gun. The rifle is normally empty when you load it or it wouldn't need re-loading. If concerned about this, just leave the action open.
At

[Not Simple]

Guys there is no way a five year old can handle the weight and heft of a 1022 Ruger it's sized for a man not a small child. Get that later.
I would have a look at the Chipmunk.
http://www.roguerifle.com/images/Gunblast-com.htm

This rifle is designed for a youthful shooter with safety foremost in mind it is a single shot bolt action and frankly this is enough for a young shooter who is trying to impress his or her Dad. What will happen is that the child will be more able to handle this rifle and every time the bolt is opened the safety goes on. What a concept teach a child firearms safety. Don't jump the gun and buy the child an Anschutz just yet. Have a look These are really great little rifles clearly built to make your kids into great little shooters.

I would get some shooting glasses and some hearing protection and really let the young shooter have all of the advantages you can. Then make sure you use use reactive steel targets. Nothing will make a child smile bigger than hearing a gong ding. Who cares if they clover leaf the ten ring yet teach them proper breathing and trigger squeeze techniques. perhaps first with a good old Daisy "Red Ryder" BB gun. They are not ready for Bench Rest just yet.

My .02 cents

Make it fun for your child, hand them one round at a time and it will be a tremendous bonding time for you too.


______________________________________________

[jeremy1]

I would spend a bit of $$$ now and but a Browning Lever 22. I have one and it is a tack driver. The quality of materials (wood, blueing, metal) is second to none and the workmanship is noticable. I have owned a few and they are keepers. You can always buy a 10/22 to plink but the browning will last a long time if taken care of.

[winchester62]

I would spend a bit of $$$ now and but a Browning Lever 22. I have one and it is a tack driver. The quality of materials (wood, blueing, metal) is second to none and the workmanship is noticable. I have owned a few and they are keepers. You can always buy a 10/22 to plink but the browning will last a long time if taken care of.


I hate to say it, and I'm not disparaging the 10/22 or other similar rifles, but this thread shows the very reason that very few rifles are made that are up to par on quality with the Browning BLR. Almost nobody is willing to pay 2.5 times what the 10/22 costs. Its understandable because you get a GREAT rifle in the 10/22. But to me, the first rifle that a man buys his boy (besides maybe a cricket if you are starting them real young) should be steel and wood. You might not let him tear it up an give him another beater to haul around the woods, but allow him to shoot that pretty 39a or 9422 etc. with supervision until he is old enough to appreciate the lasting value of it.

I was brought up on a Rem Nylon 66 and love the gun. I'd buy a few more if the price/availability was right. But as an heirloom - it just doesn't do it for me. My first pistol on the other hand was/is a Browning Challenger from the early 70s. It has barely a nick on it and although I got to shoot it as a kid, I was carefully supervised as to not tear it up. I am very grateful for that now and it will always have a special place to me. I plan on passing it along to my son or grandson if I ever have one (my kids are young).

In the meantime, go buy a Browning Challenger, Colt Woodsman, Winchester 61/62/63/9422, Remington 121 etc. Oops, no longer made. Some (Like the Marlin 39a) still exist but are not the same quality as they were years ago. And what have they been replaced with? Walther P22, Beretta Neos (?), Browning Buckmark, Henry, Remington plasticmatic. It's sad to see the state of the firearms market these days. There are still good ones out there, but they are much harder to find because mostly plastic junk is stocked.

Yep, plastic! I own Glocks, and they are high quality, but the Remington 710 type guns are an abomination and getting really prolific these days. Wish I had a time machine....:dunno::crying:

[Restless28]

I have a very old Savage/Stevens Model 85A that is my favorite gun...Semi-auto with a 5 or 10 round magazine. I bet you can find many similar to mine mine in pawn shops for much less than $200.

[hogship]

Here's an option you may want to consider, if you're thinking about a 10/22 for a very young shooter. After my two boys got older, I purchased a folding Butler Creek stock, and sold this cut-off stock on ebay.

hog

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL431/781008/8977842/23286785.jpg