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first rifle - choices?

iwannausername
All -

Daughter asked to go to the range today. Bags are packed, and she hasn't backed out yet (she's asked about 10 times before and backed out - sometimes after getting in the car...)

So assuming we manage to get on the road today, and assuming she likes it, it may be time to consider buying her first gun.

My thoughts were on the Cricket rifles (sorry, not pink) and the H&R/NEF/Rossi single shots.

Anyone have a preference between these two? Cost about the same, I'm just wondering about the bolt action + cocking it vs. the break open + hammer.

Caliber will be 22lr...



(Today we will be shooting my Savage in 22wmr - I've got great hearing protection for her, and sandbags, etc. so she'll just be looking thru the scope and pulling the trigger)
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Comments

23 comments

Date Votes
  • Spider7115
    Check out the Henry "Youth" models. Great guns with lifetime waranties:

    Mini-Bolt, single shot, stainless steel, synthetic stock:
    36682.jpg
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90337927

    Lever action - nice rifles similar to the Winchester 9422:
    36598.jpg
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90308540
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  • Fatstrat
    I'd suggest looking for a good used Stevens Model 15. A mid-sized youth rifle that is still large enough that it can used by adults also. And thus won't be outgrown.
    Simple as it get's w/an excellent rep for accuracy.
    And you usually pick one up in VG condition for less than $100. I wouldn't advise spending alot just yet. My daughter went thru a "phase" where she liked going shooting w/me. Lasted perhaps a couple of years. But boys and teenage interests overcame it and her rifle is a dust collector now.
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  • Gregor62
    My son started with a break gun. He could not set the hammer or break the gun when we first started. He found it frustrating, and I think it took some of the fun out of our sessions, because the kids want to do that stuff themselves.

    my .02
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  • guntech59
    My boys use a "reclaimed" single shot, bolt rifle. Initially they had a hard time cocking it but are better with it now.
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  • jma2006
    My dad bought my son a Henry Rifle years ago, Worked out well.
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  • zipperzap
    Bolt action recommended.
    [8D]
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  • Bohunk3006
    I had good luck with my kids using a easy to work bolt action. safe also, they dont have to struggle closing a break open, or cocking a hammer
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  • kissgoodnight
    I would have suggest a bolt action, but after Spider7115 suggested the lever, I do believe I would go with a Henry or Winchester 22 lever.
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  • swearengine
    My daughter uses a Chipmunk, bolt action. She found it difficult to pull the cocking ring back to start with and was frustrated. I should add she started shooting this rifle at age 5. Now that she is 6 1/2, she can cock it on her own. The cocking ring was added to the rifle because the cocking piece is just a bolt without anything to give a child leverage when they are pulling it back. And they do so want to do it by THEMSELVES. Get yours a bolt action, single shot and be patient.
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  • JamesRK
    I don't have any personal experience with either one, but I've been thinking about buying a Cricket for myself just because it's so damned cute.
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  • kyplumber
    get her an ak47 they are reliable have little to no recoil can hold as much or as little ammo as you can afford and never go out of style.

    not to mention we need armed citizens with the capacity and ability to fight off a tyrannical govt
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  • diver-rig
    quote:Spider7115 Posted - 01/20/2008 : 08:52:53 AM
    Check out the Henry "Youth" models. Great guns with lifetime waranties:

    Mini-Bolt, single shot, stainless steel, synthetic stock:


    bought one of these 2 yrs ago for my daughter. still her favorite gun to shoot.
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  • Idahobound
    I like the henry bolt or the criket.
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  • scubabobf
    Hi;
    Skip the Rossi if you go for a single shot. Teaches the first shot is the most important. Most of our country's history has been with single shot rifles and shotguns. I like the idea of starting with a simple long gun and increasing as skills and safety knowledge increase. The NEF systems allows you to add barrels for shotgun, center fire and muzzle loader if you choose the right initial platform. After the single shot, the Marlin Glenfield model 60 22 lr would be a good choice for the rapid fire phase. Good luck and be safe.
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  • Cubslover
    CZ Scout
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  • bhale187
    Savage MK II is a great starter rifle, and cheap

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90117936

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=89840002

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=89883100
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  • l3to
    quote:Originally posted by kyplumber
    get her an ak47 they are reliable have little to no recoil can hold as much or as little ammo as you can afford and never go out of style.

    not to mention we need armed citizens with the capacity and ability to fight off a tyrannical govt


    You commie! [:0] I was going to say the Bushmaster .22lr AR, at least you are setting up an AMERICAN freedom fighter.. [:I]

    but really a good bolt action .22 is the way to go.. think about it, the revolution will need snipers too.. lol [;)]
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  • Hollywood
    Try the Savage Cub, bolt action single shot. Bought one for my daughter, she loves it (so do I)! Very accurate and affordable. Paid $150, it even has the AccuTrigger!
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  • codeman
    cz scout--no doubt
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  • andersk
    I'd get her a lever action .22 ... Winchester Model 9422 or a Marlin 36A. I find that the bolt action rifle is a bit on the slow side once you get into it a bit!
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  • Nwcid
    I would say it depends on how large your child is. If they are still young and small in size the Cricket or Chipmunk (what I have) would be the best choice as they are "small" rifle.

    My GF has a 6 yr old and I got him a NEF in .243 this year with a youth stock on it. He can shoot it but it is a little big and heavy for him still. I go the Chipmunk when he was 5 and cocking it was a little hard at first but now he has no problems.

    DSC02332.jpg
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  • Kodiakk
    Personally I'd avoid a Cricket. After buying my youngest daughter one for her first rifle I was saddened by how cheaply made the rifle was. A roll pin in the bolt kept falling out on the range.
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  • andersk
    If you're shooting balloons at twenty feet, why not get a BB gun? All the same gun safety can be learned with a BB gun. Worked for me!
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