22 Rifle to start my sons on

G

gsl

New member
I would like to take my 2 oldest sons (11 and 8) to go shooting with me. I shoot mainly pistols (SIG 226) and they are not ready for that. I thought a 22 rifle would be a good place to start. but I don't know much about what would be a good one for the money. Don't want to spend a fortune, especially since I don't know if they will stick with it.

Any input would be much appreciated.
 
My first .22 rifle was and still is a bolt action, magazine fed Marlin 25N. It cost me roughly $150 about 2 years ago. You can get tube fed ones for less. It has a synthetic stock, which helps make it lighter than some.

The rifle is dead on accurate, impressing many people who have never shot Marlins before. It also has the grooved receiver for later addition of a scope.
 
Recommend a quality used bolt action with decent iron sights. First choice would be single shot. Lots of fun, learn to make each shot count, learn the value of a good sight picture for each shot. If they become proficient with it they will be able to shoot anything well because the basics will be there. Wood stock may be better choice cause easier to cut to fit. Save the cut off piece for later reinstallation.

Happy and safe shootin.

Sam
 
Good advice here. If you just HAVE to have a repeater, bolt is a great choice, followed (IMHO) by a lever then a pump.

You won't go wrong with a Marlin, and used is cheap. Can't do much to break one short of outright abuse, so don't be afraid to buy used.
 
I've got a Glenfield model 15 that I bought new when I was 14 (17 years ago if you must know) and up until 2 years ago it was my only .22 rifle. I have no idea how many rounds I've put thru it, but dozens of times I've sat down with a full brick and not gotten up until it was all gone. I found 3 glenfield/marlin model 60's at a pawn shop, bought all 3 for $125, gave then a good cleaning, put a cheap 4X tasco on top of each,and now almost every saturday my wife son and I are at the range having the time of our lives. I can't think of anything as fun as a good shooting .22. and I don't think you can go wrong with a used marlin/glenfield.
 
I'll follow along and recommend a good bolt action removable magazine .22 rifle.
Marlin bolt actions are good. For about $25 more look at the CZ 452. Excellent iron sights compared to the Marlin, and the fit and finish is first class.
Another suggestion is to look around for a used Winchester Model 69 or 75. Have seen some with good bores and actions but dinged up stocks for under $200. These rifles have great triggers and usually decent target type peep sights.
There's lots of used Mossbergs out there as well that are real good shooters and usually don't command more than $100 to $125.
Enjoy the time with your sons. I know they'll cherish the time with their Dad.
Take Care
 
GSL, If you can find a Remington 5XX that still works great you will have something that your kids will enjoy. Iron sights and reactive targets "cans etc." will keep up the interest and build skills. Rem. 511 Scoremaster was my first rifle and I still shoot squirrels with it from time to time. :)
 
I'll second that CZ-452.

I had purchased a Marlin 15YN Li'l Buckaroo with the intent of teahing my nieces and nephew shooting. I had chosen the Marlin over the Chipmunk due to Marlins reputation and build quality. After a couple of months, I was at a gun show and examined a CZ-452 Scout. The build quality was easily twice as good as the 15YN. I should have waited to pick up the CZ instead. Plus it is a repeater for when they get more proficient. The 452 comes in bigger stock sizes if the Scout is too small for the kids.

http://www.cz-usa.com/ssm/
 
Lots of great input. THANKS!

I am definitely looking for something that I can have around for awhile. I have 4, yes 4, sons ages 11, 8, 4, 2. The two little ones are still to little, but the they won't be for long.

How small is small in the youth size rifles? My 11 year old is about 5ft, growing about an inch a month it seems like!!!! I'd like to get something that will work for all of them, but with the age spread, it might be difficult. And with the prices we are talking for used guns, it might be worth having two!!
 
You can always cut some off the stock; save the piece and put it back, later.

Picking up a couple of Daisy Red Ryders ain't a bad idea, either. I had my first one around age six or seven. (Just a little while ago, Dennis.)

The benefit of the bolt action is that there's no real ability to just "burn ammo" as there would be with a semi-auto.

One aspect of giving a kid a BB gun is the "It's MINE!", which is pretty important to a little guy. (With the proviso that being stupid means bye-bye, BB gun.)

FWIW, Art
 
I have racked my brain over this one too. I purchased a cheap .22 for 75 bucks at a gun show. The only conclusion I have come up with is to cut the stock off to the appropriate length then add it back on in sections.
 
From what I've seen, the Marlin 15YN is really perfect for this role. Single shot, bolt action .22. Good quality, but reasonable. Check it out at http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/boltAction22/15YN.htm#

15YN.jpg


Regards from AZ
 
Like to add.

Whatever it is. Shoot it yourself and make sure it is sighted in and that it will consistantly shoot well. Really frustrating to work with a lad or lass on safety, sight picture, hold, trigger, etc etc......and have them try to do it right with a gun that won't treat them right. Lack of results can turn a kid of any age off in a heartbeat. If they can see positive results for their efforts, they will likely become even more interested and enjoy it more.

I would cut the stock for the second biggest. Easier to shoot a too short .22 than a too long one.

The little Remington that was cut for me when I was ten is still cut. Has been shot by four generations and still gettin shot by three generations.

Sam
 
My son just had me buy for him a savage Mk2 Bolt action 22lr with a 10rnd clip. he makes nice little cloverleaves at 50 yds. It came with sights and he put a an old weaver 4x scope on it. total cost around $130
 
I will definitely recommend a bolt action with a removable "clip" magazine (i.e., not a tubular magazine). That way, you can keep the clip out of the gun until the shooter is ready to try repeat shots, and the gun is easy to check for ammo (unlike a tubular mag, which can "hide" a round).

For some guns you can even buy a loading platform that replaces the clip and has a trough for a round when loading single shot.

Jim
 
The Marlin 15YN and CZ Z-452 Scout are about 2/3 - 3/4 he size of a Ruger 10/22. The Chipmunk is smaller still.

the problem I have had with zeroing the 15YN was that it was difficult to get a good sight picture as the comb of the stock is much higher for smaller heads. Luckily, it is Monte Carlo shaped and an adult can just get the front and rear sight lined up if they rest their face near the heel of the stock where it drops off. Open sights, I can only get 2-2.5" at 25 yds. I'll eventually put a scope on it and see how accurate it really is but would like the kids to know how to use the open sights first. The 15YN is single shot - no detachable mag.
 
Just one other option to throw out--the Romanian model 1969 trainer. Bolt-action, fed from a 5 round box magazine. I bought one for my 12-year old. Spent $60. It did require a quick repair, but has since been a joy. Very ergonomic. Fits him well. Light. Very accurate (free-floated barrel!) Flip-up rear sights for 50 yards and 100 yards.

I think I enjoy shooting it as much as he does.


You can find 'em at www.gunsnammo.com

If you prefer your guns new, you've got some great choices here.
 
What about the Henry Lever Action?

You can't go wrong with a Henry Lever Action by Henry Repeating Arms. They cost about $175 to $195 depending on your location, and can shoot .22 LR (15+1), .22 Long (17+1) or .22 Short (21+1). It has an 18-1/2" barrel, is 36-1/2" long overall, and weighs only 5-1/4 pounds.

The Henry Lever Action Youth model might be more suitable for an eight-year-old. The price is slightly lower than the standard model. It has an 16-1/2" barrel, is 33" overall, and weighs only 4-1/2 pounds. That's what I'm getting my six-year-old for Christmas...if he's good. :)
 
I f you can find them, the Romainian trainers for $49. at J&G among others are great, well made, extremely accurate 5 shot magazine bolt action rifles. I got 2 one for me and one for my son, wish I got more.
 
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