A Child's First Gun

As a birthday present, I don't think that at that age you can go wrong with the good old Daisy Red Ryder.

There is no reason not to then get a proper-size .22 single shot, come summer time.

Whatever early mistakes are made are made with a relatively harmless gun.

FWIW, I had warned my son that if he ever swung the muzzle of his Red Ryder past "real people", I'd wrap it around a tree. Well, he did--and I did. His Christmas present lasted about two months. But, I got him another one for his April birthday, and never had another safety problem again...

Something to consider.

As for pistols, the above comments about size of hands and coordination are well taken. I suggest allowing her to shoot some pistol of yours from time to time, as a more gradual learning process.

Best regards, Art
 
Start out with a single shot pellet rifle

In about a year get a Ruger 77/22

The year after that, get a S&W 686 and use .38's.
etc.
etc.

For her college graduation, get your daughter an FN-FAL and a SIG P210.
 
I would also vote for a single shot .22 bolt action. They are accurate and since you are loading it one at a time it promotes a level of methodical safety and marksmanship. My first .22 was a Remington 580 - this is a full size gun though and may be too big for very small kids. It is VERY accurate. Now has a 4x Weaver on it and I still use it sometimes even though I have other bolt guns and semi-autos. You never outgrow a .22 - Speaking of which you might want to check out:
www.22world.com - had a nice forum, but doesn't get enough traffic.
 
I like the lever action daisy rifles. The one I started on was not a red ryder but it was close. The sights on mine were perfect with a square notch rear and and blade front. My brothers a year later had a stepped notch rear sight that just sucked. There is just no other way to put it. I don't know what they have now but the square notch rear is the way to go.

In winter my dad made us indoor targets out of cardboard boxes that he stuffed with layers of that blue construction grade styrofoam and a piece of paneling in the back to prevent over penetrations. We would shoot down in the workshop area of the basement for hours. I was a little younger than your daughters age when we started. We would get creative with targets and would even light stike anywhere matches with our perfectly placed shots. My father is now drinking Jim Beam whiskey with Elvis and I hope your daughter looks back on her first experiences as fondly as I do mine. Thanks for helping to bring that memory back to me. DDT
 
Ah!,memories. My first gun was a single shot Springfield .22,and yes I agree it does help with the basics,sighting etc. I moved on to a Marlin 60 as a teenager,a 20 guage shotgun etc. I started my son out with a high powered bb gun,then at age 9 I bought him a little semi-auto Marlin 795 with a scope,however I had the open,raised scope rings so you could still use the iron sights,it is a great little gun,we often go plinking with it and my Ruger 10-22 that I have upgraded so much should have bought it that way..bull barell butler creek bipod stock etc.but I digress,sorry. Anyhow I think I let him shoot my Ruger single-six when he was about 8 under close supervision. We shoot alot now,he is almost 15, and I am giving him my Sp-101 revolver he is in love with,put reduced springs,hogue finger groove grips etc. You know you love your kids when you give them your guns!! Anyway congratulations on your daughters first gun,whatever you decide it will be,it is the beginning of bond you will never forget. PS . This is the kind of thing that gives me hope for the future.......PJ
 
I wish I had a parent or relative get me started on firearms at a young age. My first experience with firearms was on a M16A2 in the service. Granted, I did get to shoot M4's, M60's, M203's etc etc. However, I look back and think, "Damn, all those years gone by without me shooting!" :D


------------------
Svt
RKBA!
Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars, NRA, GOA
My Website

"Rangers Lead the Way"
 
First:Air gun first to develop skills,
Second Gun about 14yrs old:single shot 22 such as bolt action or Savage favorite or savage 22/410 over/under.

My opinion: too young for owning own gun wait until 10-12 years old to buy air gun or until she can join a 4-H shooting sports program or other extended training program.
 
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