Kids first center fire rifle?

levers

I'm compelled to say I am not a fan of levers for beginners. Hey, many of us started with one, a M94 was standard fare for a kid when I was coming up, ususally 'casue Dad or big brother had got an '06. I LIKE levers.

But my experience with my boy (and wife) has conviced me that the management of the hammer/trigger with a round in the chamber is too much of a trick for small and weak hands. The lawyer safeties have improved this situation, much to my dislike, but the crossbolt still needs to be manipulated to work. Invariably, the good wife or bamaboy, at age 9-10, could not let the hammer down to half cock safely .......every time. We eneded up shooting my .357 lever as a single shot range device and not thumb cocking at all. Open acton, load 1 rd, shoot, repeat......or leave action open.

And there's some who do not still understand the traditional half cock. I don't see many levers in the woods these days, but more than a few adults with traditional levers and hammers, wander about with a loaded chamber and the hammer fully forward, the half cock NOT engaged. I've seen it.
 
I'd suggest a bolt action .243 as a first centerfire rifle for a 12 year old, but if the kid is that much opposed to a bolt gun maybe consider a second hand Browning lever action .243.
 
You could buy him a Saiga in lots of different calibers. Then it already come with a synthetic stock so its not so heavy. Centerfire systems has some good prices
 
243 w open sights. Train him on good marksmanship before you add optics. if you can find one Vouree made a fine light weight rifle which came fitted with express sights. Mine weighed in at 6.5 pounds with a scope.
 
marlin 30-30 lever action would be my choice but what ever you get him i hope it turns him on to the hunting not turns him away as hunting is a great chance for family to bond. if you go with a semi-auto a sks is a good start...easy to clean great irons and there are some 5 round mags for low ammo capacity to avoid the spray and prey temptation.
 
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