Thanks in advance-I'm looking at getting my 14 year old his 1st rifle. I've heard that the ruger 10-22 is both accurate and inexpensive. I've also heard that you will have to replace the trigger once you get it because it has a 12lb. trigger new. I have also heard about a new remington that is also accurate but slightly more $. I was hoping to spend about 150$ for starters.(I've got my own gun habit to support also.)this is the best site ever!!
ruger 10-22? for 1st rifle?comments please
- Thread starter Dave44
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Art Eatman
Staff in Memoriam
I have a 10-22; good little rifle.
However, as a first rifle, as a training rifle, I think he would be better off with a magazine-fed, bolt-action. An inexpensive Marlin, e.g., would be very good. There are equivalent brands.
There needs to be self-discipline for aimed fire, rather than the rather careless "spray and pray" often induced by a semi-auto. That's the main reason I make this suggestion. Just the time needed to manipulate the bolt for reloading takes a lot of the "hurry" out of the next shot...
And, a magazine-fed rifle is a bit safer than the tube magazine, for the novice. One point is the ease of determining that the rifle is indeed unloaded and safe. The other is whether or not a teen-ager is well-coordinated in handling tools, or possibly a bit of a klutz--only you can know; I can't. But teenagers can be a bit fumble-fingered...
FWIW, Art
However, as a first rifle, as a training rifle, I think he would be better off with a magazine-fed, bolt-action. An inexpensive Marlin, e.g., would be very good. There are equivalent brands.
There needs to be self-discipline for aimed fire, rather than the rather careless "spray and pray" often induced by a semi-auto. That's the main reason I make this suggestion. Just the time needed to manipulate the bolt for reloading takes a lot of the "hurry" out of the next shot...
And, a magazine-fed rifle is a bit safer than the tube magazine, for the novice. One point is the ease of determining that the rifle is indeed unloaded and safe. The other is whether or not a teen-ager is well-coordinated in handling tools, or possibly a bit of a klutz--only you can know; I can't. But teenagers can be a bit fumble-fingered...
FWIW, Art
Unless the child has a strong sense of discipline, like Art I'd go with either a single shot or a bolt action 22 LR. Semiautomatics in the hands of an excited kid can be an invitation to the School of Spray n' Pray. Had that happen to me once and never again have I placed or a DA revolver in the hands of a child.
Single shot placement is key and rapid fire without accuracy is but a waste of ammunition.
Single shot placement is key and rapid fire without accuracy is but a waste of ammunition.
Ditto to the above on the single shot or bolt action. I would also consider a lever action if the kid has some discipline.
He is starting fairly late so he may be ready for a semi. You will have to make that call. Does he have much experience shooting your guns? Does he follow safety rules always ? Show proper respect for what a firearm can do?
I wish you the best,
Butch
He is starting fairly late so he may be ready for a semi. You will have to make that call. Does he have much experience shooting your guns? Does he follow safety rules always ? Show proper respect for what a firearm can do?
I wish you the best,
Butch
Jeff Thomas
New member
Some time back, a TFL member recommended the Marlin 15YN to me for training purposes with younger kids. At 14, he's probably too big for it, but keep it in mind. A nice, high quality, single-shot, bolt action .22 (see http://www.marlinfirearms.com/rim_bolt.html , at the bottom of the page).
The Ruger 10/22 is a great rifle, and will be a rifle he can use throughout his life. I strongly agree with the 'one round at a time' school of thought - I too have had a spooky experience with a student.
But, of course, you can accomplish this with the 10/22 as well - just have him load one round at a time, at first. You can step him up to a full mag, little by little.
The 10/22 has tons of aftermarket gear available as well.
Good luck, and have fun. Regards from AZ
The Ruger 10/22 is a great rifle, and will be a rifle he can use throughout his life. I strongly agree with the 'one round at a time' school of thought - I too have had a spooky experience with a student.
But, of course, you can accomplish this with the 10/22 as well - just have him load one round at a time, at first. You can step him up to a full mag, little by little.
The 10/22 has tons of aftermarket gear available as well.
Good luck, and have fun. Regards from AZ
Hook_N_Bullet
New member
My first rifle was a Marlin 882 .22 Mag. It's basically what the other members are recommending, a bolt action magazine fed rifle. Marlin barrels have "Micro-Groove" barreling, which gives them a leg up in accuracy.
Stick with a .22 instead of .22 Mag though. .22 Mag is a heck of a lot more expensive ammo!
Also, I took mine to a gunsmith and had the trigger worked on, down to a 4 lb pull. So I don't think you have to replace it, you can just get it smithed ( maybe 5 or 6 lbs for a youth).
Enjoy!
Stick with a .22 instead of .22 Mag though. .22 Mag is a heck of a lot more expensive ammo!
Also, I took mine to a gunsmith and had the trigger worked on, down to a 4 lb pull. So I don't think you have to replace it, you can just get it smithed ( maybe 5 or 6 lbs for a youth).
Enjoy!
The 10/22 is a fantastic first rifle.
It was my first rifle (at age 13), and I still have it and use it frequently.
If the child is going to have proper supervison it is a safe choice. If he is a good kid he will own and love his 10/22 for his whole life.
The 10/22 is a true classic and will last forever.
It was my first rifle (at age 13), and I still have it and use it frequently.
If the child is going to have proper supervison it is a safe choice. If he is a good kid he will own and love his 10/22 for his whole life.
The 10/22 is a true classic and will last forever.
thanks for the replies-he is my step-son and I know he is getting a late start, but he wasnt ready until now. He has been thru alot, and now he is really growing up,getting good grades and everything else. He handles my guns very well, listens and displays proper safety-we will taking hunter safety as soon as the next class opens up.
Sounds like you are trying to do right by your step-son.
I have one of those, too. He's 16 and has no real interest in firearms. Darn!
Yes, the Ruger 10/22 is a great rifle, and one that will serve him well. Fire discipline is important, and the suggestion that you load single shot may be a good one.
I own a Remington 597, and since I never intended to customize, that was a great choice for me.
As for the 10/22, there is a wealth of accessories available, as was stated in the Jeff Thomas reply.
I have one of those, too. He's 16 and has no real interest in firearms. Darn!
Yes, the Ruger 10/22 is a great rifle, and one that will serve him well. Fire discipline is important, and the suggestion that you load single shot may be a good one.
I own a Remington 597, and since I never intended to customize, that was a great choice for me.
As for the 10/22, there is a wealth of accessories available, as was stated in the Jeff Thomas reply.
hksigwalther
New member
hd2995,
It sounds like your step-son has some shooting basics down. And if he listens as well as you say, he shuold have some self conrol to keep from going semi-full-auto when handling the 10/22. I'd say go for it. (No experience with the Remington.)
Otherwise, go for a bolt-action. If you can increase the fundage, look at an entry level Anschutz http://www.championshooters.com/Anschutz-r.htm. (Not an employee for Anschutz although as much as I'm pushing them you might think so.
Heck, I don't even have one...yet.)
It sounds like your step-son has some shooting basics down. And if he listens as well as you say, he shuold have some self conrol to keep from going semi-full-auto when handling the 10/22. I'd say go for it. (No experience with the Remington.)
Otherwise, go for a bolt-action. If you can increase the fundage, look at an entry level Anschutz http://www.championshooters.com/Anschutz-r.htm. (Not an employee for Anschutz although as much as I'm pushing them you might think so.
Heck, I don't even have one...yet.)