What's a good gun/rifle for a kid?

[JenX]

My son has shot a 9mm beretta, MP-5 and .22 rifle. He is only 10, but I want to get him his own rifle. Any recommendations? He's just a little guy, but he is very accurate and attentive when it comes to firearms.

I was also wondering if anyone has ever gotten their little ones into hand guns. Have you found it pointless because their little hands are so small or is there a practical way to train them?

I personally feel that it is important to train my kids in all aspects of both hand to hand defense and weapons usage. Nothing wrong with raising a clan of ninjas!

[Bowser]

10/22

[5pins]

We got our 7 year old son a Crickett rifle for Christmas. They have a short stock so they fit better. It's also a single shot bolt action, so he has to make every shot count.

http://www.crickett.com/

As far as pistols are concerned, I have a Beretta M21 that fits his hand well. I may let him try it if he does well with the rifle.

[Cohibra45]

It depends what your son likes to do...

Does he enjoy the outdoors and hunting? I started hunting when I was 11 with my dad and uncles. We lived out in the country and by the time I was 13-14, I was out the door hunting every day during the season. Mostly for squirrels and rabbits, doves and quail.

I used an old Stevens/Savage 22/410 over under and it was a great combo. I bought my son a newer version but his is a 22/20ga............still a nice rifle/shotgun combo. I also grew up shooting an older Remington 22 single shot bolt action.

Again, I guess the purpose for it's use is how I would determine which gun to get.

[SteyrAUG]

Depends on the kid, and depends on your budget.

My first rifle was a Mauser 98, got it about 10 years old. My first handgun was a German Luger, got that in the 4th grade.

For most new shooters, a single shot .22 is the best.

[Omega_556]

I got my son and daughter a Henry Mini-Bolt single shot .22LR.

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h005_minibolt.cfm

I have been very pleased with it. The green rear and orange front fiber optic sights made teaching sight alignment easy, and the kids really enjoy shooting.

[JenX]

I got my son and daughter a Henry Mini-Bolt single shot .22LR.

http://www.henryrepeating.com/h005_minibolt.cfm

I have been very pleased with it. The green rear and orange front fiber optic sights made teaching sight alignment easy, and the kids really enjoy shooting.

Oh wow that looks perfect!

[Rider79]

My boss's son is ten and he shoots a Marlin model 60 .22LR.

I started when I was 8 on a Savage model 5 .22 bolt action that was my dad's.

[skyugo]

10/22's are cool
especially if he likes modding guns....
could have some father and son fun with that...

my first rifle was a marlin 880 stainless bolt action rifle. i still have it. got it when i was 12 or 13 for christmas. also a good way to go.

the walther p22 has a nice small grip. not exactly an heirloom quality firearm though..

[kmrtnsn]

My first rifle was a Marlin Model 60 in .22LR. It had a tube magazine and a 4X scope. I killed quite a few snowshoe hares and ptarmigan with it. For a .22 it is hard to go wrong with the Ruger 10-22, there are a million accessories and upgrades available for it out there and there will always be parts.