First firearm for my son, suggestions?

[90WAG]

This will be for his 8th birthday, coming up in April. He's been shooting a BB gun for about a year and a half. He's pretty good with it and follows the safety rules to the letter. He does not shoot unsupervised and that will continue for the forseeable future.

In the last couple of weeks I've let him run a box of shells through an old single shot 20ga I've got and he really likes it which is what got me thinking about this in the first place. Well, that and his level of maturity and safety consciousness. If I didn't think he was ready I wouldn't be asking.

Right now I'm 90% sure I'm going to get him one of these

http://www.rossiusa.com/imagesMain/H_S201220RS.JPG

http://www.rossiusa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=S201220RS&category=MATCHEDPAIR

in the .22lr/20ga configuration for the following reasons:

I like that it's single shot both for safety and I think it makes the shooter put more emphasis and concentration on every shot which is what a new shooter needs. Espescially next fall when we are hunting squirrels and rabbits. I know it's not as much fun as spewing lead as fast as you can pull the trigger like on my 10/22 but that will come later. Now is the time to learn the basics and build a solid foundation of skills like controlling your breathing, squeezing the trigger, follow through etc...

The second reason is the changeable barrels. Besides the .22/20ga you can get others from .243 to .50 muzzleloader. He might grow out of this before I think he's old enough to hunt deer, but the option is there if I want it. As it is, it will allow me to teach him the different skills associated with both the rifle and shotgun.

I think the size/weight is a pretty good match for him. He's pretty big for his age and the while a typical adult size 20ga single is a little awkward for him due to the overall length (he shoots mine from a rest) a rifle the size of the Chipmunk or something similar is so small I think it would be outgrown in a year or so.

The .22 barrel has good open sights. Teaching someone to shoot with a scope is stupid. Hell, I don't even use a scope on my .30-'06 bolt action. I've got it fitted with a Williams peep. If he wants a scope, he can save his allowance and buy his own. But only after he's mastered the open sights.

Safety again. Rossi has addressed the issue inherent with exposed hammer firearms of letting the hammer down to half cock with a live round in the chamber by designing this firearm with several safeties including a transfer bar. Safeties don't fix unsafe gun handling but I don't relish the thought of him letting the hammer down on a live round. One slip of the thumb and BANG!BTW I'm usually opposed the addition of "safeties" to a firearm, I think people trust them too much. I guess it's different when it's my kid and he's just learning though.:flipoff2:

Price. MSRP for the package above is $170.00 and I've seen it for less than $150.00. For what you get I think it's a really good deal.

Anyway, after all that I'm still open to suggestions. Maybe a similar setup from another manufacturer or even something completely different. Conditions are: sized for a kid and $200.00 or less out the door.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[fullygruntled]

For inexpensive firearms, I think Rossi does a nice job. I have a similar combo in .30-30 and 16ga that's a nice truck gun

[copeland]

22lr is the way to go, it's a fun gun to plink with. and it's painless to him (both on weight and recoil. I think it's also good as it's enjoyable to shoot and ammo is dirt cheap. Also it's a firearm which requires responsibility like all others. and due to it's ease of control unintentional accidents maybe less likely.

[Fisheadgib]

Looks like you've made a very good choice. A person will better learn to make every shot count when they only have one at a time.

[KWTMECH]

The long term standby that every young boy gets. Ruger 10/22

[Aces'n'8s]

The long term standby that every young boy gets. Ruger 10/22


Either that or a Marlin Model 60...

[aloharover]

I agree with your choice.
I do worry that 8 is a bit young for anything beyond a BB gun. But I don't know the child or the environment :D

[usmcdoc14]

I would have no problems with that rifle as a first. :D

definatly a good choice

[fullygruntled]

I agree with your choice.
I do worry that 8 is a bit young for anything beyond a BB gun. But I don't know the child or the environment :D

Feh.

Unless the kid is a complete goof, they'll be best with a good 4 years practice before their first year of hunting.

[Impulse Taco]

The long term standby that every young boy gets. Ruger 10/22

+11ty. Awesome starter gun.

[mike]

I agree with your choice.
I do worry that 8 is a bit young for anything beyond a BB gun. But I don't know the child or the environment :D


I asked for a bb gun as a kid. Got a model 60 because "a BB gun is a toy, a rifle is a tool."

[MD91Yj]

I got my son that rifle when he turned 7 except in the 22 .410 combo. It is a pile of junk and sits in the back of the safe. The hammer is very difficult for him to cock. It does not go on safe easily all the time and has many light primer stikes or the hammer does not fall at all. It may be this particular one but I would not waste the money. The single shot gets old fast and once he started shooting trap with me the shotgun barrel was to short and the range would not allow it and only being .410 he could not hit the clays. He now has a Ruger 10/22 and a Beretta AL591 youth in 20 guage. He is a happy camper. 2 guns are way better than one. You can go way cheaper on the shotgun I also have a Remington 870 youth in 20 guage.

[dubbyx]

agreed here on the ruger 10/22... that was my first gun at 8... didn't get a BB gun till about 2 months ago when I bought one for my 7 y/o son...

after my first magazine through the .22, my dad only gave me one bullet at a time so the one shot thing made a big difference...


I won a new custom stock for one at auction back in july and am planning on building up a tricked out one for myself and handing my old one down to the boy in March....

of course, my 6 year old daughter got her jr. deer gun at 4 from her grandad and it beats the snot out of my gun... can't remember what it is, but it's all pink and girly and fits her great

[Deep South Cruisers]

What kind of hunting will you be doing? I would have LOVED an over/under gun when I was a kid squirrel hunting. I got stuck with the trusty 410 since we were dirt poor.

[Hanr3]

I bought both of my sons a New England Firearms breach action single shot 20ga shot gun. We needed something for deer/squirel hunting. Shotguns only in Illinois, no rifles. Single shot, one shot one kill. They will be forced to learn to aim, and cannot count on a second shot. I hear too many idiots empty 3 rounds at every deer they see, and more times then not miss all three times.

I like the fact that you have to cock the hammer in order to pull the trigger and fire a round. That is the safety feature. I don't have to look for a safety button, I just need to look at the hammer.

I highly suggest you take a Hunters Safety coarse with your son. Some states require it to get a hunting liscense.

http://huntersdirect.dealerease.net/catalog/images/newepicsb1020.jpg

[gipper]

are you kidding?


It's Christmas time.




Red Ryder BB gun :flipoff2:



outside that, a youth 20ga is a great start because he could hunt about anything and shoot skeet/trap with you.

[Norm]

I started my son with the .22/.410 version when he was 10. Great starter gun, the single shot will teach them to make each shot count. A box of .22's will last all day, unlike a semi auto. The factory sights suck and the barrels can be a PIA to switch, but not bad for a ~$100.00 gun. The gun is pretty light so the .20ga version may kick a little.

[90WAG]

A 10/22 is a great rifle there is no doubt about it. I think it will be a great choice for his second .22, the one he will keep through his adulthood. Besides, I already have one and it would be hard to justify another of the same make and model to my wife:D This way I get to buy a new gun! That, and I can't get my 10/22 to chamber a 20ga shell no matter how hard I try.

MD91Yj, thanks for the warning. Believe me, I will now examine it very closely before I make any purchase. In my opinion, the problems you relate directly affect the safety of the firearm, especially with a begining shooter.

As for hunting, I anticipate a good deal of paper/plinking before he is actually allowed to shoot at animals. When the time comes it will most likely be squirrels and rabbits with the odd coon thrown in. It's going to be a while before he hunts anything bigger than that despite all the pictures of the 6 year old boys (and girls) with their deer kills that get posted in the local paper.:rolleyes:

11 is the youngest that can take the hunter safety course in MO. He will be attending as soon as he can. But rest assured, if I can't teach him in three years what they teach at the course in two days, neither one of us should be in the woods with a firearm of any type!

As for the .410, in my opinion it should be the gun of the ultra expert, and not the beginner. He has already shown me that he does not mind the recoil of the 20ga, I think it would be a handicap to try to learn shotgunning with a
.410. It's important for him to be challenged to keep things interesting, but he also needs a measure of success as the payoff.

[NastyNate]

How about an older Savage with 22lr over 20 guage. A bit more expensive than the Rossi, but a great gun that will retain its value as well.

[Diesel Smoke]

Start him out right!!!
http://www.deserttoys.com/Rebel/Mvc-431x.jpg

J/K :D. Last christmas my best friend bought one of those chambered in .17 HMR and 410 shotty and gave it to his Dad, under the gise they would get some "history" with the gun and then give it to his nephew. I was really surprised at the quality, it's been a good little gun, but expensive to shoot:flipoff2:. I think it's a great idea!

[qwiksilver]

Feh.

Unless the kid is a complete goof, they'll be best with a good 4 years practice before their first year of hunting.

I agree. I was started at age 4 on a .22lr by my mom and she gave me a little .22lr semi auto for Christmas when I was 11. From that day I was considered an adult because I had the responsibility of a gun. It didn't mean I got to run around with it without adult supervision, but I got to carry MY gun when I went to the firing range with mom and dad.

So giving an 8 year old a .22lr is dependant on the child and his maturity level. Some 8 year olds are more together than some 16 year olds.

[jstandle]

My dad started us out with a 22lr CHIPMUNK RIFLE (http://www.roguerifle.com/) Still got it and plan to teach my son with it when the day arrives.

[ridefast]

desert eagle .50

[Albin]

My son's been shooting this since he was 8 and has been trying to steal it from me since he was nine*:

http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com/trailpicts/estill20050704/IMG_4341.JPG_s.htm

Al


* His "take" so far is one Ruger 10/22 and a Mark II pistol. This doesn't include the Remington Model 7 I got him for his first birthday nor the Chipmunk that he shot from 4 years old until he shot my (now his) Ruger 10/22 the first time at 5.

[Triaged]

My son's been shooting this since he was 8 and has been trying to steal it from me since he was nine*:

http://www.rocketcityrockcrawlers.com/trailpicts/estill20050704/IMG_4341.JPG_s.htm

Al


* His "take" so far is one Ruger 10/22 and a Mark II pistol. This doesn't include the Remington Model 7 I got him for his first birthday nor the Chipmunk that he shot from 4 years old until he shot my (now his) Ruger 10/22 the first time at 5.
And where are the safety glasses:rolleyes:

[Rat~Man]

Single shot? Ruger #1 in 300 weatherby Mag. :flipoff2:



I've got a old Ithaca 22 short lever action single shot my Dad gave me when I was 12. Next gun, never had a miniutes trouble with it and 30 years later I still take it out and plink around with it.


I've seen 'em around in nice shape for under 100 bucks in gun shops.

[rusted]

The long term standby that every young boy gets. Ruger 10/22

Yep, Ruger 10/22. I don't really like a combo rifle. As has been long said about ANY multipurpose tool or machine.... it can do many things, but none of the them well. That's almost always true.

You should not be 'spraying lead' with your 10/22 in any case. It was my first gun and I didn't spray lead. You should curb your enthusiasm if that is your hunting style. GUN CONTROL is what you teach your children about firearms safety, not a political movement. :laughing:

In any case, clean up your hunting ethics and your son WILL follow suit. Then, take him to the range and 'spray' away. The 10/22 does both. Again, it is not a function of the GUN, AMMO, OR ACTION that determines how a firearm is used, it is the action of the HUMAN USING THE FIREARM. Long has that been the mantra of the NRA and 2nd amendment advocates. Live it. :D

You can't have too many 10/22s. In my non-gun-enthusiast hunting household we had 3.

My dad and uncle ron used to call me 'deadeye motherfucker' because I would shoot the squirrels in the eye (about half the time :D ) and to encourage me about one-shot hunting.

The emphasis on limiting the firearms or ammo to control the hunter is a BACKWARDS PHILOSOPHY! (sorrry mike)

[Offrhoder4x4]

I picked up that same gun for my nephew (3yr) when he gets a few years older. Until then, I've been using both the 22 and shotgun barrel to assissinate squirrels. It's also makes a great camping gun if it comes with the carrying case like mine did.

[kodiak1232003]

how about one of those springfield armory .22/410 survival guns...

i've heard nothing but good things about them and they are fairly inexpensive...if he outgrows it, its still a great camp,truck or pack gun...

my .02 cents...

[Munchies]

I bought both of my sons a New England Firearms breach action single shot 20ga shot gun. We needed something for deer/squirel hunting. Shotguns only in Illinois, no rifles. Single shot, one shot one kill. They will be forced to learn to aim, and cannot count on a second shot. I hear too many idiots empty 3 rounds at every deer they see, and more times then not miss all three times.

I like the fact that you have to cock the hammer in order to pull the trigger and fire a round. That is the safety feature. I don't have to look for a safety button, I just need to look at the hammer.

I highly suggest you take a Hunters Safety coarse with your son. Some states require it to get a hunting liscense.

http://huntersdirect.dealerease.net/catalog/images/newepicsb1020.jpg

The NEFS are some of the best quality singleshots being made today.

[u2slow]

My first was a .22 Cooey. Can't go wrong there... if you can still find one.

For a shotgun... my brother recently got a brand new O/U .410. He likes it so much its the only gun he takes for trap/skeet now :laughing: Light enough for a youngster, and may never want to grow out of it.

[basketcasejeep]

Why not get a good old bolt action or lever .22, and a single shot 20 ga? Even a cheap bolt action .22 should be plenty accurate enough, and close enough to single shot. I personally still have my 10/22, and my dad has his old marlin 60. The sites on the 60 are better, but that folding stock on my 10/22 sure looks nice. :grinpimp: I shot an old bolt action .22 once, I can't even remember whose it was, much less the make. It was just a beat up old gun... but boy did it shoot nice. :D

The lever guns and bolt actions are nice too, in that many can accept .22 lr, long, and short. It's interesting playing with the various available rounds, to see what works. Lesson 1- safety, lesson 2-shooting, lesson 3-experimentation?

[qwiksilver]

My dad started us out with a 22lr CHIPMUNK RIFLE (http://www.roguerifle.com/) Still got it and plan to teach my son with it when the day arrives.

I still have mine too. :D

[WA-HCRC]

And where are the safety glasses:rolleyes:


seriously, i dont wear them cause im a retard, but he's a kid man, start him off good, you care about him hearing, but not seeing? meh, worked for ray charles i guess. :eek: go to the welding store, there are plenty of designs, or a gun store, but put some specs on that youth.

[KWTMECH]

desert eagle .50

Friggin' hand cannon, I have a hard time holding on to my friends .50 Learned real quick not to stand next to him when he shot the first round off.

[MNBen]

I would go with either a bolt action .410 or a bolt action .22lr. Both will take down small game and or help with target practice.

[RD]

That combo is very good. I bought one for my cousin when he was around your sons age. It is very light and younger children are able to aim and hold the gun well. The only problem is single shot and lightweight make for some heavy duty recoil. I thought it stung quite a bit when I have shot the 20 guage barrel. My cousin had been shooting the 22 barrel for a few weeks when he decided to try the 20. He fired one shot did not say a word, walked to the other side of the truck and put the 22 barrel back on. It was a funny site, he never said a word, just changed barrels and hasn't shot the 20 guage since.

[surpip]

seriously, i dont wear them cause im a retard, but he's a kid man, start him off good, you care about him hearing, but not seeing? meh, worked for ray charles i guess. :eek: go to the welding store, there are plenty of designs, or a gun store, but put some specs on that youth.
why wear them? I know probably a stupid question, but is it for the 1 in a million chance the gun blows up? or the off chance you might catch a spent shell in the eye? I only wear them if i have to. Just never saw or was explained a real good reason to use them.
school me.

[rticul8_94yj]

I vote Ruger 10/22. I still have the one my dad gave me when I was 9.

[90WAG]

You should not be 'spraying lead' with your 10/22 in any case. It was my first gun and I didn't spray lead. You should curb your enthusiasm if that is your hunting style. GUN CONTROL is what you teach your children about firearms safety, not a political movement. :laughing:

In any case, clean up your hunting ethics and your son WILL follow suit. Then, take him to the range and 'spray' away. The 10/22 does both. Again, it is not a function of the GUN, AMMO, OR ACTION that determines how a firearm is used, it is the action of the HUMAN USING THE FIREARM. Long has that been the mantra of the NRA and 2nd amendment advocates. Live it. :D


The emphasis on limiting the firearms or ammo to control the hunter is a BACKWARDS PHILOSOPHY! (sorrry mike)


I was going to bring this to the top anyway for an update but after reading this I had to reply. Rusted, after rereading my post I can see where you might have misinterpreted what I was trying to say. When I was talking about about spraying lead, I meant in a "see how fast you can knock the pop cans over" kind of way. Just to clarify, in no way would I ever advocate spraying lead in a hunting situation. I was talking about a target/plinking environment. You don't know me, so I'm going to set it straight. I cannot express how strict I am about safety first followed closely by hunting ethics.

Now the reason I was going to update. A friend of mine happened to see a .22/.410 model in a local shop and called me up to say that the thing was so small and light that he thought recoil with that short 20ga barrel would be wicked. This was just confirmed by RD's post. So I get to continue the gun shopping.:smokin:

Thanks for all the opinions!

[CaryW]

Dont get this Henry. The bolt action is sloppy and the sights will not hold adjustment. Plus my kid outgrew it in one year. I put it up and let him use my old single shot remington bolt action. This pic is about 2 or 3 years old. He now has a sweet Browning 20 ga pump and a Winchester semi auto 22.

[hacksaw47]

my son shot his first pheastant @ 7 he is very hard on ducks and he shot his first deer this year @ 10 got him on a youth model 870 20 ga also got him the rifled slug bbl... 3 in reciever...all i have to do is get him a bigger stock when he out grows it...
he got his red ryder @ 6 and did the safety course...i took him in the woods w/ me that year w/ his BB gun and just emphasized on gun safety .situational awareness ect...after the bb gun i took a hacksaw to a $50 h&r .410 and cut it to fit him...we started on 2.5 in #6 and moved him up to 3 in #4...got him the 20 the next year and hes been happy every since...its undescribeable the joy i feel when sharing that w/ my son...lifetime memories for sure

[hacksaw47]

just wanted to add i wouldnt recommend a .410 for a hunting gun...good for shot gun familiarization but ive not found to many that will hold a pattern well beyond 20 yards....

[90WAG]

took a hacksaw to a $50 h&r .410 and cut it to fit him...


What did you do about the front bead? I've got a beat to hell 20ga single that with a shorter stock with a recoil pad, cut down barrel and a cheap paint job would fit the bill for a starter scattergun.

[90WAG]

my son shot his first pheastant


Protestant? Or pheasant?:flipoff2:

[hacksaw47]

LOL yea it was a bird he shot...on the chop job i took it to a gunsmith and he but a crown on the barrel and a bead for me for little $$$ i shaped the stock w/ a sander till the orig but plate fit on it and stained it...the gunsmith also used what i believe is called the 'jug' method (dont quote me on that) to put a choke in the barrel w/ a hone..

[dubbyx]

why wear them? I know probably a stupid question, but is it for the 1 in a million chance the gun blows up? or the off chance you might catch a spent shell in the eye? I only wear them if i have to. Just never saw or was explained a real good reason to use them.
school me.


I saw a video on tv the other day where some lady caught a bullet in the head from a ricochet... she was standing off to the left and behind the shooter. I can't say that glasses would have protected her more (she lived through it), but it damn sure made me think hard about how good my glasses were.

I didn't start wearing mine until we started shooting a lot of trap and skeet. Mostly put them on because the wind was always blowing straight at us, and everytime we shot our eyes would fill up. Nothing painful mind you, but it was enough to blur your vision on the follow-up. Plus on the really dusty days it helped keep the dirt and cotton field lint outta our eyes.

My glasses also took a few hits from watching shooters try and pattern their guns. Now that I've used them as much as I have, I really like the clarity I get from them and the different light filtering options. That part alone has helped my accuracy improve greatly.

I figure if I'm going to protect my eyes, it's worth doing it all the time. Unless I'm sitting on the couch watching TV or at the computer I always have some sort of glasses on.

[Traveller]

I would go with an old Marlin bolt action .22. Plenty cheap, very accurate, and very simple.

A 10/22 is more fun, but I would prefer something a little slower as a first gun. If price were no object, I'd recommend a Marlin model 39 lever action .22, or a Winchester 94/22.

[90WAG]

My current arsenal of .22s:

Winchester 1890 pump in .22 WRF, heavy and ammo isn't readily available.

Winchester model 67 single shot bolt action, a possibility but it's a full size rifle and a little awkward for him to handle.

Browning .22 lever action, it's the right size but feeding is tricky. If you don't really put some snap into working the lever it'll jam. It also has the letting the hammer down on a live round issue.

Ruger 10/22 I already talked aout this one above.

Making one of the above work is an option but then I don't get to buy a new gun. And the only thing more fun than buying a new gun for yourself is buying one for your kid:D

[90WAG]

Here's the new/current plan: Go with the Ruger 10/22, then buy an aftermarket "youth" size stock for it. That way he won't outgrow it like he would with those tiny single shot bolt actions. This way will run a little more than I was planning but I've got a few extra things I can sell to make up the difference.

I'll just wait on getting him a shotgun. He can use my single shot 20ga until he needs something bigger and better.

[NineInches]

ruger 10/22 with stainless barrel. got one when I was 10 or so and still have it to this day. put several thousand rounds through it as a kid. hasnt been shot in 8 years. still looks brand new though.