[larryw]

Today at the range, my 7 year old son showed serious interest in learning to shoot a pistol. I'm guessing that's because he's become pretty good with his 22 rifle and wants to expand his skill set.

So now the search begins for his first pistol (22LR). I'm leaning towards a revolver.

His hands are a bit small for my Ruger Mk II; he can hold it fine but his trigger finger is a tad too short for proper trigger pull.

Any suggestions on a good, small pistol for a young shooter?

thanks,
Larry

[Jaegermeister]

How about a little Ruger single action. Is Bearcat correct. The Single Sixes also seem small.

I think the single action would teach him to shoot instead of spraying bullets.

My first .22 rifle was a 77/22. I think it made me a better shot than getting a 10/22.

There are also other less expensive single actions from another company that CDNN Investments sells.

Just have him be very aware of muzzle discipline when loading and unloading. That is your job.

[Harbinger]

Ditto the Bearcat. A nice stainless one.

[Bullet Bob]

Flame away, if you like, but I think 7 years of age is to young for handguns - just my opinion, and I've been wrong before!

[Kruzr]

Ya' mean you didn't start him out on the TRP with some +P loads? ;)

I'm not sure you'll find one that will fit him very well today but keep in mind that very soon, he will grow into your guns.

Then you can start tweaking the sights when he shoots your guns so he doesn't think he can outshoot you since his eyes will be better than yours :evil:

[larryw]

Thanks for the suggestions. Bearcat was my first thought as well, but I welcome other thoughts.

Bob, generally I tend to agree with you. However, my son has really impressed me with his gun handling and safety awareness. He's become a safer, more responsible shooter than many of the adults that frequent the ranges we shoot at. He's very mature and has a tremendous amount of self discipline for a seven year old, but he's still only seven. That said, he never shoots (he has a single shot Henry Mini-Bolt that's his pride and joy), or even touches a gun unless I am in arm's reach.

So, for the next several years, our time at the range will be with him the only one shooting and me watching every move like a hawk. Can't think of a better way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon with my best buddy. Just part of being a responsible parent who wants to raise his son right. :)

(Kruzer, I don't think he's ready for the FTF/FTE drills that are part of my regular experience with that TRP paper weight.)

[Standing Wolf]

Seven isn't too young to shoot under careful, conscientious adult supervision.

[Standing Wolf]

Aw, nuts! I hit the wrong key before I was done putting in my two bits' worth.

Does Smith & Wesson still make a J frame .22 caliber revolver?

[Old Fuff]

I agree that a revolver would be best for safety reasons. A double-action design might be better because of the swing-out cylinder that can be quickly checked to see if it's loaded or not. Both S&W and Taurus make small-frame models that would meet your needs. Given careful supervision at all times your youngster should do fine.

[Litlman]

S&W k-22, can't beat it. Good luck.

[arinvolvo]

First thing I would do is be absolutely sure that your 7 year old is ready to handle a pistol...it is much harder for a child to be careless with a rifle, it is easy to keep it downrange, and a lot harder to shoot yourself with one...

But assuming you have taken this into account...Has he tried a buckmark on for size? I think the grip is a little smaller and narrower than the ruger...I may be mistaken, it has been a while since I have handled one. I personally have a ruger 22/45 polymer frame 1911 style grip, and I am almost sure that would be a bit too big also.

[SteelyDan]

My two cents: seven years old may be fine for a BB gun, but a rifle (.22) is pushing the limits, and that's just too young for a handgun. I know that lots of folks have done it, and I understand the "intense supervision" thing, but it still worries me.

[JimC]

I also agree strongly, that seven years old is way too young to be handling a handgun on a regular basis.
There is just too much room for error with that short barrel. Talk him into having all the fun he wants with his .22 rifle under direct supervision until he's a few years older.
Now, if your dead set on allowing him to proceed with the handgun idea, I would also vote for the Ruger Bearcat.
A single action takes longer to cock, shoot and reload allowing time for the youngest of shooters to "settle down" between strings.
NO seven year old is ready for a semi-auto yet. I don't care how responsible the parent may feel he/she is. It's an accident waiting to happen. :(

[Indigo22]

Your headed in the right direction. A single action .22LR is the ticket for a beginner. Ruger (without a doubt) makes the best but if your thinking that he may grow out of the small bearcat quickly or that the Single Six is too costly you might check out the Herratige .22s'. You will plunk down less cash for a starter gun.
Seven years old is not to young to start training a kid about handgun safety. My kids all started in that age range or younger. The .22LR ruled supreme but they each wanted to try my big .44mag too. With my hands wrapped around theirs they were thrilled when "they" touched it off.
Only one of my four kids was more concerned with putting lead down range instead of hitting the target, but then shooting was not his thing. He was more there because it was a family event. The others love the the outings to the range. Keep up the good work. Every minute you spend with your kid is great.

[JohnBT]

How about an original Bearcat? Alloy frame, 17 ounces.

Don't pay any mind to the naysayers. They haven't even met your son - or you for that matter.

John

[armabill]

I taught my son to shoot when he was very young and I'm paying for it now. He shoots better than me.

After the handgun came the car. I had him driving, on dirt roads off the beaten track, at 12 years old. He followed instructions and listened to directions.

In both cases, he asked to learn and wasn't forced to do anything that he didn't want to do. Unless I deemed it not suitable and/or unsafe.

My daughter followed soon thereafter. Guess she saw her brother having all the fun.

Both are now young adults. My son graduated from college majoring in computer science and my daughter is head teller at a bank.

[SDC]

Looking at things from a safety point of view, I'd have to go with the K-22 folks; a revolver that has a swing-out cylinder can be made safe instantly, and he and you can both check it at the same time when it's open. Add close supervision, and you've got the beginnings of a lifetime of fun.
(PS. make sure your teaching of responsibility DOESN'T stop with firearms; that same attitude will carry over into every other facet of his life, if you start him off right.)

[TheMariner]

First of all to address the real question of the post, I'd say a Ruger Mark II would be great... he'd have to learn two handed stances first until he is big enough to work one handed but nothing wrong with that. Other good ones include the P22, which is smaller than the RUger, grip wise, and alot lighter. Unfortunately, even with the longer 5" barrel and compensator, it kicks. Put some clay putty in the brrel extension area to give it more weight. The S&W 41 is at teh other end, being heavier than the Ruger but its solid it nearly indestructable as far as being behind on maintenance. All have easy tear downs. Clearing the RUger is a pain though, some I'd be more inclined with teh P22 or S&W, since they more resemble modern autoloaders.

Now, what's the bull**** about 7 year olds shouldn't be shooting pistols? What kind of bullcrap is that? I say if your son is disciplined enough by your judgement to work with a pistol, then by God, teach teh youngster. You'll never know when it might come back to save you. (see American Handgunner March/April '03)

I was shooting pistols and rifles when I was 7 and 8 years old. By 12, my father and I were the top doubles team on Maelstrom AFB for the duration of the time we lived there. I am currently a member of my school's pistol team and only the team captain is a better shot in international pistol competition. In IDPA style shooting, I clean his clock. I didn't get this good by having a father who shyed away from teaching me the basics of firearms, especially autoloaders and rifles, seeing as how those were teh two weapons in the house at the time. When I was 10 and older, my father, then in the Navy, worked long hours and my mother went to night school for college. That left me and my brother alone. He fully expected me to be able to operate his .45 and know how to shoot. I didn't shoot a shotgun until I was 13 and a revolver until I was 16. WHy? We didn't have those weapons and my father instructed me that revolvers, being more simplistic to operate, didn't need much training to understand how to use. Since my mother got her .38spl, I learned and became proficient with its use. The shotgun that my father now owns? Well, I'm a firm believer that if you need practice with a shotgun after mastering the rifle, something is seriously wrong with you.

larryw, teach your son how to shoot an autoloader. Sure, its more challenging and more difficult, but he and you both will reap the benefits of that training later on.

[Stevie-Ray]

How about a Taurus PT-22? Great little gun. Accurate when you get used to the sight picture, but naturally it's tiny size does not promote bullseye accuracy. Better for him as he'll have to practice more. He could handle one of these with no problem, and when he's older and bigger and tires of it, it'll make a good BUG for you.:D

I would normally agree that a seven year old is pretty young for a firearm, but you know your son better than anyone.

[rick_reno]

No reason to send him off into the world unarmed - once you teach him proper sight allignment and trigger control.

Does he carry a traditional lunch box to school? or a backpack/bookbag? The Bearcat is the perfect gun for the little fellow to carry in his lunch box, it'll tuck in nicely between the thermos and the peanut butter sandwich. Another good choice for lunchbox carry is the small S&W 617, at 8 shots it's got what he might need if fending off a pack of grade school gang bangers trying to rip off his milk money. If he's carrying a backpack any of the larger Ruger's or S&W's should work.

Seriously, the Bearcat would be my first choice - only because buying S&W products is something I won't do.

[WonderNine]

Jebus Crisp, I never even SHOT a .22lr rifle until I was about 12 or 13.

Don't you think it's best you start him out on air rifles or something of that nature? That's what I first got when I was about 10. He's only 7, I hope you're supervising him. I know how nutty little kids can get with guns. I used to be one :cool: . I also had a friend of mine shot with an air rifle by another little punk back when I was a young punk :cool:

[larryw]

:rolleyes:

Its generally a good idea to read the thread before you respond.

[WonderNine]

I changed my mind. I think you should get him a nice .22 magnum revolver with a 10" barrel :D

[WonderNine]

With a scope :D

[Kcustom45]

Forget all those saying don't do it. If you feel your son is ready to shoot a handgun and you are ready to teach him and to be responsible then go right ahead. I shot my first gun ever when I was only 5 and it was a S&W 422 and I still have that gun. My dad was right there making sure I was being safe and nothing bad ever happened.

The only problem that I have with DA/SA revolvers is that the DA is typically very heavy and he might not have the strength to do it, but if you want to start him off doing SA only with it that works. I enjoyed my first .22 handgun and I am sure he will to not matter what you get him.

[CZ 75 BD]

Saw a pair on gunbroker the other day around $150.00 One 6" and one 4". DA, 9 shot revolver. My first pistol, and I still have it. I think I was 11 when Dad gave it to me.:D

[WonderNine]

Sorry, but I just think that you're jumping the gun a bit on getting a pistol for your 7 year old, but if you choose to and let him use it only under your careful supervision, then more power to ya.

I really think though that you'll be better off letting him shoot rifles under your guidence until he's at least 11, then maybe you can think about handguns. But even at that age, what's the point? So he can CCW? Please. I'm 23 and I don't even have my permit yet and I carry everyday and in places where it wouldn't even be allowed even with CCW permit. When I was 13 I was plently content with knocking out pop cans and pigeons with a .177 caliber air rifle.

A pump air rifle is much safer, trust me. And you won't have to stand over him at every moment. Hell, I took out so many pigeons with a .177 air rifle when I was 12 that we didn't have another pigeon problem in town until ten years later. :D

Yes, I did alot of things I shouldn't have even with the air rifle. I'm sure I even put quite a few people in danger on many occassion. In other words, HANDGUN is not for your seven year old. Not yet.

[JohnBT]

I wouldn't go bragging on a public forum that I regularly broke the law and then advise a man on how to raise his child. Just something to think about.

John

[Edward429451]

My kids were shooting .223's and 45 autos by age 7. Started em out on an old model Super Bearcat, wonderful gun

The reason you should not start em out on an air rifle is this:

A pump air rifle is much safer, trust me. And you won't have to stand over him at every moment

If the parent doesn't consider it a real gun, the parent won't act like it and neither will the kid. With that kind of backwards thinking, you get this:



Yes, I did alot of things I shouldn't have even with the air rifle. I'm sure I even put quite a few people in danger on many occassion

I also had a friend of mine shot with an air rifle by another little punk back when I was a young punk

Air rifles and BB guns are a step UP from firearms. After the child is ingrained with the four rules, make him wait a little longer because these 'kids guns' :rolleyes: are for serious practice on days you can't go to the range. Saying that you won't have to supervise them with an air rifle is psycho. Do not get em an air rifle until you would be comfortable walking away from them with a loaded firearm. Sheesh.

[MJRW]

Have you considered an air pistol as his introduction to handgunning?

[Crimper-D]

I'm glad no one told that to my Father and Grandmother - They had me in G-ma's back yard with my chubby little fingers wrapped around the grip of a H&R999 when I was 4! Big 9 shot .22 target revolver with adjustable sights... I had Kentuckey windage figured out before I got taught sight adjustment. A few sessions and I had a 2-handed grip and a Weaver stance figured out too.
By the time I got to college, I was shooting International Rapidfire with a .22Short, and had gotten my own H&R 999;)

[10-Ring]

I waited until my son wasold enough to ask me to teach him how to shoot. I figured if he was old enough to ask, he was old enough to learn. Plus, not knowing your son, he might be a mature 7 y/o, realistically, you are the ultimate judge whether or not he is or isn't too young to start.
As for which 22 handgun to start with...See if you can find a used 6 shot revo.

[22luvr]

I have reservations about teaching a 7 year old on a handgun.
My father was a WWII marine so I got the "treatment" on firearms safety.

[larryw]

Thanks for all the replies.

Like people, all kids are different and they mature at different rates. What is an age appropriate activity for one may not be for another. That is where a responsible parent comes into play. It is the parent's job to first ensure the safety and well being of the child. After that, being cognizant of the first job, the parent must challenge the child so they grow and learn. Its obvious from reading some of this thread that my seven-year old son is much more mature and responsible than some present here were at twice his age.

Matt's been shooting a BB gun for about 18 months now. When he first got the gun, he was too small for the Daisy Grizzly and couldn't "shoulder" it, so he improvised by arm pitting it. Now he has a single shot 22 rifle with open sights, and we've upgraded his Grizzly to a proper pump BB/pellet gun that will bullseye a penny at fifteen paces (I modified the stock to match the LOP of the Henry). He's learning gun safety, handling and marksmanship the right way, and that includes me by his side for quite some time to come. Yes, his starting to learn proper pistolcraft will be a greater challenge for both of us, but we're up to it.

What's really interesting is his approach to toy guns: no interest whatsoever. Sure, he plays with squirt guns, but he's careful to point out to me, his mom, aunts/uncles, grandparents and his friends that these aren't guns, they're Super Soakers, because you "don't point a gun at something you don't want to destroy". Want to have a real dad-moment? Watch your son stalk a friend with a squirt gun/toy with his finger straight and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. :)

As for the, IMO, moronic comment that BB guns are safer, we have a backstop in the backyard that would beg to differ.

I considered a BB pistol, but all those I've seen sized for him have terrible triggers. Open to suggestions there.

I spent my lunch at a local gun shop looking at what's available. Sadly, I may need to wait until his hands grow to match his heart. All the guns I looked at had a trigger reach comparable to my Ruger Mk II that is still too long (don't want to start him with a snubbie revo). I'll keep searching. And we'll keep going to the range.

We were watching Hunting with Hank on OLN the other day and Dez Young mentioned that hunting with a lefty is a "good thing" for safety reasons (muzzle direction while walking). Matt said, "Dad, you hear that, you're a lefty and I shoot righty, when can we go hunting?". Soon son, soon (although it will probably seem like forever to him).

[Carlos Cabeza]

Slight hint of Proud Poppa syndrome huh Larry !:D It really sounds like you are already raising your son to be a young man. Shooting teaches many qualities and instills a sense of independence without discriminating for age, gender, height, weight etc. I am sorry I don't have a suggestion concerning the make/ model of handgun for you to consider, but I would ask you to be extra careful with a semi auto .22. There's a bit more pressure in the safe handling of them. Handguns at age seven..?
Its all in the maturity level of the individual. My nephew shoots a .22 pistol and occasionally gets to shoot uncle's .45. He loves it and thinks he's really hot stuff when he squeezes one or two off.
When dealing with FTF or FTE malfs, I teach the younger kids to lay the pistol on the table, muzzle downrange, and look for an adult to assist them with the problem. It really make me happy that people still care enough about their children to teach them well. :) I hope you boys have lots of great times together !

Good Shootin'
Carl

[Ledbetter]

four inch barrel Ruger convertible Single Six. Small grip and short pull. Good balance, not muzzle heavy. Just got one and it's fun fun fun.

[SoDFW Jason]

I just got my eight year old a Browning Buckmark. He loves it!

[Bowlcut]

After you are confortable with him pulling the trigger how about a Walther P22? Nice small gun, replaceable backstraps so the gun can grow with him, and reasonably priced. Just keep him to plinking at short range and he will have a blast.

I think every kid should have a chance to shoot a gun as much as they want. With proper supervision and teaching it gives them a respect for guns, not fear. My dad gave me the chance to shoot a little here and there and it really taught me alot. I do wish he would have let me shoot more but it was always fun to go out with him.

For many years we used to take the 20 guage Ithica pump shotgun out on thanksgiving and just go around shooting at stuff in our field/woods before we went in to eat. Was some of the best memories I have of my dad.

Guns and knifes, if you start a kid off right with them they will be better off. I think you have less to worry about in the end if you teach them the proper things early on

[Stevie-Ray]

Air rifles and BB guns are a step UP from firearms. I have to agree with that. My first firearm came when I was 12, a Stevens bolt-action .22 rifle. My M1 carbine BB rifle and my Sheridan 5mm pellet rifle came when I was 14. Treated them as firearms, and now that I think about it, I'm sure that's what was intended.

[461]

My son got his Crickett .22 single shot at six. My daughter got her Bearcat at Nine. The daughter is now 11 and prefers the Cricket and the son now eight has latched on to my Hungarian PPK/s copy in .22lr (one round at a time). The Bearcat has become one of my favorites believe it or not. Kids come in all sizes, so you need to take him to a shop and have him try to hold a few and check the trigger pull/reach. As to whether or not he's ready, that's up to you thank God.