[CZ-100]

I'm Looking to get a pistol for my 11 yr old son so that he has something to shoot that he can call his own, when we go to the range. Would like to start him out with a semi-auto .22. Needs to fit the small hands of an 11 yr old.

Any suggestions?

[Penforhire]

One question. Why a pistol instead of a rifle? Most pistol ranges allow rimfire rifles and it would be safer for him to handle than a pistol and possibly more satisfying to start (longer sight radius).

[Kcustom45]

I started shooting a S&W 422 when I was about 5 years old. Pistols are lighter and easier to shoot than a rifle that is too big. Take him to a gun store and have him hold a couple to see what he likes best. The choice is up to you, as far as what you want to start him out on. You know your child better than anyone else here so do what you want.

[CZ-100]

He does shoot my .22 rifle, and he will continue to due so, But he likes the pistols better, eaiser to handle.

Im just looking for some input on something that is of a smaller size for smaller hands.

I have a CZ-85 with the .22 kit, but it is to big for his hands. I also have a POS Raven .25 that he likes, but do not feel comfortable putting alot of rounds through it and .22 is a lot cheper

[Combat-wombat]

Ruger MK II or 22/45. Simple to operate, reliable, fun. Or the beretta U22 Neos

[Tamara]

Hrm.

Walther P-22's are small and light...

[MJRW]

For small hands I think a Neo or P22 would work just fine.

[CZ-100]

Thanks for the replys..

Boy the Neo sure is furturistic looking, defintly like the look of the Walther P-22. I will have to look around my local shops to see it anyone has one and see how it fits his hand.

[anapex]

I second(or third or whatever now) the Walther P22, nice small and adjustable grip size that is great for women and small children. Since he is just learning I'd probably suggest the 5" barrel over the 3" or get both ;) . If you do get the Walther I also suggest buying every different manufacturer of .22 ammo you can find to shoot through it, mine is picky about what it likes to shoot.

[TheMariner]

I own a P22 w/ the 5" barrel and its definitely for those with small to medium hands... I love the little bugger... Reliable as all get out for me but YOU MUST FEED IT HI-VEL ammo for the first 500-1000 rounds... I always feed it hi-vel but this is important the first 500 since the srping needs breaking in...

on the other hand (this is NOT a recommendation), I also use a little Jennings J22... enormous fun but if you take accuracy seriously, NOT FOR YOU... Load of fun to shoot though.

[Mikel]

There's a P22 in a local shop for $265. I've been thinking of picking up just as a cheap plinker and to have something that girls can shoot. ;)

[10-Ring]

When I gave my Ruger to my son when he learned to shoot, all I did was polished the trigger to smoothen it out a bit. he absolutely loves it & shoots very well w/ it. Plus, over the years, I've collected 10 mags for it so he really spends more time shooting than reloading.