.22 Rifle suggestions for 10 year old.
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Jaybird78
Member
Find a rifle that will fit HIM.
I remember taking my niece and nephew out before the age of 10 and them having to put the stock under their armpit. Does not lead to accuracy. Like mentioned before, don't overlook going to a pawn shop for an inexpensive first rifle that you could "butcher" the stock. With the money you save you could get yourself one also.
I like others before me would recommend IRON SIGHTS first to learn the fundamentals.
Keep it fun for the kids and shoot "reactive" targets. i.e. cans, clays, golf balls, etc.
Start at a SAFE shorter distance and move out as experience grows.
Semi or bolt, doesn't matter to me, just keep it safe, fun and learn the fundamentals.
My first was a ruger 10-22
I just bought a used Marlin 60 for $80.00 and it came with approx. 750 rounds of loose ammo. It needed a detail cleaning and there is a screw that is missing but easily replaced.
Sorry about the long post. I didn't get a bb gun until I was nine and didn't get to shoot a real .22 until I was (GASP) 17yrs. My dad worked 6 days a week and didn't have the time. Your a good uncle!
I remember taking my niece and nephew out before the age of 10 and them having to put the stock under their armpit. Does not lead to accuracy. Like mentioned before, don't overlook going to a pawn shop for an inexpensive first rifle that you could "butcher" the stock. With the money you save you could get yourself one also.
I like others before me would recommend IRON SIGHTS first to learn the fundamentals.
Keep it fun for the kids and shoot "reactive" targets. i.e. cans, clays, golf balls, etc.
Start at a SAFE shorter distance and move out as experience grows.
Semi or bolt, doesn't matter to me, just keep it safe, fun and learn the fundamentals.
My first was a ruger 10-22
I just bought a used Marlin 60 for $80.00 and it came with approx. 750 rounds of loose ammo. It needed a detail cleaning and there is a screw that is missing but easily replaced.
Sorry about the long post. I didn't get a bb gun until I was nine and didn't get to shoot a real .22 until I was (GASP) 17yrs. My dad worked 6 days a week and didn't have the time. Your a good uncle!
Col. Plink
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if you go marlin 60, scout for a Glenfield model with the squirrel pressed into the stock. I can't think of anything cooler for a kid!
My Dad bought my older brother a 10/22 in 1971($35) for his 14th birthday. I was 9 then and was allowed to shoot it. When my brother joined the navy at 18 he gave it to me. I still have it is in fairly good shape especially since it has been in a lot of woods, fields, canoes, and behind the seat of 3 different pickup trucks. It has had a gazillion rounds through it.
My vote is a 10/22 and start him out with one round at a time.
My vote is a 10/22 and start him out with one round at a time.
Evil One
Member
I learned on a Marlin model 60, I taught my boys on a Savage Mako.
I have nothing but good things to say about the savage bolt action rifles.
Jim
I have nothing but good things to say about the savage bolt action rifles.
Jim
Blacklabelz
Member
Personal opinion:
If you are trying to teach a 10 year old the fundamentals of shooting buy him a buy him a single shot .22 rifle like the Marlin 15YN. It's cheap, very accurate, fool proof, small frame, lightweight, and shoots s/l/and lr.
Buying a 10 year old an AR/AK, 10-22, or model 60 semi-automatic type .22 is just... well.. not smart. He'll never learn how to be efficient or effective with his shot placement if given a gun that can shoot every second. And that's a true story.
Make him start from the bottom and work his way up. After he learns on a single shot, then get him the semi-automatic and watch his accuracy go out the window
If you are trying to teach a 10 year old the fundamentals of shooting buy him a buy him a single shot .22 rifle like the Marlin 15YN. It's cheap, very accurate, fool proof, small frame, lightweight, and shoots s/l/and lr.
Buying a 10 year old an AR/AK, 10-22, or model 60 semi-automatic type .22 is just... well.. not smart. He'll never learn how to be efficient or effective with his shot placement if given a gun that can shoot every second. And that's a true story.
Make him start from the bottom and work his way up. After he learns on a single shot, then get him the semi-automatic and watch his accuracy go out the window
JTW Jr.
Member
No matter how you do it , kids become human ammo pez dispensers Not that it is a bad thing...range time with the kids always beats the best day at work.
Not that it is a bad thing...range time with the kids always beats the best day at work.TCB in TN
Member
Very good value in the model 60. Great bang for the buck gun. Quite common to get a good used one for $70 to $80. Was my first choice for all 3 of my boys, and 2 of my nephews.
Semi's are fun, but safety is more important. Get him a good bolt gun and make him feed it like a single shot until he is very very used to the gun. Semi's can be dangerous with the little guys/gals. Just my 2 cents. He's lucky to have a dad that wants to do this with him. I didn't, but I wish I had.
One Father's Experience
Shawn and Nephew
Having closely read what you had in mind, and having been down the same road with my son, I have some strong opinions about what really works and results that confirm better choices. My son wanted FPS like equipment (he was/is a great gamer), what he got was a TC Contender Carbine, single shot .22 with peep sights. The day he got it he was not impressed; he did understand that he could shoot his way up to whatever he wanted based on his skills. And he did, third in the state in ROTC.
He will never part with his TC he says. My thinking was I wanted my son to be a “one shot...” not a “spray and pray” shooter. Right choice for both of us.
Money was not a consideration; I was happy to invest in all the ammo he could place on target, he learned safety, value and proficiency one shot at a time. As he grew so did the TC, when he wanted a pistol, new barrel and grips, same thing with center fire.
Just got off the phone with him at university, he says his child (should he have one) will learn the same way on his TC! For what it is worth, he learned to love shooting because of the TC .22 single shot. Way back then neither of us had any idea how good a shooter he would become in the real or the virtual world!
Shawn and Nephew
Having closely read what you had in mind, and having been down the same road with my son, I have some strong opinions about what really works and results that confirm better choices. My son wanted FPS like equipment (he was/is a great gamer), what he got was a TC Contender Carbine, single shot .22 with peep sights. The day he got it he was not impressed; he did understand that he could shoot his way up to whatever he wanted based on his skills. And he did, third in the state in ROTC.
He will never part with his TC he says. My thinking was I wanted my son to be a “one shot...” not a “spray and pray” shooter. Right choice for both of us.
Money was not a consideration; I was happy to invest in all the ammo he could place on target, he learned safety, value and proficiency one shot at a time. As he grew so did the TC, when he wanted a pistol, new barrel and grips, same thing with center fire.
Just got off the phone with him at university, he says his child (should he have one) will learn the same way on his TC! For what it is worth, he learned to love shooting because of the TC .22 single shot. Way back then neither of us had any idea how good a shooter he would become in the real or the virtual world!
Blacklabelz
Member
When do you shoot better?:
- When you load one bullet at a time, take careful aim, and squeeze the trigger.
- Load a tubular magazine with 17 shots, take aim for approximately 1-2 seconds between shots, and squeeze the trigger without regard until it goes limp.
A 10 year old is going to do one or the other depending on what gun you give him/her. And as another poster said, you could always correct this by giving them a semi-automatic and making them load one bullet at a time.
PS: That was a true story. About a decade ago when I myself was 10 years old I could literally hit a quarter at 50 yards open sights with that little Marlin. Then grandpa bought me a model 60 for my 12th birthday and then I could hit a coffee can at 50 yards
JTW Jr.
Member
3. When the selector is set to FA.
Least that is what my middle son believes.
I had bought a Marlin Papoose in a pawnshop a long time ago and had given it to one of my sons when he was around 8 years old. Both boys could handle that small and light rifle very well and I am to this day impressed with it. It is a great plinker and has not given any serious problem over all the years. We still enjoy it to this day.
The Marlin 60 is equally durable and accurate but if you can find a nice older Ruger 10/22 for a decent price, it should make any kid ( of any age ) happy.
As for the recommendations for a bolt action, they are really great, I love my Anschuetz 54, but I think a young boy will enjoy a semi auto more.
The Marlin 60 is equally durable and accurate but if you can find a nice older Ruger 10/22 for a decent price, it should make any kid ( of any age ) happy.
As for the recommendations for a bolt action, they are really great, I love my Anschuetz 54, but I think a young boy will enjoy a semi auto more.
pwillie
Member
My dad started me with an old Winchester single shot.First was an aspirin box(tin) @ 10 yds,then he moved it out to 25 yds,After that,he turned it side ways. I credit him with safety first.He always told me"The unloaded gun is the one that kills"
the_right_reverend
Member
I wanted this when I was 10
seriously
a nice little bolt action with a tubular feed if you can find a used one at a reasonable price (i don't really think anyone makes one anymore similar to a Rem gamemaster mod 36 that we learned on) most tubular feed will handle longs and shorts and the mags are very hard to lose,\
second choice would be a lever action (the days of the sub $100 Marlin 39 are long gone.....my first summer money purchase)
I am one that goes along with the theory that semi autos are dangerous in the hands of little ones
why not a chipmunk variety????? if i had a 6-9 year old he would have learn on that
seriously
a nice little bolt action with a tubular feed if you can find a used one at a reasonable price (i don't really think anyone makes one anymore similar to a Rem gamemaster mod 36 that we learned on) most tubular feed will handle longs and shorts and the mags are very hard to lose,\
second choice would be a lever action (the days of the sub $100 Marlin 39 are long gone.....my first summer money purchase)
I am one that goes along with the theory that semi autos are dangerous in the hands of little ones
why not a chipmunk variety????? if i had a 6-9 year old he would have learn on that
I would vote for the Marlin 60 first. I learned on a semi (Nylon 66) and don't feel that my shooting ability has suffered because of it. It's all in the instruction and who's doing the teaching.
Or if you are leaning towards a bolt action, the Savage is a nice shooter for the money.
Or if you are leaning towards a bolt action, the Savage is a nice shooter for the money.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
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- Nov 14, 2007
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- 13,146
CZ 452 Scout
Savage Cub
Marlin 15 YN
Do NOT get a stinkin cheap crap Rogue Chipmunk or Henry turnbolt, gah.
Savage Cub
Marlin 15 YN
Do NOT get a stinkin cheap crap Rogue Chipmunk or Henry turnbolt, gah.
76shuvlinoff
Member
Just over 40 years ago my first was a single shot .22 lever from Sears and a brick of shorts ,still got the rifle. As far as my dad was concerned there was a lot to learn before pulling the trigger and we'd get to follow up shots later.
I have a Marlin 60 and a 39A, I have shot more than a few 10-22s and of those 3 for a 10 year old I'd say go with the lower investment in a 60... you still get a quality rifle. I'm not sure I'd give a repeater to a first timer but that's just my opinion.
I have a Marlin 60 and a 39A, I have shot more than a few 10-22s and of those 3 for a 10 year old I'd say go with the lower investment in a 60... you still get a quality rifle. I'm not sure I'd give a repeater to a first timer but that's just my opinion.
Started both my boys with a Cricket single shot bolt action. I didn't want them semi-autoing anything til I could be sure they were safe.
Plus, the Cricket is a small gun and fits a small kid real well. Both kids had a hard time shooting my Marlin semi-auto.
Plus, the Cricket is a small gun and fits a small kid real well. Both kids had a hard time shooting my Marlin semi-auto.
Effective rapid fire shooting is a skill too. A good rifleman can deliver accurate aimed fire every couple of seconds.
FWIW though, I'd still start a kid off with a bolt action. Spray and pray is too enticing for 10 year olds weaned on Hollywood and video games.
pwillie
Member
Elmer,Buggs thinks just like you. LOL
Daniel Murphy
Member
A starter .22 rifle
I've got a 10/22, a Marline Papoose, and a .22/.20 gauge combo gun and all three are accurate and a lot of fun to shoot but rather than project onto you some of my personal favorites, I'll stick to the topic.
When I was an instructor with the Boy Scouts, we introduced a lot of eager boys to the world of firearms and we always started with a plain old BB gun. A Red Rider BB gun provides you with a non-lethal means of teaching the basics of safe firearms handling and marksmanship. If, over time, he demonstrates that he can accurately hit the mark 90% of the time and can be trusted to safely handle his "piece", then you up the ante and upgrade to a "real" gun.
Make him earn his gun...make it a right of passage. Also, don't let him off with a mild warning for any safety infractions. If he screws up, take the gun away and tell him the range session is over for the day...period. Don't hesitate to let him experience the consequences of his actions, especially when he's unsafe. Life is tough.
By the way, once his mother finds out this is part of your training regimen for her son, don't be surprised if she becomes one of your biggest supporters. When it comes to kids and guns, you ALWAYS want moms on your side!
I've typically used single shot .22s as the next level for young shooters (the old standbys are a dime a dozen in pawn shops nowadays) because they are simple to operate, accurate, and inherently reliable. The main reason I like single shots is because the training emphasis is on accuracy, not firepower. If he can't control a single shot time after time, he's not going to do any better with a 10/22 wrapped up in a Tapco stock and a 30-round clip.
Once your new shooter can demonstrate safe handling and competency with the single shot, introduce the concept of semis, pumps, and lever action .22rifles: how they work, the pros and cons of each, etc. Take him to gun stores, let him handle the rifles that interest him, see which guns fit his length of pull, and see what he likes.
Be safe, and have fun!
I've got a 10/22, a Marline Papoose, and a .22/.20 gauge combo gun and all three are accurate and a lot of fun to shoot but rather than project onto you some of my personal favorites, I'll stick to the topic.
When I was an instructor with the Boy Scouts, we introduced a lot of eager boys to the world of firearms and we always started with a plain old BB gun. A Red Rider BB gun provides you with a non-lethal means of teaching the basics of safe firearms handling and marksmanship. If, over time, he demonstrates that he can accurately hit the mark 90% of the time and can be trusted to safely handle his "piece", then you up the ante and upgrade to a "real" gun.
Make him earn his gun...make it a right of passage. Also, don't let him off with a mild warning for any safety infractions. If he screws up, take the gun away and tell him the range session is over for the day...period. Don't hesitate to let him experience the consequences of his actions, especially when he's unsafe. Life is tough.
By the way, once his mother finds out this is part of your training regimen for her son, don't be surprised if she becomes one of your biggest supporters. When it comes to kids and guns, you ALWAYS want moms on your side!
I've typically used single shot .22s as the next level for young shooters (the old standbys are a dime a dozen in pawn shops nowadays) because they are simple to operate, accurate, and inherently reliable. The main reason I like single shots is because the training emphasis is on accuracy, not firepower. If he can't control a single shot time after time, he's not going to do any better with a 10/22 wrapped up in a Tapco stock and a 30-round clip.
Once your new shooter can demonstrate safe handling and competency with the single shot, introduce the concept of semis, pumps, and lever action .22rifles: how they work, the pros and cons of each, etc. Take him to gun stores, let him handle the rifles that interest him, see which guns fit his length of pull, and see what he likes.
Be safe, and have fun!
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