centermass
Member
Hello all. I figured I'd ask the great collective minds here to make a more informed decision. I have decided to buy my son a .22lr rifle for his upcoming birthday/Christmas gift. He will be turning 12, and is of average size/strength. It's been many years since I have had a 22 rifle in the stable (mine growing up was a forty year old Mossberg Mod 45, but I sold it long before having kids). I know the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin 60 are still pretty much the standard in the category. I had the chance to handle both at a local sporting goods store over the weekend, and neither has apparently changed much. That said, what is the general consensus between the two? Or, are there other suggestions for him?
Here are my thoughts: The Ruger, while negligibly more expensive, is somewhat heavier (as expected from Ruger), but a testament to their legendary tank-like durability. Aesthetically, I kinda like the old-fashioned lines of the 60, and fact that it has a tube magazine, as I'm not going to be teaching him speed reloads just yet. Plus, extra 10/22 magazines just means more $ down the road. On the other hand, I think the 10/22 would likely be more adaptable for future use as he grows or should he want to compete.
Is my rationale sound? I'm trying to avoid anything "tactical" such as the GSG's, M&P 22, etc. as I first want him to focus on basic rifle safety and traditional marksmanship, and get him away from the video game mindset. When he gets the basics down, I'll move him up to my more tactical stuff.
Here are my thoughts: The Ruger, while negligibly more expensive, is somewhat heavier (as expected from Ruger), but a testament to their legendary tank-like durability. Aesthetically, I kinda like the old-fashioned lines of the 60, and fact that it has a tube magazine, as I'm not going to be teaching him speed reloads just yet. Plus, extra 10/22 magazines just means more $ down the road. On the other hand, I think the 10/22 would likely be more adaptable for future use as he grows or should he want to compete.
Is my rationale sound? I'm trying to avoid anything "tactical" such as the GSG's, M&P 22, etc. as I first want him to focus on basic rifle safety and traditional marksmanship, and get him away from the video game mindset. When he gets the basics down, I'll move him up to my more tactical stuff.