Bolt action single shot .22 rifle for my daughter

[thirdeagle]

I'm looking for a good "first" rifle for my 11 year old daughter to learn the mechanics of shooting. I like the idea of a single shot bolt action in the .22 caliber. She's almost as tall as her mother and can probably handle an adult long gun especially since our first couple of months will likely be spent at a bench rest. I'm not concerned if she grows out of it quickly; just another chance to bond when we go shopping for that next long gun. On the other hand, if she decides the idea of shooting is better than actual shooting, I don't want to be out a lot of $$.

I toyed around with the idea of a Marlin 60, Henry levergun, and CZ452. All great guns that would be perfect for ME, but none of those long guns fit what I want for her, at least during her "training."

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Anyone have experience with the Crickett brand rifles? What about the Rossi's?

 

[HOLY DIVER]

'd get her a h&r
if you want a new rifle
but if youre willing to look around
a remmington targetmaster is what i learned with

 

[MrBorland]

I toyed around with the idea of a Marlin 60, Henry levergun, and CZ452. All great guns that would be perfect for ME, but none of those long guns fit what I want for her, at least during her "training."

You mentioned the CZ452, and I assume from the context you're referring to full-sized 452, but did you know about the 452 Scout? Built on the terrific 452 action, but short barrel and stock and weighs 5 lbs. Comes with a single shot mag, but will accept the 5- and even 10-round 452 mags, too. It's a great little rifle. Accurate, lightweight, short, can easily be more than a single shot when she's ready. And pretty affordable, too. $309 MSRP, but I recall seeing them for $270-ish. When your daughter outgrow it, I'd bet you'll want to keep it for yourself, 'cuz it's so handy a rifle.

http://cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=5

 

[gazpacho]

Savage Mini Cub. Now comes with the accu-trigger

 

[CB900F]

Thirdeagle;

I'm going to strongly suggest you take a good look at the CZ 452 Scout. The length of pull has been reduced to 12" and it has a 16.2" barrel. The rifle comes with the single-shot adapter in place. However, that can be pulled & then it's capable of utilizing the standard CZ 5 or 10 round magazines. You'll never have to worry about the accuracy either.

900F

 

[thirdeagle]

Ah. . .the CZ Scout! Fits the bill perfectly. I know CZs; they're accurate, dependable, well built. . .I could go on. I remember looking at a Scout on line some time ago but completely forgot about the model until reading your suggestions.

We'll be moving to Montana (Hamilton) in the spring and I plan on getting my 11 year old to range as often as she'll go.

Thanks!

 

[chuck4570]

If your daughter is small in stature, the Rogue Rifle Co. Chipmunk is a neat little rifle it only weighs in at 2.5 lbs. and has a walnut stock. check it out.

Chuck

 

[NewShooter]

NEF sportster is a single shot break action and cost about $110. brand new. It comes drilled and tapped but has rifle sights too. its very accurate and lightweight. You can also send it in to Marlin and have it fitted for any rimfire barrel in the future.

 

[qajaq59]

I'm not even sure if they still make them, but my boys learned on Ithica lever action, falling block, .22 single shot. It was very safe because you could leave it open and see that there was no shell in it easily. Plus, to be honest it shot pretty darn well.

 

[woof]

I'd say the Savage GLY like this:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=116266015
Sounds like she is tall enough and no doubt growing fast enough that a way downsized rifle will be outgrown in a year. This is just one inch off the stock. Yes, it is a 5 shot but you can leave the mag out and load single shot. It is a tack driver too. For $145 you can't go wrong. By the way don't spend too much time on the bench. I'm a big believer that youngsters need to learn to shoot OFFHAND.

 

[gvnwst]

I second the CZ scout. The ability to make it a repeater after the learning process is a big plus, as is the accuracy.

 

[MT GUNNY]

" Chipmunk is a neat little rifle it only weighs in at 2.5 lbs. and has a walnut stock."
+1