First Gun for Son/Daughter

[Hoppes Love Potion]

I think a lever-action is a good compromise, and lots of fun. Look at the Henry Youth Model. When he gets older, you can order a full-sized stock for $50 from Henry.

 

[chris in va]

Having watched countless shooters at the range, I'd have to say a Henry lever action would be a fantastic starter rifle for a kid. Racking the action really gets them interested and also helps them learn to slow down and think about the shots instead of ripping through a mag like with a semiauto.

 

[Dnaltrop]

One of my favorite toys as a pre-shooter was a toy blue-steel lever action that made a loud THUMP and had some sort of whizzing noise maker like a miniature decelerating air raid siren.

Wow, haven't thought of my first "rifle" in years... almost a "Rosebud" moment there.

Now how many folks will get the reference?

 

[Saintmain]

CZ 452 Scout with scope. I gave one to my son on his 10th birthday. Started out with the single shot and moved on to the 5 round magazine when he proved he could operate it safely.

 

[wlewisiii]

Bolt action .22lr with iron sights. The CZ 452 Scout is exquisite for the purpose.

 

[speedway]

Marlin 60 or Ruger 10/22

 

[mortablunt]

Wow, haven't thought of my first "rifle" in years... almost a "Rosebud" moment there.

Now how many folks will get the reference?

Well, thanks to Family Guy and TVTropes, it's become memetically well known. I love that movie.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ItWasHisSled

There, I saved you two long boobless hours.

 

[opsman]

go with a .22 single shot rifle, there are lots of them out there. Avoid the scope, no need in giving him something that will ruin everything he has been taught at camp about proper sight picture and sight alignment. Focus on getting the fundemental skills of using iron sights first. Skip the .410 and go with a 20 ga. He will enjoy it more and so will you. His chance of hitting his target with a 20 ga is increased over the 410. Really a 410 is an expert gun, with the 20 you can focus on the general techniques of point and shoot.

Glad you get the opportunity to enjoy the outoors, and open up the opportunities of shooting sports with your son. With proper safety procedures practiced you will never regret the times you spend together with him.

GySgt USMC (ret)
Boy Scout Shooting Sports Director
NRA Instructor and Range Safety Officer.

 

[Salty1]

"An SKS is a very good first gun, the over-sized safety control appeals to me alot."........ ummmm for a 10 year old....... could not disagree more......

Like others I would suggest the 10/22, they are perfect to teach on and come in many different models. Upgrades and aftermarket items would make great presents over the next few years. One item I would suggest if you go this route is installing the extended mag release, a simple $20 upgrade..... best wishes with your decision, it will provide years of enjoyment and quality father and son time.........

 

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks so much for all these ideas. They are all so good that it's hard to decide, but I like that Rossie Trifecta idea. It could find all our needs. Hunting medium game with the 243, birds and small game with the 20ga and plinking with the 22. Now to find one...

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

If you don't get out too much, I'd say a .223, .243, or something else that's "real" but suitable for a small boy.

If you think you'll go often, get him a 10/22 and let him shoot thousands of rounds at a time if he wants. LOL