Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

[ezbtr]

Just got back from the range, wow what fun, pistol, big bore rifles and trap with some buddies
It's time i took my son(10) to start. I have an AR7 .22 survival rifle, 8 shot semiauto and gave him my old but good shape Daisy pump BB gun, are these sufficient? I
Im thinking a bolt action .22 to buy as well??
He has a few years to go until he can handle 303, 45, 762x39 and 762 x54 and 12 ga, lol .
Thanks for any hints

 

[ne7800]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

When i was 10 i was shhoting a semi auto .22 and a 410

 

[arks]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

First, I commend you for wanting to teach your son the shooting sports.
(SELF-EDIT political opinion......)
Yeah, the BB rifle is a great place to start. Safety and operational lessons first of course, but BB guns are really the best way to inspire confidence without worrying about noise or kick. Once he's shown proficiency with the BB, move to a 22. Your AR7 probably isn't the best choice but it would do the job. If you can afford it, a basic 22 bolt or semi "all his own" would make a great gift! From there he could try a 22 pistol or a light centerfire cartridge gun (whatever interests him).
Above all, you BOTH need to have fun.
I shoot regularly with many different calibers, but I still like shooting 22's the most.

 

[timdan94]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

My dad had me shooting 22 when I was 6, I was shooting my 270, 20gauge and 12 gauge when I was ten. I was a hefty guy then too so it really didn't bother me much. But I'd say start with the bb or 22 then go up to something like a 243 or something like that. It'll hurt him the first few times but then he'll get used to it. I would also enroll him in a hunters safety course or the like. It will also teach him how to responsibly handle firearms and he'll also get to meet other young guys and girls that enjoy shooting.

 

[JB]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

If you are going to be shooting on a range get him an accurate .22 bolt action with iron sights. Enthusiasm for shooting is fed by success.

When I was 9 I earned a NRA Expert Rifleman badge on the range at summer camp. I got expert instruction and coaching there and it made a big difference.

Those shooting skills served me well through my teens. I was famous in Moore County, NC for cleaning up at the fall turkey shoots against legendary riflemen.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

Shooting is a great bonding experience. I would look for a decent 22LR in a bolt with iron sights and a so-so wooden stock. Doing a stock refinish will heighten the learning and save Dad a few bucks.

As far as a centerfire rifle the same thing goes for that but I would limit the caliber to .243 or 7mm-08. You can do the same routine. Good luck, be safe and enjoy.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

When my daughter turned 7 she received a bolt action .22 single shot. When she is good and acurate with that, we will work on more powerful guns. Her plans are to go hunting with Daddy this fall.

 

[thurps]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

Can't say enough about the Winchester single shot, bolt action, 22 cal. rifle. Almost 60 years later I still love plinking with it.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

I also like the .22 bolt action rifle for a beginner. My boys 9 and 13 years old started with those when they turned 5 years of old. They can pretty much shoot any rifle these days. They both have AR15?s that they shoot regularly. They go thru 4000 to 5000 shells a year.
I taught both how to shoot and somehow even the 9 year old has surpassed my shooting skills.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

Like everyone else, I'd say build it up. Start with a BB gun. In the Cubscouts they use the BB guns to teach NRA target shooting as JB discussed. Then once he shows he can handle a BB gun, meaning all the personal protective equipment, carrying it properly, etc. let him move up to a .22 bolt action. After that, one of my first rifles was given to me on my 12th birthday. A nice Remington .243 bolt action. It was accurate, easy to maintain, and very little kick.

 

[i386]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

My vote is in for a 22LR Bolt Action w/iron sights. Check out the rifles in the Savage MARK II series. They are affordable tack drivers. Don't take my word for it, ask around. Stocks and prices range from synthetic to checkered walnut. Blued or stainless barrel. $250-$600

 

[thurps]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

Of cource you could always start him on the other end with a bolt action 50 cal. and put him on a 1000 yd. range.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

Of cource you could always start him on the other end with a bolt action 50 cal. and put him on a 1000 yd. range.

The only problem with the 50 is they don't seem to sell them in a youth size and by the time you chop them down to fit your resale price is gone.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

I'm surprised no one has recommended the ruger 1022.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

I'm surprised no one has recommended the ruger 1022.

I have one, and they are a BLAST ... but I don't want my girl to learn on one, I want her used to making one, clean, accurate shot. When she is proficient in that, then she can play with the rapid fire 1022.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

oh yeah and hes a lefty as well - am liking the bolt action Savages I've seen so far....

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

I have one, and they are a BLAST ... but I don't want my girl to learn on one, I want her used to making one, clean, accurate shot. When she is proficient in that, then she can play with the rapid fire 1022.

I totally agree - thats how I want my son to learn, maybe a pump action as well???

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

aspeck is right. After the BB gun, a single shot 22 makes them learn to make the first shot count. Kids, mine included, like to blast away with a semi-auto.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

Look around for an old Rossi 22LR pump. The only downside is the ejection port will toss hot shells onto his right arm (they do burn - got that T shirt )...... any gunsmith can modify the ejector and put a plate on the port so they will drop straight down.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Son(10) ready to start shooting, which rifle?

marlin 52 model bolt action .youth stock .and bull barrell .
she can cahnge stocks later ,and the marlin bolt with good scope .is a very accurate and safe wepon, also one of the few that ya can get in wood .
and yes the rugger 1022 is a little wild but good gun i have two that are modded there scary,