Best starting point for children...

[stephen87]

I have a 6 and a 9 year old. Been wanting to get my oldest into shooting. Looking at adding a .22LR firearm to the collection as a starting point. But where do I go? Rifle? Handgun? Obvious brands for rifle would be Ruger and Savage, any others I should look at? Best .22LR handguns if you suggest a handgun?

 

[Usmccookie]

I vote rifle. Easier to aim, can be supported. Even less recoil. And more likely to shoot a good group. Thus encouraging the kids.

 

[ZurokSlayer7X9]

If you go with a rifle, get a bolt action of some sort, as it will train trigger discipline as well as "manual of arms" by learning how a bolt works. Not only that, but it promotes accuracy. If you go with a handgun, I'd suggest a Ruger MK platform. It's a very common handgun that people give to first time shooters. Just ensure they hold it right, or they'll get bit by the slide.

Rifles will be heavier, but will be quieter with less recoil, and less likely to "muzzle" things. New shooters however tend to favor handguns for the low weight, but they can have a little more recoil, louder report, and can be easier to "muzzle" things.

 

[blain]

Get them a quality sub-$100 BB rifle.
Lower power but still allows for the ability to learn discipline, practice accuracy all at an affordable cost.

 

[1775usmarine]

Well when a man loves a woman......

 

[Chase515]

I've started all three of my kids shooting 22's. I use a folding table with a x bag or 22 with a bipod. My kids are taller than most but my 7 year old struggles with a full size savage 22. The Cricket I bought for him last weekend fits him perfectly. He was able to hit a quarter scale idpa steel target at 50 yards sitting with his elbow rested on his knee.

 

[cbhausen]

I was checking one of these out at the NRA convention today. Being a single shot would probably make it a good kids first exposure to rifles and a nice survival piece as well. It even has a threaded barrel. I will probably pick one up sooner or later.:

Product Details

www.chiappafirearms.com

 

[tcecil88]

I bought one of the Keystone Cricket Target models for my son years ago. He got several squirrels with it before he discovered girls. It has a terrible trigger but it is manageable.

 

[Remington 90T]

Started my grand kid at that age with a BB gun for gun safety .Plus was able to set a range in my basement --Another tip I found out, kids that young get bored shooting paper -- Went to my local trap club and picked up unbroken bird in the field -- kids love seeing thing brake.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I bought one of the Keystone Cricket Target models for my son years ago. He got several squirrels with it before he discovered girls. It has a terrible trigger but it is manageable.
View attachment 269774

How many girls has he gotten with it??

 

[Amishman44]

Standard Ruger 10/22 with a 4x scope was what I started my kids with...they loved it!
I then went to an (older) SP101 in .22lr that they learned handgun safety with as well!
Then I got a Ruger SR-22 and they learned how to handle a .22 semi-auto pistol...safely!
Over the years, their favorite .22lr pistol has been the Beretta 92 in .22lr...they all LOVE that one!
No matter what rifle, revolver, or pistol they shoot, safety is stressed as most important and over all else with basic rules that are followed by everyone at all times!

 

[tcecil88]

How many girls has he gotten with it??

I won't let him take it on dates.

 

[BigRed3588]

I started with an old single-shot Savage .22 rifle before moving up to my dads S&W 39–2 in 9mm. My stepson is a little more skittish so I picked up a Ruger MKIV 22-45 Lite. Its controls are closer to what you’d find on most modern firearms than the older MK models. I figured it was a good way to show him how semi-auto handguns operate without scaring him off.

 

[42253]

Another tip I found out, kids that young get bored shooting paper -- Went to my local trap club and picked up unbroken bird in the field -- kids love seeing thing brake.

I am 63 and get bored shooting paper.

 

[d.kaufman]

Voted rifle.

Daughters first rifle. Bolt action Savage Rascal. 5 years old. Taught the fundamentals with a Daisy Red Ryder at 4.

No matter how ya start them out, start em young and instill the rules into them.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I vote Henery H001y youth lever action.
Its the size of a Red Ryder and smooth as can be. Accurate. 22 S L LR

 

[TJ Kackowski]

Started my grand kid at that age with a BB gun for gun safety .Plus was able to set a range in my basement --Another tip I found out, kids that young get bored shooting paper -- Went to my local trap club and picked up unbroken bird in the field -- kids love seeing thing brake.

after you have them sighting the rifle correctly, then reactive targets are the best. Over the years I've use water filled balloons, baby powder filled balloons, shotgun hulls standing on end, unbroken clay targets, spinning targets, falling steel targets, resettable steel targets, fruits ... just about anything the range allows to add some fun to the learning.

 

[jwamplerusa]

Single shot bolt action. Safer both for the student and the master. Fewer distractions if there is no mag to mess with.

 

[99zhuggerz99]

Argee with the bolt action rifle. He has been a few times out with the RWS pellet rifle I learned on.
I picked up a CZ Scout for my boy (we have not had it out) but it is the perfect size and when he outgrows it; a stock and barrel are simple to change and BOOM… rifle for life.
I spend about 20 min slicking the action and I am happy with it.

Keep an eye on Sportsman’s warehouse for decent price and avail if interested.

 

[MommaBean18]

I say get a rifle BB Gun first to teach them the “rules” of handling a firearm. They make some really nice ones these days that are exact replicas of the real thing. Just got my daughter a Colt Defender she loves it. She already a Daisy rifle.

If you don’t want a BB gun, definitely start with a rifle. It’s bigger and less easy to not be paying attention and wave it wherever you want (as children will do, especially when they get excited). Don’t want kids doing that with a real gun that’s why I suggest a BB gun to start.

Hope this helps!!