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First rifle for 13 year boy ?
- Thread starter snubnose
- Start date
Varmint
NES Member
Mini Bolt Youth | Henry Repeating Arms
We have no doubt a Henry Mini Bolt Youth .22 is the perfect rifle for introducing youngsters to shooting and hunting. Of course, we're just a little biased. So go ahead and talk to the knowledgeable folks on the USA Olympic Shooting Team. They were so impressed by its kid-friendly performance...www.henryusa.com
That looks really good, hadn't heard of those. My 10 year old is big, wonder if it makes sense to get a small rifle like that or just a full size like a CZ 455 or something?
I assume they use the bolt pull back design cause it's probably safer, easier to see at a glance if it's ready to shoot?
Varmint
NES Member
Varmint
NES Member
If you look at the top shooters in the military I bet they started on .22s or bolt action hunting rifles.
My personal experience with this - even though I said CZ457 earlier
I got my son a CZ Scout when he was about 10. I figured I could put it in a full size stock and even replace the barrel when he out grew it.
I also got a Henry Lever 22.
I really thought he'd gravitate toward the Henry, since his favorite nerf and toy guns were lever action.
But he loved working the bolt on the CZ and he was accurate with it.
When he did outgrow it, I realized that he was kind of sentimental about his first rifle, so I didn't want to change it. He had mentioned that he wanted to keep it as it and give it to his kids eventually.
So I got the CZ 457 Varmint and dropped it in the XLR chassis. He loves this setup too.
When I ask him what he wants to take to the range... it's always the bolt action and the AR22 SBR. He never asks to take the lever.
I got my son a CZ Scout when he was about 10. I figured I could put it in a full size stock and even replace the barrel when he out grew it.
I also got a Henry Lever 22.
I really thought he'd gravitate toward the Henry, since his favorite nerf and toy guns were lever action.
But he loved working the bolt on the CZ and he was accurate with it.
When he did outgrow it, I realized that he was kind of sentimental about his first rifle, so I didn't want to change it. He had mentioned that he wanted to keep it as it and give it to his kids eventually.
So I got the CZ 457 Varmint and dropped it in the XLR chassis. He loves this setup too.
When I ask him what he wants to take to the range... it's always the bolt action and the AR22 SBR. He never asks to take the lever.
I started my daughter off with a 10/22 we then picked up a Savage MkII with peep sites. She also loves to shoot my AR, and likes to shoot M1 Garands etc.
It's not hard to clean at all. I've never even done a full disassembly. You can get the important parts just by opening the lever and using Ballistol spray and q tips. Had it like 8 years and never done a disassembly. Runs fine.
600 Nitro for when his balls drop.300 Win Mag - he'll grow into it
tuna
NES Member
I started both my kids off with my old Chipmunk .22 - about the same size as the Cricket.
Both outgrew the gun by the time they were 8. That sized gun isn't really "youth", it's more "little kid" with emphasis on "little".
My 13 year old daughter has taken possession of my 10/22 as her range toy, with a lever action .357 for deer and my 9 year old son so far has leaned farther into shotguns (bye bye 20ga SxS, I'll miss you) as more fitting for small game hunting. He skipped the .22 rifle and went to .243Win as his deer gun.
Both outgrew the gun by the time they were 8. That sized gun isn't really "youth", it's more "little kid" with emphasis on "little".
My 13 year old daughter has taken possession of my 10/22 as her range toy, with a lever action .357 for deer and my 9 year old son so far has leaned farther into shotguns (bye bye 20ga SxS, I'll miss you) as more fitting for small game hunting. He skipped the .22 rifle and went to .243Win as his deer gun.
22 Magnum, he's 13 and will be into a 6.5 CM before you know it.
www.henryusa.com
Classic Lever Action .22 Magnum | Henry Repeating Arms
If you're sold on the Western styling conjured up by a lever action .22 and want more stopping power for small game and varminting, our .22 Magnum is right for you. Ours features a deluxe checkered American walnut stock, a grooved receiver for easy scope mounting and a 19¼" barrel that will...
www.henryusa.com
richc
NES Member
At first I was humbled by my new CZ 457 precision varmint. The rifle is not the problem. It was the shooter... me!
It forced me back to basics. Breathing, focus, trigger pull, follow through. I'm shooting 1/2" groups with it at 50 yards with bipod.
.22 can be very humbling indeed.
I agree with no Semi-Auto for first gun, but definitely 10/22 for second. First should be bolt or (my choice) Lever. Both Henry and Browning (BL-22) will shoot .22 short, long, long rifle. One shot at a time will teach better aiming skills. I think both are pretty expensive though. Browning Micro Midas (Youth) - $620 MSRP BL-22 Grade I or Field Grade I - $700 MSP
www.browning.com
Current Production — BL-22 Rifles
BL-22 lever-action 22 rifles that are currently being produced.
I got my son the CZ and put it in the XLR chassis... it was so much fun to shoot, that I got the T1x and put it in the exact same chassis. It was a blast to shoot too, but the CZ was nicer.
I decided to sell the Tikka and now I'm waiting for the Bergara B14R Left Handed to show up. I have my name on a few lists, and they have hit some stores, but the supply is just trickling in. So hopefully, I'll have that in the next few months.
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Picking a "first" .22 rifle for your kid is like taking a toddler to the shoe store. Let him try on everything, then settle for the best one he likes in YOUR price range...
amm5061
NES Member
That's exactly what I started with. Need to see if I can wheedle Dad into giving me my grandfather's. It's how I want to start my daughter when she's old enough, too.
Otherwise she'll start with my Henry lever gun. Or I'll cave at some point and buy her a cricket or something. Donno, that's a few years away so I'm not too concerned about it yet.
xtry51
NES Member
Another vote for Savage Mark II. We bought one for our eldest and all three kids learned on it. It still gets regular use by tye wife and I for varmint control. A very dependable and accurate gun even with the stock irons. Has holes for scope mounting if desired, but I would start with irons.
Mesatchornug
NES Member
Who could possibly say no to "hey dad, remember grampa's rifle you started me on as a kid? It's almost time to teach your granddaughter, and I'd love to continue the tradition..."
Stumbled on this today... one in stock
www.midwayusa.com
CZ-USA 457 Scout Rifle Bolt Action Youth Rimfire Rifle 22 Long Rifle
Built to be an ideal first gun for young shooters, the CZ 457 Scout has a short 12” length of pull. With simple leaf rear sight and blade front...
www.midwayusa.com
AHM
NES Member
FTFY.
