First target rifle for my daughter...suggestions sought.

[legion]

Savages are good. No question there. (I have a 93R in .17HMR.)

I think they would make a great second gun however. I wouldn't spend the $300 or so for one until she shows a sustained interest in shooting. But that's just me. I'm cheap.

My 2¢.

[The Gaijin]

Annie Oakley got her start like this...

I like the single shot, rolling block .22 The best starter gun ever.

[t951]

.700 H&H Nitro

Ok, just kidding.

A ruger 10/22, actually any of the .22 variants that walmart sells. (Savage, marlin, etc).

Cheap, accurate. etc

I do have to say, that a high quality air rifle is also an excellent choice. Beeman, Gamo, RWS, etc. They all make very high quality air rifes. You can shoot them in your backyard into a phone book. They are extremely accurate. Also, inexpensive to shoot.

t.

[RickM]

Excellent advice to go on...thanks guys.

Here's some response:

I've never seen a pawn shop in NJ. They may have some down near AC but not around here.

I don't think Walmart sells firearms in many of their northern NJ stores. I know I can cross over to PA and purchase though. Good thought. (Plus the ammo is ALOT cheaper there).

Cabellas is in PA. Damn, I used to have a discount card from the place.

I've noticed many of the new guns come with no sight but with scope rings. I assume I can purchase 'iron sights' from the manufacturer....is this correct?

I'll check the NRA for promotions...as well as the Savage line.

An air rifle is a good idea, However, it may be against town ordinance to discharge. I have a Crossman 766 in need of seals. Maybe for basement practice down the line.

Please keep the good stuff coming.

[CRH911S]

I agree with the variant statement but I think perhaps barrowing one from a friend would be a wise choice at first. Not mentioned thus far in the responses are opinions with respect to weight. I was thinking that in the standing position the weight of the rife might be a little too much for a ten year old. Or perhaps this position could be taught later on with preference for prone and kneeling.
I would recommend the peep-sight mechanism if you can find a good gunsmith capable of installing it.
I recall learning gun safety at the Lockheed Rec. Center in Burbank I was thirteen then. Boy that was awhile back. Good luck and I'm sure your daughter will treasure the time spent together.

[vash]

i think i would find a single shot, break open .22. that way you can dole at the ammo one at a time.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by vash

i think i would find a single shot, break open .22. that way you can dole at the ammo one at a time.

That's not a bad idea either, and was the type I learned the basics on "at camps" way back when (at probably 9-10 years old). That being said, a bolt action sort of provides the same "conscious effort" to chamber a round...definitely avoid semi-autos for a beginner imo.

[Rot 911]

I posted a similar thread regarding my 7 year old daughter a couple of months ago. Got her the Savage Cub bolt action .22. Is a smaller model that is easier for kids to use. But it has the quality of a full size .22. Has a nice peep sight in the rear that kids seem to find more intuitive for finding a good sight picture. Cost me $179.00

[legion]

Good call Kurt V. Not as pricey as the other Savages, but still a quality rifle.

[RickM]

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I posted a similar thread regarding my 7 year old daughter a couple of months ago. Got her the Savage Cub bolt action .22. Is a smaller model that is easier for kids to use. But it has the quality of a full size .22. Has a nice peep sight in the rear that kids seem to find more intuitive for finding a good sight picture. Cost me $179.00

This brings up a good point; the kid's size. Is the Savage Cub a smaller framed rifle? I ask because my daughter is the size of a small adult.

As mentioned going in person to see what fits is the ideal approach.

Kurt, did you buy at a local shop or a Walmart type place?

[KFC911]

I bet Kurt's daughter is shooting .44 Mags by now, maybe hers is for sale . You're spot on about it "fitting", and I'd bet she'd grow into a "regular" .22 in no time...just food for thought. Dang it, now "I" want a .22 rifle...you guys are baaaaddddd...

[RickM]

I'm telling ya...I wouldn't mind benching a rifle for a bit.

[KFC911]

Well, there goes the "cub" idea

[futuresoptions]

My reccommendation..... Izhmash cm-2 one on gun broker for $459.00 right now....

[Anton]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

"Targetmaster" ????

Scoremaster. I checked the date codes, it is a little newer than I thought, made in June of 1946.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Anton

Scoremaster. I checked the date codes, it is a little newer than I thought, made in June of 1946.

My "Targetmaster" must be even older...no serial numbers or date codes.

[Aurel]

Ask that kid what he shoots with, HEHE...



Aurel

[RickM]

LOL, I think the kid's shoulder is still in the bank.....

[BlkBird]

I'm going to go out and suggest a different calibre, specifically the 17HMR. Think of it as a bottle necked .22 long with a pellet gun round. Fast as can be, flat shooting and easy to be accurate. I have mine in a Ruger bolt action - no recoil and even my nine year old likes shooting it.

[legion]

Originally Posted by BlkBird

I'm going to go out and suggest a different calibre, specifically the 17HMR. Think of it as a bottle necked .22 long with a pellet gun round. Fast as can be, flat shooting and easy to be accurate. I have mine in a Ruger bolt action - no recoil and even my nine year old likes shooting it.

I'm going to disagree. Not because what you said isn't true--it is. I have a Savage 93R in .17HMR. It is the most expensive caliber I shoot. More expensive than 12 gauge, .22LR, and 9MM parabellum.

I think plain old .22LR is perfect to learn on. If she has a real interest in match shooting, then get her a .17HMR.

.17HMR costs at minimum, $10 for 50 bullets, that's 20¢ a bullet. .22LR can be had for as little as 1.5¢ a bullet. (A box of 550 Federal in .22LR costs $8 by me.)