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

[RickM]

Well as I continue to expose my 10 yo daughter to as much as possible, I've decided that next in line will be target shooting.

Last weekend I went to a range for the first time in many years and think I want to get back into the groove. I'd also like to introduce my 10 yo duaghter to target practice and see if she likes it. I think she will.

So, before I start Googling I figured I'd check in with the experts here. In the back of my mind I have a Ruger .22 as a contender yet I have no idea what they offer. I just have very good experience with their handgun products.

Ideally the rifle will be well made, well priced and capable of years of service. In other words a piece that she'll be proud to own (and that I might ant to plink with as well). BTW, she's tall for her age if that influences selection.

Suggestions welcome.


PS: On the lookout for a mint Colt Python Elite. If you have a lead on one please let me know. Thanks.

[legion]

Ruger makes the 10/22 semi auto and 96/22 lever-action.

I'm a big fan of the bolt-action .22 Marlin for a first gun. It's simple, inexpensive, and reliable. I think bolt-action (what I learned on in Boy Scouts) teaches aiming while a semi-auto is more likely to lead to "how fast can I shoot?".

My 2 cents...

[RickM]

I agree, I'm kind of thinking the bolt action route.

[livi]

I am here....quietly.

[pwd72s]

Well priced? Certainly...probably the most expensive .22 rifle made. Also, a rifle that could and should be passed down for generations. KIMBER. Now, would a 10 year old appreciate the fine quality involved? Probably not...

[Anton]

Bolt action .22. Good ones get expensive fast. Mines a Remington from the 1930's that still drives tacks.

[MT930]

I would also recommend a quality bolt action even if you must spend some bucks. First for safety 2nd for accuracy kids should learn to hit the target once. Auto-loaders tend to make them make them think that if they miss the first time they can just pull the trigger again. Ruger 10/22's are great but it will not promote good shot placement.

My .02

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Anton

Bolt action .22. Good ones get expensive fast. Mines a Remington from the 1930's that still drives tacks.

"Targetmaster" ????

[stuartj]

Dont they make a "Hello Kitty" Smith & Wesson?

[RickM]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Well priced? Certainly...probably the most expensive .22 rifle made. Also, a rifle that could and should be passed down for generations. KIMBER. Now, would a 10 year old appreciate the fine quality involved? Probably not...

Yes, I'm looking for middle ground. For all I know, despite her enthusiasm, she may not take to the sport. That's where I'm hoping it will be of interest to myself as well.

Ruger has a nice candidate in the 22/77-R http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7002&return=Y

But at $690 on the their site it's a bit steep. Perhaps a discounter or used (Gunbroker.com?) will yield a more attractive price.

Anyone know if I can purchase via the internet? In NJ I can purchase a rifle, over the counter, with my Firearms ID card.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by RickM

Yes, I'm looking for middle ground. For all I know, despite her enthusiasm, she may not take to the sport. That's where I'm hoping it will be of interest to myself as well.

Ruger has a nice candidate in the 22/77-R http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7002&return=Y

But at $690 on the their site it's a bit steep. Perhaps a discounter or used (Gunbroker.com?) will yield a more attractive price.

Anyone know if I can purchase via the internet? In NJ I can purchase a rifle, over the counter, with my Firearms ID card.

My mistake...forget the Kimber. You're looking for a cheap rifle. In that case, I'd suggest anthing bolt action...(edit) IMHO, Ruger is good quality for the price...

[RickM]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

My mistake...forget the Kimber. You're looking for a cheap rifle. In that case, I'd suggest anthing bolt action...

Funny, the rangemaster suggested getting whatever was on sale. I'd like to invest a bit more in making a selection.

Now if my daughter enjoys the sport then I'll invest more in equipment.

[pwd72s]

As I said...Ruger makes good stuff...you could do worse for the money spent...

[mossguy]

I learned to shoot on a Winchester Model 61 pump that I got in 1950 (I think). The tendency was to shoot less than with the semiauto, but more than a bolt action. The M61 remains a good rifle to shoot, but I doubt that it is available today.

Tom

[many944s]

Check out the Savage MK II.

I'm not sure if they still run the promo, but last year or the year before, they ran a program through the NRA that if you were promoting a child into target shooting they had a special on the Mark II bolt action rifle (firearm+tascam scope for less than $300)

It produces good groups, and will stand up to the occasional "muzzle whack" that children often cause when getting use to the length of a firearm


Sorry for the poor pic quality, it's late and I used the phone-cam

-Nick

::edit:: In case you can't tell from the pic, it is a composite stock (might matter, might not, just FYI)

[id10t]

I'd vote for one of the Savages with a heavy barrel and the accutrigger

Mine in 22mag (Savage 93fv) is more accurate than I am, and can put 5 into a 1" circle at 100 yards even with the crappy scope I have on it. At 50 yards, it boringly drills all-touching groups...

Oh, and you should be able to get one for under $250 plus scope...


Edit - one more option for pure target rifle - the CMP still has some. If you qualify to buy from them, I would....

[on2wheels52]

Originally Posted by RickM

Anyone know if I can purchase via the internet? In NJ I can purchase a rifle, over the counter, with my Firearms ID card.

Rick
You can make a purchase online through various sites and auctions but the firearm will have to be shipped to a FFL holder. I've been doing these transfers for $10 but may be on the low side.
I'll pm you what I think a 77/22 Ruger should sell for.
I would be remiss in my field to not advise you to see what is available in used .22's, if for no other reason than to have her handle a variety and get her feel on the thing.
Jim

[Mo_Gearhead]

For a ten year old, visit your local pawn shops (good prices). No need for a new gun till she shows signs of real interest.

Bolt action (of any good manufacturer). As has been said; bolt action is slow, methodical fire rate. Lets her understand the mechanics of how the gun functions. Take time to explain what is happening.

No optics (yet): teach her Sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, safety aspects, etc.

Enjoy.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Mo_Gearhead

For a ten year old, visit your local pawn shops (good prices). No need for a new gun till she shows signs of real interest.

Bolt action (of any good manufacturer). As has been said; bolt action is slow, methodical fire rate. Lets her understand the mechanics of how the gun functions. Take time to explain what is happening.

No optics (yet): teach her Sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, safety aspects, etc.

Enjoy.

That makes perfect sense to me...so it must be wrong !

[on2wheels52]

[QUOTE=Mo_Gearhead;3589347]For a ten year old, visit your local pawn shops (good prices). QUOTE]

I always felt the best advertising is free.
No two shops are alike, I think it would be a good idea to make a few visits to get comfortable with the place, plus used gun inventory is always changing. Tell the guy what you're looking for, he may have something stuck away in the back. I'm never offended if someone asks what my best out-the-door price is on a gun. We tend to prefer cash offers.
I hope your daughter enjoys shooting, we need more young ones out there.
Jim