Posted on 01/04/2016 1:41:55 PM PST by cornfedcowboy
My 14 yr old has done a good job saving some money and would like to purchase a .22 rifle. Probably lever action. Don't need anything flashy, but something that won't break the bank. Probably around $300 although I am happy to help him with the $$ if more money is needed. He will use it to walk through the woods and hunt squirrel and rabbit. Would love any Freepers advice what to look for or stay away from. He is a good kid and will keep up on the maintenance.
I’ll probably get flamed for this, but I’d avoid a lever-action as his first rifle. You can pick up a used .22 bolt action single-shot for about $50 in any gun shop.
They’re not cool looking and generally heavier than the newer lighter Henry’s etc. Levers can be dangerous in the hands of someone not familiar with a gun that lacks a safety. Yes, there are some that do have them, but more often they don’t.
Be smart, buy cheap for now and have him learn gun safety first, then go for the Ruger 10/22.
10/22 if you don’t mind the ammo bill when he unleashes a mag or two of 50 rounds on an offending row of cans.
Lever gun is a great choice. I have a Henry carbine and a Winchester 9422. Either one shoots just as well.
Nicest thing is they are MUCH cleaner than a semi auto. All the dirty soot stays in the barrel rather than drifting all the way through the action. So much easier to clean.
Either will accept a scope with dove tail rings and you can add sling attachments easily if you wish.
Nothing against bolt actions, but if you can get a lever gun, go for it. There is something inherently COOL about a lever gun.
Ruger 10/22.
I vote for the Smith and Wesson 15-22. Mine does not jam. It is accurate and it looks way cool from a young fellas point of view.
The disassembly for cleaning is easy for the S&W and a bear of chore for the 10-22 (which I also own). Pay a little more and get the para-military style Smith 15-22.
My son’s first rifle was a Marlin 925 bolt action. He still
has it and his friends can’t put it down. It has been a great
rifle. Something to consider.
FINALLY someone with some common sense. A semi-auto is Not a good choice for a first firearm.
My choice would be a bolt action, magazine fed repeater. But since the gentleman stated the young man wants a lever action, I think the Henry is the way to go.
I think it would me a mistake to get the son any thing other than what he wanted.
Agree 100%. Project Appleseed is great both for the rifle training and the American history.
Marlin Model 60. Period.
What I got for my son on his 15th birthday.
The Marlin lever action model 39a I used in my youth was sweet and was very well made, don’t know If you can get them anymore though. I’ve always liked bolt action guns though, probably better for a kid. They’re hard on guns, lol.
IHelove my lever action 22 (Henry Goldenboy) but if I could only have one 22 it would be my Ruger 10/22. It is more versatile and much more customizable and is perfect for Appleseeds.
Ruger 10/22 for 250 bucks. A couple of extra mags and tax gets you to the number.
The Golden Boy and the Mosberg
https://www.henryrifles.com/wp-content/uploads/rifles/Golden-Boy-Rifle1.png
LOVE Them!
Important to teach marksmanship and ammo conservation to youth. Autos, pumps, and lever actions permit too much firing without aiming.
Start him off with a bolt action and focus on aiming before shooting.
Agreed. Accept no substitute.
Remember the old chrome Nylon 66’s?
I surely do. Have one. Not chrome but blue. It is very accurate. And reliable. Got it for Christmas when I was about 12. I’m 54 now. Only .22 I own. Other than a Ruger revolver.
I can’t count the number of squirrels and rabbits I have killed with my Ruger 10/22 and I still have and am I still using the one my father bought me 30 years ago. It still hits what I aim at.
Be sure and stock up on ammo while you can.
Or learn how to make your own and stock up on bullets, powder, primer, and casings.
Bump for reading at home tonight. Been thinking about getting a semi-auto rifle for younger kid. She’s 19 now and very responsible.
You stated that the boy wants to hunt with it. Note that if you are in a state like Pennsylvania, there is no hunting with semi-auto rifles, so a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 60 is off the list.
Now for some fun with targets and plinking, it’s difficult to beat a 10/22.
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