We're here in the land of WalMart and went into one that actually has a decent supply of firearms. Was checking them out, and handled a Savage 42. It's an overunder combo 22 and 410. I thought it might make a good first shotgun for my about-to-be 8 year old. WalMart wants $337 for it.

What say you all? If this model is no good, what's recommended? Last year he got a 10/22, that I set up with some help from y'all and he loves it. I'd like to take him hunting for some small game this year, which is a whole other discussion.

My impression of them after handling them when they first came out at SHOT 2012(?) was.... junk. And it made me really sad. I had high hopes being a long time Savage 24 fan. (I'm the key holder of the ever sleepy Savage 24 forum)

Well... my thought was, it's built like a KelTec. This would be a great $150 gun to throw in a car trunk or behind the seat of a pickup truck. But it's not something I would want to shoot regularly, nor do I think it would hold up to it. They wanted well past $400 when they came out and I don't think they sold many at all.

If you're looking for something similar made of wood and metal, look into the Chiappa double badger. Still a little rough around the edges, but they've made improvements. All reports I've read have been satisfactory.

Thanks. I'll look for a double badger I can hold.

Yiiiiii, waitaminute. I know someone down in the Valley with both the Savage and the Chiappa. The Savage is OK, but doesn't really impress in any particular regard. The Chiappa required a bit of file work to function without any problems, the sights are cheap, and factory support sucks.

They're a bit more expensive (in the $400 range these days, I think), but look for a Baikal IBZ94 in .22LR/.410. Getting the two to shoot roughly to the same point of aim takes a little time. Unlocking the action by pulling the trigger guard takes a little effort at first, but a kid with a modicum of determination can do it while suffering nothing more than a slightly reduced rate of fire. Opening the action does both smooth up and become easier with use. With a 19.7" barrel, it is one of the quieter (unsuppressed) .22s out there and provides good accuracy from CB Caps.