Ever since I got my range membership, my oldest son has been coming along with me a lot more frequently. He's a big kid...9yo, but over 100lbs. He's been shooting .22 rifle for years, but is very recoil shy so he's hesitant to shoot anything centerfire, or handguns in general. I finally talked him into trying my single-six a couple of weeks ago, and he loved it.

So now I'm looking for a decent .22lr semi-auto to start him out on. I'd love a kadet conversion kit for my CZ75 D compact, but those are going for over $400 ! With the current deals on the S&W M&P series, I've seen M&P .22s locally for under $300, but I've never been a fan of the M&P. I do like how it mimics the look and feel of a "real" gun, though, as I'm sure this is just a stepping stone for him into centerfire shooting.

What have some of you used to teach your kids/grandkids to shoot handgun?

Nothing wrong with the Ruger Mark III. Since the IV is out, the prices are dropping on the III's. The 22/45 base model is pretty reasonable, lightweight, accurate, and easy to learn on.

I see a Kadet kit for $395 . At least they are available. They will sell and then we'll have to wait for the next batch. It sounds like you may be looking for something like the Ruger SR22 or the SW M&P22. Imo, a ruger mkii 22/45 is what I would put in my nephew or niece's hand-trigger wise. Have fun

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Nothing wrong with the Ruger Mark III. Since the IV is out, the prices are dropping on the III's. The 22/45 base model is pretty reasonable, lightweight, accurate, and easy to learn on.

I hear those are terrible to take down, though...

I really like the Browning Buckmark pistols. There are some models that are pretty reasonably priced.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Nothing wrong with the Ruger Mark III. Since the IV is out, the prices are dropping on the III's. The 22/45 base model is pretty reasonable, lightweight, accurate, and easy to learn on.

I hear those are terrible to take down, though...

Take down is easy . Seriously, they aren't that bad.

Take down is easy. Reassembly takes some practice on the Ruger.

If I had to do it again, I'd go Buckmark. Mainly, as the magazines are the same through the years and the frame is serialized rather than the upper so it's easy to add a TacSol barrel unlike Ruger.

I am looking at a S&W Victory.

SR22
Ruger Mark III
Buckmark.
Really cant go wrong with any of these. The S&W Victory gets good reviews, but I have not shot it.

Bersa Thunder is a bit smaller and lighter, possibly more kid-friendly.

My 11 year old loves the Beretta M9-22. It's the only 22 with 15rd mags.

I'd recommend a mark IV ruger

I think the Ruger Mark IV or S&W victory would be good choices. Easy takedown and both are good quality. Very accurate.;,

I got a Ruger SR22 for my boys. I haven't let them shoot it yet but I love it and it's pretty easy to take apart and clean.

It only costs around $300 and has ran flawlessly for me the 5 or 6 times I've shot it thus far.

Walther PPQ M2 - 22LR
Ruger Mark II if you can find one.

I like the Ruger SR22. No recoil to speak of, has DA/SA trigger. I own the Buckmark as well, but shoot the Ruger much more.

The Ruger has the advantage of an easier transition to centerfire pistols. Let us know which you choose.

I'll get flamed for this but for a 9 year old I would definitely skip the Ruger Mk and the Browning Buck Mark.

For a youngster I really like the S&W M&P or Ruger SR22.

What ever you do, don't just run out and buy one. Let him hold several and let him tell you what feels and looks good to him. And yes, at that age how it looks does play.

I'm a big fan of the Browning Buckmark

Another vote for Buckmark.

Ruger SR22 or the Beretta NEOS. I know there is not necessarily a lot of love here for the NEOS, primarily due to its looks, but it is a fun, reliable and accurate plinker.

Love my Ruger SR 22. Very little recoil and comfortable in a small hand.