Son is turning 9 and has asked to go to the range.

He's pretty proficient with the BB gun and understands the safety rules.

Criteria:
- Bolt gun capable of single shot or being mag / tube fed.
- Threaded for a suppressor out the box. (Kid has sensitive ears. Want him to enjoy shooting.)
- Appropriate length of pull. Scout stock or youth stock. (If I can change stocks later as he grows even better.)
- 22LR

I've been eyeing the CZ 457 Scout. But would like some suggestions to see if anything else hits the check boxes.

Does it have to be a bolt gun?

I've had good luck training kids on a S&W M&P 15-22. The collapsible AR stock adjusts down small enough to fit younger kids, and lets the rifle grow with them into adulthood. And it's light enough for a kid to handle. You can simply single-load magazines while he's still a beginner.

It remains a viable rifle for them for their entire life, and sets them up to transition to a "real" AR at an appropriate time.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Does it have to be a bolt gun?

I've had good luck training kids on a S&W M&P 15-22. The collapsible AR stock adjusts down small enough to fit younger kids, and lets the rifle grow with them into adulthood. And it's light enough for a kid to handle. You can simply single-load magazines while he's still a beginner.

It remains a viable rifle for them for their entire life, and sets them up to transition to a "real" AR at an appropriate time.

Mmm.. quick google search. One person reported LOP on 15-22 @ 10.5". That would probably be short enough. As long as the muzzle device isn't pinned and comes off easily. It's gonna make it to the short list.

I just recently purchased my first cz 22. It’s a 452 American and it is the best 22 I have owned so far. The 457 scout would be on the top of my list for sure. Being able to change out the stock when he outgrows the youth stock is nice too.

Savage Rascal Target.

https://savagearms.com/content...duct_summary&s=13823

I would look at T/C Contender carbine. Single shot, accurate, Easy to change barrels to other calibers,very high quality.
Nice wood stock and blueing lets him learn about taking care of a firearm.

I like the Savage model as well.

On a side note, do you have private property to shoot on? I only ask as when I took my son shooting for the first time at our local range, it wasn't the .22 that bothered him the most but the other guys with louder bigger guns. It ended our trip rather quickly but if you are able to shoot by yourselves somewhere private, I envy you. It sounds like a great time for you both.

How about the Ruger Precision Rimfire. Seems to check your boxes and has the adjustable stock so it will be able to continue be fitted to him as he grows.

Ruger American Compact Rimfire, Model number 8306. Threaded, short LOP that can be converted to a longer LOP as your son grows, plenty of accessories and cheap available magazines.

quote:

Originally posted by mesabi:
Ruger American Compact Rimfire, Model number 8306. Threaded, short LOP that can be converted to a longer LOP as your son grows, plenty of accessories and cheap available magazines.

Another vote for the Ruger American Rimfire. I am partial to model 8334. Meets all of your requirements with the short LOP stock insert.

quote:

nother vote for the Ruger American Rimfire. I am partial to model 8334. Meets all of your requirements with the short LOP stock insert.

Put a shorter buttstock on the 8334 or a longer one on the model 8306. I didn't even know that the 8334 was available again!

When I got two rimfire cans several years ago, the 8334 was the first "host" I purchased. My brother was so impressed (he's on my trust) I bought another one for him to use with the second can. We both love them! An untold number of squirrels, raccoons, pigeons, feral cats, starlings, and crows have fallen before them.

I wonder if I need a spare?

Savage MARK II FV-SR
https://www.savagearms.com/con...duct_summary&s=28702

Great gun.
I have one. Put a Boyd’s Stock on it, Nikon Rimfire Scope, and Bipod, it is a treat.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
Savage MARK II FV-SR
https://www.savagearms.com/con...duct_summary&s=28702

Great gun.
I have one. Put a Boyd’s Stock on it, Nikon Rimfire Scope, and Bipod, it is a treat.

This, exactly as Black92LX recommends. Super popular as a PRS trainer (300y with a 40gr .22 is roughly the same ballistic solution as 1000y with a 169gr .308) AND with new shooters. I have three Volquartsen rifles and my daughter always wants to bust out the Mark II.

Did this years ago myself. A Savage falling block single shot 22. Figured it would be great. It was. It also quickly became less fun than “dads” guns. A bolt gun would be better but realistically the MP 15-22 is a good rifle and fun to boot. I have always heard stories of OOB discharges but my 2 have never done that. They are light, accurate, inexpensive. I just saw the braced pistol version on the wall for 479. I was tempted for some reason. Lol.

If you go bolt I like your CZ idea.

Bought a CZ 457 at my LGS last year and I love it!

It looks really nice and shoots well. I like it can shoot std 22 LR and sub sonic, which likely wont cycle in the 15-22

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Bought a CZ 457 at my LGS last year and I love it!

It looks really nice and shoots well. I like it can shoot std 22 LR and sub sonic, which likely wont cycle in the 15-22

That's one of the reasons I was leaning toward the bolt gun a bit. I've got a couple boxes of subsonic around here. Plus with the can would be a real treat for him to learn on.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Bought a CZ 457 at my LGS last year and I love it!

It looks really nice and shoots well. I like it can shoot std 22 LR and sub sonic, which likely wont cycle in the 15-22

The CZs are sweet but the overall cost is just not worth it for a kids learning Gun or for me for that matter.
I have less than $500 TOTAL in the Savage Gun itself, upgraded stock, scope, and bipod.
Then CZ mags are $45 a piece to Savages $15.

The difference in overall cost is ALOT of .22 ammo.
And I will never be able to outshoot my Savage.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
CZ 457......I like it can shoot std 22 LR and sub sonic, which likely wont cycle in the 15-22

That's one of the reasons I was leaning toward the bolt gun a bit. I've got a couple boxes of subsonic around here.

The 15-22 that I shot cycled subsonic ammo just fine. A properly designed and manufacturer rifle -- like an M&P 15-22 -- shoots subsonic ammo just fine.

There are crappy rimfire firearms which sometimes don't cycle well with subsonic ammo. Sig's POS Mosquito comes to mind. The myth that all semi-auto rimfires don't reliably cycle subsonic ammo needs to go away.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Bought a CZ 457 at my LGS last year and I love it!

It looks really nice and shoots well. I like it can shoot std 22 LR and sub sonic, which likely wont cycle in the 15-22

The CZs are sweet but the overall cost is just not worth it for a kids learning Gun or for me for that matter.
I have less than $500 TOTAL in the Savage Gun itself, upgraded stock, scope, and bipod.
Then CZ mags are $45 a piece to Savages $15.

The difference in overall cost is ALOT of .22 ammo.
And I will never be able to outshoot my Savage.

I bought a CZ 457 American 22 last year as well and just picked up a 457 American in 22WMR last week. While they certainly aren't the cheapest they are beautifully made classic rifles that a kid can be proud to own down the road. I find both to be very accurate and really like the fully adjustable trigger. BTW, the spare magazines I just ordered, while not costing as low as $15, did not cost $45 each either, but $30 a piece. Not criticizing any other choice, but just providing my experience and opinion.

Hmmmm. Puzzled here. Shouldn't every American child's first gun be a 10-22?