First Gun?

[TXHUNT3R]

My son is almost 4, (NOT GETTING HIM ONE NOW) but I was thinking about when is the right time(ish) to get your son / daughter their very own gun.

I was thinking a .22lr with his name and a date engraved somewhere on the rifle.
Maybe 6,7 years old? Something he can cherish for a lifetime.

Thoughts, suggestions?

[LakeJake]

I would suggest skipping the single shot .22lr guns like the Cricket, and go with a Ruger 10/22. He won't ever outgrow a 10/22.

[diego111993]

I got my first gun when I was 5. It was a little Cricket 22 with my name and Happy 5th Birthday engraved on the side of the butt of the stock. I outgrew it butt cool little gun I will cherish for a lifetime.

[OleRed80]

I would suggest skipping the single shot .22lr guns like the Cricket, and go with a Ruger 10/22. He won't ever outgrow a 10/22.

Agreed...you can never go wrong with a 10/22

[Flint knapper]

Might want to start him off with a bb gun or pelet gun first!

[txpitdog]

I bought each of my kids a 22LR rifle for their first birthday. Obviously they couldn't do anything with it, but around 2.5-3yrs old, we started talking gun safety and the different parts of guns. Continued this several times a year, and on their 6th birthday I took/will take them by themselves to the gun range for the first time to shoot their rifle. One has a Henry lever action, one has a Marlin 60, and one has a Ruger 10/22.

I got them all full size rifles so that they can enjoy them when they are grown. They are too big for them now, but my 7 yr old shoots surprisingly well with his Henry and can hit a paper plate at 50yds with the Iron sights.

[TXHUNT3R]

I would suggest skipping the single shot .22lr guns like the Cricket, and go with a Ruger 10/22. He won't ever outgrow a 10/22.

Great advice, didn't think about the 10/22

[TXHUNT3R]

I bought each of my kids a 22LR rifle for their first birthday. Obviously they couldn't do anything with it, but around 2.5-3yrs old, we started talking gun safety and the different parts of guns. Continued this several times a year, and on their 6th birthday I took/will take them by themselves to the gun range for the first time to shoot their rifle. One has a Henry lever action, one has a Marlin 60, and one has a Ruger 10/22.

I got them all full size rifles so that they can enjoy them when they are grown. They are too big for them now, but my 7 yr old shoots surprisingly well with his Henry and can hit a paper plate at 50yds with the Iron sights.

Very cool, thanks for sharing!

Lever action is another option I have thought of

[TXHUNT3R]

Might want to start him off with a bb gun or pelet gun first!

Has been popping BBs (with me) since I had to hold it and he would just pull the trigger for me. lol good times!!

[metalmangeorge]

I bought mine a cricket at 4, he loved it. When he was 7 and big enough to handle a full size 22 I bought him a 10/22. he still loves it at 13, we put a bull barrel and new stock on it this year so it would be more like mine.

[SwampRabbit]

So far I am digging the Rossi 3 barrel (22lr, .243, 20ga) At 8 years of age, it is about the right size. I couldn't imagine getting my kid a larger gun, and he is tall for his age. I know he will outgrow it, but then I will have it around for my grandkids.

The nice thing about single shot is that it teaches them to make that first shot really count. That and I get 3 guns for the price of one.

[Texas Cutthroat]

Started my son and daughter each with a Henry Lever .22 at ages of 5/6. Both love their guns still today (ages 12/9) and still shoot them. For me I wanted to start gun safety and shooting form with a gun that needs to be levered after each shot so we can talk through things like shooting stance and gun handling. We have a 10/22 but I saved it when they got more mature to handle an semi. Still have my old Remington Pump .22 that's still a blast to shoot.

[TXHUNT3R]

Started my son and daughter each with a Henry Lever .22 at ages of 5/6. Both love their guns still today (ages 12/9) and still shoot them. For me I wanted to start gun safety and shooting form with a gun that needs to be levered after each shot so we can talk through things like shooting stance and gun handling. We have a 10/22 but I saved it when they got more mature to handle an semi. Still have my old Remington Pump .22 that's still a blast to shoot.

I like your thoughts about the lever, thanks!

[mikeREYNOLDS]

I put this Crickett .22lr together for my 6 yr. old daughter. Simmons 4x scope, Leupold rimfire rings, and Blackhawk bipod. Very impressed with accuracy and how well she shoots it. It's a great first gun and very fun to shoot. Cost about $200 total... worth every penny.

[dclifton]

My first gun was a Henry lever action!

I agree spend the money now and get him a full size one he can have a lifetime!