Grandson’s first rifle purchase

[Topwater]

My 13 yr. old has saved his limited funds. He’s considering his first .22 purchase. Being the grandfather, I’d just like to give him one, but, firmly believing that he will appreciate it so much more because he actually earns it, I can’t bring myself to do that. I’d like some suggestions please. I’m not sure what his budget is.……… a bolt action .22 LR repeater suitable for plinking, squirrel & groundhog hunting and target shooting from a bench………I’m going to scour local gun shops to try and locate a good used, mid range rifle. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

 

[mongo chicago]

Good for you. Let him try out as many as possible and don't steer him. Let it be his choice. Answer his questions and try and keep him away from "junk". If he settles for something just because you like it, it probably won't last him long.

 

[gtl1946]

I totally understand your thoughts and would like to suggest that you both enter this endeavor ,a partnership BUT… ask him if that would be OK with him. You would be better off guiding him and understanding/ guiding his thought process. I would let him invest all of hard earned capital in it because there is definitely a difference between something you’ve bought and something you’ve been given. He could get the best of both plus the memories of the partnership with Grandpa. Go on the journey with him instead of giving him something and you both get much more from this . Be his MENTOR.

 

[justinp61]

If you want to help, loan him the rest of the money needed. Write up a document for payments or a time period to pay you back. He gets the rifle he wants and learns how life is going to work at a later point.

When I bought my Tikka it was $452 out the door, soon after they went to $499. If you can find one they are great rifles, accurate, smooth actions, and modular. They have a short LOP that will work well for younger/small stature individuals. It's easily to add LOP with the available recoil pad or spacers. You can also change the pistol grips and add a beavertail fore end piece.

Savage also makes some accurate, reasonably priced rifles.

 

[Topwater]

I totally understand your thoughts and would like to suggest that you both enter this endeavor ,a partnership BUT… ask him if that would be OK with him. You would be better off guiding him and understanding/ guiding his thought process. I would let him invest all of hard earned capital in it because there is definitely a difference between something you’ve bought and something you’ve been given. He could get the best of both plus the memories of the partnership with Grandpa. Go on the journey with him instead of giving him something and you both get much more from this . Be his MENTOR.

We’ve been shooting together for a few years. I had him at the bench yesterday shooting the IBS fifty yd. targets. He shot a 241 / 9x. He has some aptitude, I definitely want to keep encouraging him. I’m trying to steer him toward trying out for our high school team. ………..looks like football and track may overshadow the shooting sports.

 

[snert]

He will play football at best till he is 25. Run etc into his 40's, then he will walk, and crawl. He will shoot till he can't see anymore.

First gun? Limited budget? Savage Mark 2 heavy barrel (FV) model. Not walnut and steel, but not at all bad to the shoulder and reasonable.

Or a CZ if he has the dough. Remember, he will need a scope. (maybe that is where you could help him get something decent. Scopes transfer!

 

[Knotwild]

I'd keep checking Rimfire Central and buy a used CZ.

 

[ksfrank]

Savage package from this weeks Bargain Finder. These rifles are surprisingly accurate.

SAVAGE ARMS Mark II FV-SR 22LR 16.5ʺ 5rd Bolt Rifle - Multi-Cam Black Camo | KYGUNCO

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[kevin nevius]

Thats great , so happy for you!

I know this doesn't meet your criteria, but my very first real rifle was a Ruger 10/22, and to this day I wish I had kept it. They are IMHO the very best value on the market, and as he grows into it he could find a TON of inexpensive aftermarket parts and barrels that make these even more fun.

Wishing you both the very best,

kev

 

[akajun]

Hard to go wrong with a CZ. The savage in a laminated stock is pretty nice too.
My boys were given ruger americans, they're accurate but not "first rifle with your own money" pretty.

 

[SweaterDood]

I would tend to agree with others. Figure out the budget and maybe “surprise” home with some assistance, if it helps with longevity. Whether that is a slightly better rifle, glass, prettier stock, decent case to keep it in etc.

It’s really hard to beat the offerings from CZ, but the price is definitely above the Savage and Ruger zone. There is also a better chance of a really pretty stick of wood on them too.

I saved up through high school and college to buy my first motorcycle. My dad surprised me by helping me buy something a little nicer and a really nice helmet. I definitely ended up with a better machine than I could have afforded on my own, and possibly felt even more obligated to keep it in pristine condition.

 

[pelikan800]

If the place where you shoot belongs to the CMP, you should be able to pick up a Savage FV II rifle for under $300 through the CMP. The other options others have suggested are all solid too - CZ's, Tikka, Ruger, etc. Let us know what you decide!