Suppressed 22 LR for 13 Month Old Daughter

[treillw]

My daughter is only 13 months old and I've been talking about getting her first gun for about 21 months. Seeing the Christensen Ranger repiqued my interest last night. With the rising prices of everything, specifically firearms, it might not be a bad idea to get one for her now and just store it away - it will probably cost double by the time she's able to use it.

The Christensen Ranger was pretty cool. I like how lightweight it was and it would be good training for running a bolt gun as she gets older. Would be fun to play with at longer ranges. Any suggestions on other cool options? Can you build something similar at a reasonable price point?

Just starting to look at this and have a few questions. I know some guys use them for long range training - got to read up on it more.

• What accuracy can you expect from them?
  • How does this change with cheap ammo vs match?
  • Cost of match ammo?
• What is "long range" for a 22?
• Good, relatively inexpensive scope with tactical turrets to put on it?
• Good 22 suppressor for it?
  • The TBAC one is interesting
  • I've been thinking of getting one for a little while - don't care about cost as much as quality for this. What are the best ones?
  • Lightweight is probably pretty important
  • How quiet is a suppressed 22?
    • Do you still need to wear ear pro?
      • I have cans for 5.56, 300 win, and 6.5 and still wear ear pro, even if it's "not required"
• Any downfall to going with the shortest legal barrel? Don't want it too long for her with a can.

Working to answer some of these questions myself, but you guys always have good ideas that I haven't thought of.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[Ralph Littlefield]

You may have better options by the time she is ready.

 

[Eagle Six]

Or, no option the way it is headed!

 

[TaperPin]

I was thinking of something with a tiny stock, thin barrel and full size 22 action, that can be upgraded over time with heavier longer barrel, larger stock, etc.

I‘ll probably get an identical rifle and make a switch barrel gun with different styles of stocks, so I can shoot with him without getting bored and he can see what upgraded parts he likes. Maybe a cz 457 ranger - the amount of aftermarket parts for the cz is growing rapidly.

It’s fun looking at all the options.

 

[1Merlin]

I would get her the rifle that you yourself would find the most appealing. Who better to know than you? Just think of your fondest desire and buy that. I'm positive that she will think her daddy hung the moon with that rifle!
What a GREAT Dad!!!!

Edit to add. Tongue Firmly in cheek.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

A 10/22 could be good because there are a lot of different size and weight aftermarket stocks, plus about every other upgrade you can imagine.

 

[Knotwild]

If I were in your shoes, I would lean towards a CZ Scout. It's a 5lb gun with a stock sized for children. It comes with a single shot adapter, but any CZ 457 magazine will work in it. As she grows, you can easily put a quality barrel on it, a larger stock styled to suit her needs/use of the gun. It will be accurate, it comes threaded 1/2 x 28. I think the Christensen Ranger has had some problems being a reliable feeder and I have read that their customer service is less than stellar in fixing the problem. Plus, it has a butt ugly stock (my opinion). A couple of years ago I was thinking of one, but decided against it.

The CZ is easy to upgrade with things like a rail for scope mounting, and can be converted to 22 mag or 17hmr with a barrel, magazine, and magazine well swap.

I have a Tbac 22 suppressor and with standard ammunition it is very pleasant / quiet to shoot. I also have a Rugged Oculus, and I believe the Tbac is a touch quieter (my own perception).

 

[Iowa Fox]

Hindsight is crystal clear and I'm going to blabber about my thoughts in retrospect of my life. My grandkids are almost all grown now. Every single one of the kids and grandkids is different with different thoughts and god given talents. Help them develop whatever is in their blood from a hundred generations as you watch them develop and grow. We have some serious shooters and fisherman in the family but grandma and I put it in their DNA. If we push them to be something they are not they will be miserable.

 

[Bill K]

The CZ would be a great choice. You can teach her via single shot, for safety reasons, until she if ready to move to magazine loading. And as she grows additions can be made to the rifle to fit her size. This rifle is also nice looking and accurate as any or more so than a lot of 22lr's.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Yes single shot is a good idea, or at least a fixed magazine like one of the tubular ones. Agree with @Bill K , beginner may have a little trouble with some of the removable mag types.

 

[doclu60]

+1 on the CZ platform. Huge aftermarket and the ability to make a single shot out of it. If I were bringing a young child into the hobby, a semi-auto would not even be a consideration for a 'starter' rifle. JMO

Scott

 

[karrarararararar]

Everything I have read in the past has said avoid the Christensen

 

[3Ackleys]

Had a CA sold it after 1 trip to the range. Get a CZ!

 

[qec]

I going to swim against the tide and suggest buying an inexpensive single shot .22. Savage or maybe a Cricket. Use that to teach her how to shoot and be safe. If she still has interest let her pick out something when it is time. All of the responses so far have been expressed through the eyes of an adult, experienced shooter not a kid. I started mine with a Cricket (still have it) and then moved to a lever action because that is what my kids wanted. We still have that too. Upgradable, highly accurate .22 never really interested them. That was my interest and still is. These days it's target grade high power rifles, hand guns and shotguns. They are in their early 20's

 

[DGP4]

As stated, the CZ modular platform will allow for the rifle to "grow" with your child and is a high-quality heirloom firearm. The Christensen gets horrible reviews and costs twice as much. If you prefer a semi-auto, get a 10/22 and add a BX trigger.

 

[Ozzyblu]

Scheels has the rangers on sale.

 

[searcher]

Hindsight is crystal clear and I'm going to blabber about my thoughts in retrospect of my life. My grandkids are almost all grown now. Every single one of the kids and grandkids is different with different thoughts and god given talents. Help them develop whatever is in their blood from a hundred generations as you watch them develop and grow. We have some serious shooters and fisherman in the family but grandma and I put it in their DNA. If we push them to be something they are not they will be miserable.

I agree - and still have a rifle, pistol and a shotgun I bought for great dad/daughter time, yet my daughter never shot but once. Not her thing at all - and never will be.