Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires 22 pistol for kids to shoot

I would strongly agree with those suggesting a revolver of some kind, either single or double action. Different kids have different levels of maturity and attention spans but a handgun that automatically readies itself for the next shot, touched off by a light pull on the trigger, might be a bit too advanced for a 6 year old, even under close supervision. You know your kids better than anyone else here so you’d have to be the judge of that. But the idea of learning to fire one deliberate shot can never be instilled too deeply at any age.

Plus you will want to keep the weight down as much as possible. Experience teaching grown women to shoot handguns showed me they don’t like heavy guns – Smith K and J frames were what the grownups liked to shoot so a child’s smaller hands and even lesser strength should be considered. The S&W kit gun is a good choice but pricey these days. The Bearcat with adjustable sights is another great choice and sized right for small hands, blued ones are running from about $450 up on gunbroker.

I'm guessing at those ages the girls haven't become handgun snobs yet (but who knows? ) so a decent used H&R or a Taurus might be a good choice to keep prices down.

Don't much take to kids and handguns, but if one goes the revolver route make sure no appendages are any further forward than the trigger guard regardless of caliber or cartridge.

I love my SW 617 and the suggestions of other SW revolvers, but the OP said not wanting to break the bank.

That kind of rules out SW's.

I think I am correct on this. According to the ATF pistols and revolvers are a different classification. But in the real world-- who gives a rats a$$.

My sons & nieces have shot the heck out of my Ruger Single Six Convertible (.22 LR). I thought it might be a bit on the heavy side but none of them seem to mind. I did the "redneck trigger job" on it and it still functions perfectly. I also have a Ruger SR22 and like humdinger says, it's a nice size for small hands, and reasonably priced.

Yeah, pistols can be really dangerous due to their short size and mobility.

That's why you gotta be real careful mixing kids and pistols. I stay very close behind so they can't sweep the area, do something unsafe.

DO NOT stand back and let them shoot a pistol. You gotta be right there, very close, constantly teaching safety and gun hnadling protocol.

With the right situation and the right kid, it can be a good and productive thing.

DF

ATF hasn't gotten much right in their history...

DF

^^^THIS absolutely, but I would substitute the word "kids" with "novices" (of any age.) Taught some girlfriends to shoot back in the day. You have to vigilant with handguns and novices!

Yep.

Kids, novices, beginners...

They're all potentially very dangerous if not closely monitored and the situation taken very seriously.

DF

That's for damn sure!

Thanks everyone for the responses. A lot of great information from some very knowledgeable sources. Safety is of course my first priority. My girls mean more to me than anything else in the world. This is more about the opportunity to spend time with them as they grow up doing something we all can enjoy and hopefully they can learn a few valueable lessons along the way, like how to protect themselves. So thank you for all your suggestions. I've got a lot to think about and plenty of time to do more research before I make that purchase. Thanks Again!

if you go revolver... how about a new ruger sp101. Please tell us what get.

I had an early SP101, .22LR.

Solid, well made gun. The trigger wasn't as good as my vintage S&W Kit Gun. And, for a pistol, a good trigger is critical for good groups.

Ruger's LCR series has a great DA trigger, maybe some of that technology rubbed off on the new 101. Not sure about that.

DF

Ruger SR22 is what you want for kids.

I'll throw in another vote for the 22/45 Lite. I really like mine. The SR 22 would work well too if you're going semiauto, and a Buckmark would work too. I'd prefer a decent revolver for a beginner due to their simplicity, but they're usually a little more pricey.

Don't forget the Walther P22.

DF

Bobcat may be sorta small, but is accurate. The other two are ideal for this application.

DF

I think right now I'm leaning toward the Ruger sr22 or the Walther p22. But will have to see what is available when I have the funds and will have to see how they fit in the girls hands.

I have two girls so I may just have to get a second 22 pistol and make that one a "revolver".

Naught a ruger bearcat for my kids to shoot years ago when they were little. Just the right size..

I have a Ruger SR22. It was a little picky about ammo when new. It is better now. Still a little picky, though. I've read that they will eat anything after they get 1000 rounds or so put down the pipe.

I would do a little research over on Rimfire Central about the Walther. I think they are more ammo sensitive. Just do a little research first.

Good Luck!!

kevlars