I've got an old single shot Winchester, but the stock and barrel are simply too long for my children to shoot. I'd like to pick up something that I could use to teach them gun safety and shooting basics - plus it's just fun to shoot and I want to have a gun they can enjoy shooting with me.

I took a look at the Cricket .22 and a Winchester .22 that has a smaller stock and barrel. Price wise they are within about $20 of each other, so that's a wash. One has a peep site, the other your basic buckhorn open sights. One sets the trigger upon closing the bolt and the other has a knob you have to pull before firing.

Anyone have either of these little guns and have any insight as to what are the pros and cons for each? I like that they are single shots, but worry that the knob spring may be too stiff for a child to pull themselves (which may be good and may be bad).

I'd love some feedback.

Savage / Stevens model 15, 120 single shot bolt action fits ther younger's and can find them for about $75 to 125 at pawn shops

I bought a Savage/Stevens favorite for my grandson.
I had the stock cut down 1" and added a rubber butt pad so it can be leaned in a corner without falling down. Then added a Leupold 2.5 shotgun scope, parallex corrected for 75 yds.
I don't think this combo weighs much more than 4 lbs.
To my way of thinking this falling block action with exposed hammer is a verry safe rifle for a young shooter. Besides "Gramps" likes packing it also!
Virgil B.

Check out the CZ youth rifle. They have a single shot adapter you can replace with a magazine. I'd order a magazine with the rifle as I feel a single shot is unnecesary for training youth with a boltgun. Mine is so accurate I use it all the time shooting little tweety birds at over 100 yards. Unbelievable gun. Should be able to pick one up in the $150-170- range. Money well spent. I could'nt find one locally so got one over the internet from the CZ connection in Georgia via gunbroker, auction arms, I forget which one.
IMHO

I just have to second the "Favorite". They are great first guns, and heck I still shoot em.

My kids and grandkids all learned to shoot with my old Savage M/1905 single-shot. It was originally my grandfathers and it has seen lots of first-time users (maybe 6 generations). Simple and safe, and you can usually find them cheap.

I recently bought a HR(NEF) 22/410 two barrel set.For a single shot, I like the break open action. It is easier to track whether the gun is loaded or not. The action is well made, but the stock leaves a lot to be desired. For $180.00 it is a good buy. I wish the 410 barrel had a rib.This is a good combo for a kid.pak

Weighed the "favorite" It came in at 4 lbs, 12 oz. with scope & mount. Good weight for packing all day...
Virgil B.

I'll second the Savage/Stevens 15/120. They're cheap, still available, and will not cock with the bolt throw. What's more, when your little ones grow up, they will still be shooting them--the chipmonks and crickets will get lost in the closet. Steve

CZ Scout. Picked one up for my granddaughter at a gun show for $139. You can get Brookie's spring kit for $9 and get a really nice trigger pull. Only problem I see with the Scout is that the butt stock and pistol grip may be a bit clunky for some youngsters. I taught my boys to shoot with a Favorite. Had to sell it when I was a starving student.

Paul