Posted on 01/04/2016 1:41:55 PM PST by cornfedcowboy
My 14 yr old has done a good job saving some money and would like to purchase a .22 rifle. Probably lever action. Don't need anything flashy, but something that won't break the bank. Probably around $300 although I am happy to help him with the $$ if more money is needed. He will use it to walk through the woods and hunt squirrel and rabbit. Would love any Freepers advice what to look for or stay away from. He is a good kid and will keep up on the maintenance.
Well, the only somewhat affordable one is the Henry - and I think there's a knock-off of the Marlin 39 on the market now (though nobody seems to have seen one up close). Real Marlin 39s and Browning BL-22s are pricey, and the now-discontinued Winchester 9422 is absurdly expensive.
I wish Ruger would bring back the 10/22-based 96/22 lever guns. With the current interest in suppressors on rimfire rifles, a locked-breech version of the 10/22 would probably sell pretty well. You might find a used one online; they can use 10/22 barrels, magazines, etc.
If bolt-actions are a possibility, have a look at the Ruger American Rimfire, model 8334. Threaded muzzle, olive drab stock, medium-weight barrel - and a 10/22 type magazine.
No reason to avoid lever action. None
The classic: Marlin Model 39 or 39A lever action .22 rifle in blue steel & wood. Search gunbroker.com for best price.
It starts as a boy’s rifle & then is carried for life.
The Marlin 39 comes up on Gunbroker now and then, they usually go for over $700
If you want a lever action,then consider a Marlin 39A.Pretty much unbeatable for fit and finis and the accuracy is excellent.
A Henry H001 is only $300 brand new.
Ruger 10/22 ($250 to $400 depending on make and model)
Henry lever action .22 ($300 to $400)
Ruger 10/22 is a fine rifle.
Does Marlin still make the 80 DL? It was my first and an excellent bolt action.
I had an Ithaca lever action .22. Single shot. I was by far the best shot out of all my buddies. One place we would toss a stick into the creek and shoot it as it floated down. I always had to throw it to give me a handicap. I still almost always hit it first out of two or three buddies with their semi-autos. Was a very safe gun, and great to learn on.
(My daughter was impressed this summer with me throwing my own clays out of the hand trap - she wasn’t strong enough to throw them!)
I have a Henry Youth model that’s pretty nice. It loosens up after it goes through a few Youth’s. It does shorts, longs and long rifles. But nobody uses anything but LR’s anymore.
A base Ruger 10/22 however would be my choice. He could keep it forever and have a blast.
Henery Goldenboy. That thing is such quality that he will be handing it down to his great grand kids.
Henry 22 - have a scope on ours for son but not sure of specifics.
I have one in .22 magnum, absolutely love it. Henry makes a good rifle.
The Marlin 39 has been out of production for some time and their value has increased. The older Marlin 60’s have increased lately as well. Used to be able to pick them up for $60-70, now they run $120
Start him with a single shot .22 add a telescopic sight and add a brick or two of .22 long rifle ammunition. A lot of us started with a similar rifle.
Move to the Ruger 10-22 when you think he’s ready. There’s enough accessories readily available to modify it to his heart’s content.
I noticed one poster suggested the Marlin single shot .22, that’s a great choice. Other brands are likely similar.
Check to see what’s common in the used rifle rack at your local gun shop or nearby gun show.
Now those are three good choices. My first .22 cal rifle was a Marlin bolt action rifle. Great rifle... Although through the years I’ve acquired several more. a Mossberg 46B, and a Ruger 10/22.
The Ruger is great for squirrel hunting, but that old Mossberg is still a tack driver although it’s heavy. The Marlin is the best for the money.
Henry makes a great youth model. Lurker Jr. loved his.
L
For a single shot bolt gun a used Winchester 67, the perfect beginners gun. Safe, thrifty, and made in a time when “kid’s guns” were produced to the same quality as the big boys. They can be found for $150 or so. I buy every one I come across to have as teaching guns and gifts.
Nothing wrong with a Ruger, but my favorite is a Remington Nylon 66, which is no longer made.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.