Please don't take offense at this post but IMHO until a child can shoot at least a 30-30 with no problem and consistantly hit a 3 inch target at 100 yards, you are asking for trouble. An 8,9,10,11 year old child is too young period. Take them with you a few years and when they turn 12, start them shooting. Practice, practice, practice. Then put a real rifle in there hands when both of you are totally in-synch. The child will get just as much fun on the "hunt" as actually shooting. Kids have been traumatized when killing something as a child. You may want to consult an expert on the subject. Regards, Rick.
I would go with a chipmunk or a cricket rifle. Single shot 22, with youth stock, perfect for kids to learn on. I am going to buy my daughter the cricket with the pink stock for when she is older. Good luck.
I'm with 48th and Longrifle. My son is a very big 11 year old. He has a "cricket" rifle (bolt, single shot .22) and does a good job. Sometimes I have him carry it unloaded while I hunt so that I can watch him. I think the most important part is training and marksmanship. He's ready to graduate to a bigger gun. I'm going to take him bird and rabbit hunting before I let him in the field with a centerfire. Legal age for big game is 12 in CO.
Calibers: 243, 7mm-08, .308 and 30-30 are all considered light recoil and can be found in youth guns. All are based on the .308 casing except the 30-30. In CO 243 is the legal minimum. All are capable of taking up to elk with the proper bullet (this is a judgment call). Recoil can be managed with lighter bullets and a good recoil pad.
Rifles: Single shots are good for trainers. Both NEF and Rossi have single shots of good quality that can be had for just over $200. The Rossi does not come in 7mm 08 but in 243 and .308. Both come in either youth models or adult. Rossi has a 'triple play that comes with a barrel for each; 243, 20 ga shotgun and .22 rimfire. It was on sale at Cabelas last week for about $260. They are also working on a barrel program to add barrels to the existing receiver. An NEF will run you about $250, but you can send it to the factory and have any barrell; shotgun, black powder or other centerfire caliber added for about $70. Both have websites with good info.
Both Rem and Browning make good bolt youth guns. Youth guns usually have shorter barrels. I might opt for a regular sized gun and then put a stock with a shorter LoP on it. Either way you end up buying a new stock as your kid grows.
Spud
__________________ "In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia.""
Charles A. Lindbergh
I have been mulling over this questions for the past 3 years. I have come to this conclusion: Thompson Center Encore. Advantages: single shot (simple operation) and it hasinterchangable barrels (shotgun, rifle and muzzleloader). Disadvantages: weight, barrel length (24 inch)and (i believe) lack of a safety. I believe that knowing that you only have one shot,youare more likely to make itcount. My son who is 5 now,has a cricket 22. I have plenty of time to refine my opinion, but as of today this is it.
Best way to go is with a .22 then to a .410 has the kick but still not that much. Then to the 20 gauge. And then start with the rifles. And the 22 and .410 will teach how to group and use the sights, And also the .410 will teach the differnce between slugs and buckshot, even if u wont hunt with a shotgun, still good to have the knowledge down. I would say for rifle .223 dosnt really kick, i shoot our AR-15 with one hand.
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Quote:
ok so the 1 percent chance is if it brakes, thats the only way the liquid of death can get out any way, i think.
Kid's Gun
