My little girl wants to shoot.

[Interloper]

My 10-year-old daughter would like to learn how to shoot. I would rather start her off with a rifle but her interest lies in handguns. I wish to encourage her interest. It is my fault I bought her a spring powered airsoft pistol, a Beretta copy to be specific. She shoots spot on within 20 feet. Any way she accompanied me on a trip to the local gun shop and saw a Walther P22 and thought it was the coolest thing. So she is enrolled in an upcoming hunters safety course required by the local gun shop/indoor range for her to shoot there. My question is the P22 has a rather ambiguous record my preference is for the Buckmark or Ruger 22/45. Then I wonder whether a revolver may be better. That said is a there an appreciable difference in recoil for a .22 mag and 22 lr. And forgive my ignorance I have little knowledge of smaller caliber firearms. Can a .22 lr be fired from a revolver chambered for a .22 mag? Any opinions would be welcome. Thanks again.

 

[Rob1035]

Welcome to The High Road, and Congratulations on the new shooting partner!


My recommendations (I like ruger rimfires a lot):
-Ruger bearcat: 22lr revolver, smaller sized might be the ticket
-Ruger MKIII 22/45: the MKIII has a much slimmer grip, again, might be good for little hands
-Ruger Single Six: comes with two cylinders, one in 22lr and one in 22 magnum


I'm sure others will give their thoughts as well

 

[lyricsdad]

my middle daughter, she's 14 now, was 12 when she wanted to shoot, i did the same thing, got her a spring air soft pistol. she got bored, started plinking outside w/ my gas powered airsoft glock27, boardem kicked in again, and she went to the remington nylon 66 .22 rifle, she is a dead on shot! She shoots the p22 comfortably but prefers rifles. Now my oldest one, she loves to shoot pistols, small teen, who can handle the .40, 9mm, and the .45 with ease. She loves pistols as much as her dad.

 

[Mr_Moore]

Daughters and shooting

My youngest daughter - 15 - picked up my SP101 .357 and blam, blam, blam, blam, blam hit 5 bullseyes at 25 feet. She was very excited about her success but has not been able to duplicate the feat!

My older daughter - 22 - we started calling her the klutz after she shut her head in a car door - fired one of my pistols and hit the ceiling. On the second shot she hit the the floor. This girl was also president of the honor society and is going for an MBA and a Law degree as soon as she finishes her 4 year degree.

Any who, I bought a Ruger Mark III which is a .22 lr. Everyone in my family likes it. They all think it is managable. You can not go wrong with this or a MarkII. I got the MarkIII because it came with a scope mount.

Here are some pictures of what me the wife and kids shoot. From left to right: the Mark III .22lr, the Ruger SP101 .357 and my Smith and Wesson Model 19 .357. I gotta get a better camera...

 

[pax]

First, welcome to THR.

Second, good for you for encouraging your daughter's interest in shooting! It's a pleasure to see youngsters getting started in the shooting sports and that really is the future of our right to own guns in America. Thanks for doing your part.

Down to brass tacks.

The Walther .22 really doesn't have a great record, but I always think it's a shame to tromp on even a child's preferences when they are first getting started shooting -- and the Walther does, at least, fit small hands very well. She's not going to be betting her life on its function and it is an attractive little gun. However, it wouldn't do any harm to show her some other guns and perhaps steer her toward something else if she doesn't have her heart set already.

Other guns you might consider (not in any particular order):

* Ruger Mark II or Mark III. The Mark II is the classic learn-to-shoot semi-auto handgun. Mark III is an updated version. Depending on your daughter's hand size, though, it may not be the best for her until she grows a bit.

* Beretta Neos. This one has a sleek, futuristic appearance which appeals to kids and teenagers a lot. It's got a slender grip so it might fit her hand well.

re the .22mag, there's no appreciable difference in recoil between it and the .22lr, but I wouldn't choose a .22mag for a first gun simply because .22lr is so much more widely available and costs considerably less. To my knowledge, you cannot fire a .22lr out of a .22mag cylinder, but at least one company (North American Arms) makes a tiny little revolver which allows you to swap cylinders and shoot either .22lr or .22mag out of the same frame. Not recommended for a first gun (far too small and rudimentary), but a nifty range toy.

pax

 

[CraigJS]

What ever you choose watch her like a hawk. A short gun like a pistol is way too easy to get careless with, even for some adults! Being that short makes them VERY easy to swing around. Thats why a rifle would be MY first choice.
That being said, (my opinion only take it or leave it) a Beretta Neos is nice for small hands. (not the best of triggers though, I had one) A nice wheel gun would perhaps be a bit safer, and help teach her hitting the target is more important than throwing large masses of lead down range.. Just my opinions, nothing more.
Good Luck, CraigJS

 

[donkee]

My 11yr old started shooting handguns with a Walther P22. It has been a good gun, reliable as long as it is kept clean. He will be moving up to a FN Hi-Power very soon. Just ordered up an SFS MK III.

I would go for the Walther. It can be particular about ammo, but my son's feeds CCI Mini Mags without complaint.

FWIW

 

[Dienekes]

My daughter started shooting single shot .22 rifle at around 7 yrs of age and is still at it. Not sure what pistol she started with but it was probably a Single Six. At around 13 we agreed that she should start learning how to to use a centerfire pistol and after trying just about everything she decided she liked the glock 19. When she was about 20 I sent her down to Gunsite and she loved it.

My daughter in law learned on a S&W kit gun, then decided that she liked the Ruger SP-101.

The point is that girls and women do best with whatever they take a liking to. (I've taught quite a few women and so far that's been true in every case.) It's a very subjective thing with them and logic only goes so far. So if the piece is basically suitable that's the one to go with.

 

[Sunray]

"...Can a .22 lr be fired from a revolver chambered for a .22 mag?..." No. It's not like a .38 and .357.
A handgun must fit her hand, same as it does your's, for her to be able to shoot it well and safely. Take her to your local shop and let her try a few on for size. .22's only and a revolver will do nicely, but it must fit her hand. Depending on how big her hand is, let her try a Ruger semi on for size. You don't need to load 10 if it fits.
And use balloons as her first targets. Easy enough to hit and something happens. Nothing bores a new 10 year old shooter as fast as targets that don't tell her she hit it. New shooters in general now that I think of it.

 

[KONY]

I say get the Buck Mark Challenge. That way, you get the Buck Mark quality in a smaller, lighter configuration for her. This model is usually harder to find in stores than the Camper or Standard models but I am sure you can find one and might even be able to special order one.

 

[EddieCoyle]

Both of my kids' first handgun experience was with my Ruger MKII. If I had it to do over, I'd've bought the model with a shorter standard barrel and not the one with the longer bull barrel. It gets too heavy for my daughter.

 

[Graystar]

Both of my kids' first handgun experience was with my Ruger MKII. If I had it to do over, I'd've bought the model with a shorter standard barrel and not the one with the longer bull barrel. It gets too heavy for my daughter.

Yeah, I was thinking that a MK II would be too heavy.

You can try a 4" Ruger 22/45. The polymer frame makes the gun lighter. If it's still too heavy then you can buy a Volquartsen LLV aluminum barrel. I think that will produce a very lightweight gun. Combine that with low velocity ammo and you got yourself a fun-gun.

A 22/45 is around $250 I think, and an LLV barrel is $267.90

 

[Boarhunter]

Interloper,

My daughter is 8 and recently started shooting (she loves it). I have started her collection off with a Henry single shot bolt action .22 and a Ruger Bearcat single action .22 revolver. Both guns are very light in weight and very small of frame, making them great "starter" guns for the little guys.

I have been shooting for 30 years and am proud to see my children continue in the tradition (by the way, I also have a 24 year-old-daughter who began shooting as well as a youngster, and her interest continues to this day).

Boarhunter

Ps: Don't forget the ear muffs (I got "pink" ones for my daughter, of course) and safety eyeglasses!

 

[therealsteamer]

For what its worth when we go to the range(in-laws back pasture), we bring our 4 year old daughter along to see the grandparents. She will eventually migrate out back as she wants to see what Mommy and Daddy are doing. Once out there she really,really, wants to shoot. We will thumbtack a balloon to the backstop and let her "shoot" at it with a Winchester Mod. 55 single shot loaded with CCI blue tip .22 LR rat shot. She pulls the trigger, gun goes pop, then the balloon does the same. Good cause and effect lesson. She will do this 3 or 4 times then she says it is our turn. She does know where the safety is on the 55 and how to push it to the off position, she has to work it some. She has shot my 10/22 a few times, but can't quite get the scope thing. Oh, and yes she has her own set of youth ear muffs and eyeware.

(She has an affinity for my reloading addiction as well. She will come in and ask to "do bullets". I let her have a tub of clean casings and set up a 9mm expander die. She has gone through 100+ at a time all by her self, just hangin' with daddy. It is neat to see her little 4 year old fingers carefully placing the shell in the holder, then that grin grows as she pulls the heck out of the handle. She the proudly shows me each one before putting it in a cup)
Steamer.............

 

[Tokugawa]

You are all great parents! Take a minute and pat yourselves on the back !

 

[Texas9]

Probably too young...

Think this is my third post... This is great!

Anyway, my little girl is gonna be three in Jan. No shooting anytime soon, but every time I pull out my 92, she can't take her eyes off of it. I haven't let her hold it yet (don't know when I should, but am open to suggestions), but I go over it with her very carefully. I point out the hammer, slide, mag release, trigger, etc., while every once in awhile reminding her that it's not a toy and shouldn't be played with which I have her repeat (she does so with a smile on her face). I'm not sure if she just enjoys the time spent with Daddy (I like to think that has something to do with it), or if she has a bonified interest in firearms. She's seen my 12 ga., but I haven't showed it to her yet. Maybe it's time...

I do look forward to the day I get to shoot with her.

 

[therealsteamer]

replying under hubby's name

Hello, I am his wife, so don't hold anything I say against hm. lol
I personally do not think that 3 is too young. Our daughter has been around gunfire since, well, inutero. I think it is very important not to only tell a child that it is not a toy, but to demonstrate what a gunshot could do. (i.e. balloons, pumpkins, watermelons) We as adults tend to forget that children observe EVERYTHING that we do, whether we want them to or not. So let her know that it is o.k. to be interested in guns. They aren't just for boys. Safety always first, and I strongly believe in a household rule that, no mater what, children NEVER touch a gun unless a parent is around. Everyone knows their child best, and maturity should always be considered.

And one suggestion, if she is afraid when the gun is fired, remind her that Daddy would never hurt her, we used to smile and kind of give a little laugh after a shot was fired, our princess was never scared.

Steffanie in Ohio

 

[arizcowboy]

I started my daughters shooting at age 8 with a Ruger 10/22 and a Ruger Mark II. As teenagers they now like the Browning Buckmark, 10/22 (bull barrel) and Sig P226.

 

[chris in va]

From my experience with kids at the range, the Ruger might be a little on the heavy side unless you get a 4" 22/45. I took my friend's 12 year old out with my 5.5" version and she was done after 3 mags. She simply couldn't hold up the gun anymore.

Otherwise go for the P22. From what I've read it won't malfunction *that* bad, especially the new S&W ones. It's very light, will fit her hand (and yours) and is sporty.

 

[lyricsdad]

my p22 has over 60,000 rounds through it

The only thing I have had fail was the hammer spring. Other than that it has been a great time!

 

[sm]

I am not a parent. I have been adopted as an Uncle by many kids. Their parent(s) say I am just a taller kid myself.

I agree kids are the future, they observe everything. They are also "influenced" by media, teachers and other kids parents - not all of which is Pro-Gun.

Kids have questions ( boy do they), that need answers, they need to ALWAYS feel safe. Kids often do want a "neat" gun to shoot- other times an "adult gun". I agree a kid needs to feel good about shooting and learning.

One thing is - kids sometimes do not want to shoot a "kids" gun. Gets into self esteem and being looked 'down' on. Especially when they get a bit older.

I agree with Ruger MKI, MII in the standard versions. These are not heavy and fatigue so quick. Small Buckmarks are great! These also look "adult".

I make an exception for J frames for new shooters, especially kids. Find one in .22lr, these fit kids hands so well. I also cheat and use the Primer only fired .38spl Speer Rubber Bullets. Kids of all sizes have fun with these...

I admit I prefer to start a kid with a rifle scaled to fit them. They would see me shooting a Rem 514, a single shot only, and therefore their smaller version was "okay".

Steering a kid to a rifle , or back to one can be tricky. Here again I cheated.

Beretta 21A in 22lr. Tip up bbl is easy to keep safe and for a kid to learn on.

Kid hits the tin can, balloon, whatever with their rifle - it falls over, breaks, it reacts.

Beretta 21A with Rat shot will not knock over the can ( forget the fact water, filled now).

"Well that totally sucked, I want to shoot my rifle again" .

Tin can 'bursts' with spray and reacts, when shot with the rifle and bullets this time "yeah, that is what I'm talking about" <happy kid> ...we stayed with rifles for a bit longer. *grin*

Don't you all be telling off on me now...

 

[go_fish]

Would have to agree with the mark III. Fun gun for all to shoot and very manageable!

 

[geekWithA.45]

Welcome!

If she really thinks it's the coolest thing in the world, and it really fires up her imagination, by all means, get it for her.

The last thing she needs at this point is a bunch of crusty old internet gun farts foisting a gun on her she never even heard of before.

If you feel the need to do the due dilligence, show the alternatives to her, but watch her carefully, to see if she has the same spark for them. Keep in mind she might say yes just to please you.

Oh, and while I'm thinking of it, didn't they have an airgun form of the p22?

 

[tttuac]

I love this group

My son has also been around the sound of gunfire since he was a little guy. He is now 15 and dad has taken him to range, but it's my turn now. I can't wait for him to try my birthday present, G26. I have a 15 yr old niece who's living with us now and she is itching to go shoot... Life is great when you have kids that like the same thing we like...ok obsessed with

 

[Correia]

My daughters started at the age of 3. (well supervised, with me holding onto them, .22 revolver)

My five year old cleared most of CoreyACP's plate rack at the Utah THR campout. (what can I say, I'm a proud dad).