Which rifle for 5'2" person?

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

marklbucla

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
1,195
Location
Los Angeles
I've been trying to find stuff for my gf to shoot comfortably. I've got a marlin model 60 that's a bit too heavy and big for her. Is there anything smaller I should take a look at? I haven't seen anything smaller than a mod 60 or a 10/22 in any gunshops.
 
if a 10/22 is too big for her, I think she's just not meant to shoot long guns:p. I think the 10/22 or a 77/22 (.22 bolt action) would be just about ideal for anyone starting out shooting long guns. I'm 5'0" and have no problems (reach wise) with my 10/22. As far as weight is concerned, a centerfire long gun that she feels is "light enough for her" is going to kick a whole lot more (which is a lot more uncomfortable than using a heavy gun IMO) than a gun that she thinks is too heavy.

edited in case someone thinks my first sentence was serious:)
 
Last edited:
You are going to have to dedicate HER a gun of her own.
I would start with a 10-22.
Have the stock cut off to suit her.
Most trap & skeet clubs will have or know of someone who fits recoil pads. Get him to cut the stock off a little at a time until she can mount it correctly. Then have him cut it off a quarter inch more and put a rubber "rifle" pad on so it doesn't slip on her shoulder.

A correct length stock will help her manage the weight.
If it still seems heavy to her (A 5.5 lb gun, heavy?) there is always exercise and practice. Or you could take some weight off with a Butler Creek Featherweight (plastic) barrel, but that will run the cost up more. Is she worth it?
 
Ahh..no problem. Trade her off to me. I'll send you a larger model in exchange! :D

Seriously though, unless you are stuck on a semi auto, CZ makes an excellent "youth" model that would fit comfortably.

Mr Watson has some good advice about getting a stock cut. A new stock is relatively inexpensive on a 10-22. You can pretty much get one dirt cheap since a lot of folks replace the factory stocks on their Rugers when building a "target" rifle.

Good Shooting
Red
 
A "Chipmunk" might be too small ...

Is she worth it?
Click to expand...
You're already talking about what to buy; and it's a rifle, not the mortgage on a house. GF or not, she's a potential gun owner. Of course she's worth it. :)

When I was a kid, we used a Stevens Crack Shot; I still like to shoot them (but have a good gunsmith check the soundness of the metal if you find one of these). The modern equivalent is a Savage No. 30 "Favorite." Fit and finish aren't what they used to be, but that's fixable, and you won't mind altering the stock so much. In addition, there are a lot of old "boy's rifles" on the used market. An old Remington Model 33 handles like a dream, and it's quite small and light. Prices will vary, but these old rifles are nice options. Recall that, once upon a time, it was normal for children to have and shoot guns. Manufacturers made a lot of short, light rifles to fit them.

{EDITED TO ADD:} And when she's ready to shoot a centerfire rifle, get her an M1 carbine! When to do that is a judgment call for you to make. In my (family's) case, Dad got one for my mother (who's 5'2" like your GF) for Mother's Day when she was going to have their first child — me! Mom has told me that I went to the rifle range a few times before I was born. :D
 
If you get her a 10/22 and want to futz around with the stock, let me know and for the price of shipping, I'll give you a factory stock that I took off of mine. If you go that way, PM me, and I'll set you up.

Cheers

Mac
 
You can modify the 10/22 stock

Browning makes a rather petite autoloading 22lr that is nice enough to become an heirloom if you guys get married and have kids.

There's that Stevens falling block that just came out, it's pretty small.

There's always a standard barrel NEF HandiRifle.

A Winchester 94 Trapper is small and light. In 357mag, you get the punch of 357s or light 38s. Probably the best bet if you want power and ease of use.

Chris
 
hold off,,,,, do not touch that saw yet. Before you go shortening something I think you should check her stance when shooting. To get a feel for what I am thinking. Shoulder your rifle, as you would shoot. Then pivot right and left with it mounted. The angle you are pointing in relation to your foot and body position make a lot of difference in the "feel" of the length? Have her point her left foot (assuming right handed) toward the target, her left shoulder should be towards the target. then without turning her body, have her shoulder the rifle and point it at the target.

If you go with a 10/22 there are a lot of original stocks out there that can be bought for 20$. Just laying in closets. The fancy stock market for 10/22 is brisk.
 
4 point Collapsable stock AR (wait until Sept 2004) w/16" bbl dedicated 22 upper. Nice, light and because the stock is adjustable, it is tailored by her to fit her frame. If she wants to go high power, you swap uppers for a normal 16" bbl 5.56 mm upper. :)
 
Chipmunk or similar little Henry rifle should work nicely, though slow to load, of course.

I'm 5'6", and it's not too little for me to shoulder comfortably.
 
Thanks all for the suggestions, but I think the next rifle added to the stable would probably be the CZ Scout because I like the dimensions, weight, and the option for the 10 round mags or single shot bolt action.
 
I should have looked at your location. No evil black guns for gf in CA.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top