First Squirrel Gun

[crackerdave]

What would yall suggest for my 10 year old grandson's first gun?
He's had a pellet rifle for a year,and is a good shot and safe handler with it.
I intend to start him squirrel-doggin' this year.My idea is an over-under 20ga. and .22 singleshot,if Stevens still makes one.

Any suggestions?

 

[menhadenman]

The savage rascal 22 is a good option. All three of my kids have been shooting one since they were young.

 

[crackerdave]

The savage rascal 22 is a good option. All three of my kids have been shooting one since they were young.

Any problems with the peep sights?

 

[Mac]

My first about 60 years ago was a single shot 20 ga. youth model, which I still have. It really kicked!!! When my son got of age I reloaded him some soft shells about equivalent to 410 ga. IMO a kid should not start off with .22 get a shotgun first.

So if it was not for the expensive shells I would go with a 410.

 

[DOUG 281]

 

[crackerdave]

Looks like I'm hunting a single shot 20 ga ! That's what I started with,and it taught me to make the first shot count.

 

[TurkeyH90]

If you are hunting over dogs he needs a shotgun. I would suggest a lightweight auto. Full choke and only one in the chamber till he is mature enough to handle more. And remind him to never shoot a squirrel below 20' on the tree and NEVER on the ground. We have had a few close calls over the years.

 

[bany]

The 20 ga. was a great starter gun. Not a youth model but a single shot, 3”, modified choke. Hunted everything from squirrels to bear! Got my first deer that year with it. Its 49 now and I used it a few years ago to kill another buck!

 

[DOUG 281]

I got my son the 870 REM youth model come with a full and a modified choke good little gun

 

[DOUG 281]

IT is a 20 ga

 

[crackerdave]

Maybe the Rossi that comes with two barrels in .22 and 20ga single shot is the solution.
Sportsman's Warehouse has it for less than $200.

 

[menhadenman]

Any problems with the peep sights?

I think the peeps are solid although maybe not as easy in low light conditions. A little dab of fluorescent paint on the front sight helps.

The other potential downside is that it's only a single shot. On the other hand, all three of my kids started shooting it at maybe 5 years of age and it's great for the fundamentals (safety, aiming, making the first shot count). It's also pretty affordable and single shot makes a brick of ammo last longer. Another option is a solid bolt gun with 7 round mag. I have an old Marlin but don't think they're made anymore.

The 10/22s are great but unless you get a charger the length of pull can teach kids goofy habits (leaning backwards for example). We have a couple of those and I find it to be a little distracting in that some kids just like spanking a magazine rather than focusing on the shot. A quick follow up is handy though.

A lot of good options so hard to go wrong. I think the best thing is getting youth into our heritage in outdoors and marksmanship.

 

[Throwback]

Either a single shot .22 or a single shot .410

 

[DOUG 281]

410 is a good gun

 

[crackerdave]

The 20 ga. was a great starter gun. Not a youth model but a single shot, 3”, modified choke. Hunted everything from squirrels to bear! Got my first deer that year with it. Its 49 now and I used it a few years ago to kill another buck!

Another good reason to get him a shotgun.

 

[antharper]

I started out with a 410 for a couple years then went to a 12 single shot . Still have it and it still kicks just as bad

 

[Hillbilly stalker]

Maybe the Rossi that comes with two barrels in .22 and 20ga single shot is the solution.
Sportsman's Warehouse has it for less than $200.

Another plus for the Rossi is that it is the only single shot I am aware of that has a safety on it. Great training aid for future weapons. Also I would stick with a 20 gauge. Squirrel hunting with a dog usually puts the squirrels in the biggest trees and often near the top. You will need the range.

 

[crackerdave]

Another plus for the Rossi is that it is the only single shot I am aware of that has a safety on it. Great training aid for future weapons. Also I would stick with a 20 gauge. Squirrel hunting with a dog usually puts the squirrels in the biggest trees and often near the top. You will need the range.

Good point...thanks.

I want to teach him stillhunting,too.Hard for a 10 yo to sit still very long!

 

[crackerdave]

I think the peeps are solid although maybe not as easy in low light conditions. A little dab of fluorescent paint on the front sight helps.

The other potential downside is that it's only a single shot. On the other hand, all three of my kids started shooting it at maybe 5 years of age and it's great for the fundamentals (safety, aiming, making the first shot count). It's also pretty affordable and single shot makes a brick of ammo last longer. Another option is a solid bolt gun with 7 round mag. I have an old Marlin but don't think they're made anymore.

The 10/22s are great but unless you get a charger the length of pull can teach kids goofy habits (leaning backwards for example). We have a couple of those and I find it to be a little distracting in that some kids just like spanking a magazine rather than focusing on the shot. A quick follow up is handy though.

A lot of good options so hard to go wrong. I think the best thing is getting youth into our heritage in outdoors and marksmanship.

Without the kids,our sport will eventually be gone.

 

[menhadenman]

Without the kids,our sport will eventually be gone.

Had mine in the woods last night!