AR in .22 - youth's first rifle

[Kalrog]

Howdy all - I just had a strange idea (do I have any other kind?). It is about time to get my son shooting, and to that end I purchased a CZ 452 about 2 months ago. GREAT rifle. Much more accurate than the shooter (me) with a great reputation. The problem is that it is still slightly large for my 5 year old to handle - although at a bench it would work okay. I didn't want to go out and get a dedicated "youth" stock rifle (aka chipmunk) because of how fast he will out grow that. So I was going to make due with the larger rifle and help him as much as he needed, but then I saw a post somewhere about 2 weeks ago about a true .22lr upper for an AR (instead of just the replacement bolts). And then I thought those 6 position stocks are pretty short. And then I really got to thinking. Long story short - the son and I went to the LGS today and I had them show me an AR and put it up to his shoulder (he wouldn't do that before checking to make sure that it was unloaded - good boy!). It fit better than even a Ruger 10/22. I gotta say - I think this might truly be the way to go for a first rifle!

Now the question is - what upper to get. I have had nothing but good luck with CZ and they make one. But the LGS suggested Spikes Tactical and I do trust this guy's opinion - especially WRT ARs.

Thoughts?

[mr surveyor]

not to question your zeal for a "Big Boy" gun to start the young'un out with, but why not something like the little youth model Rossi "convertable" single shot so he can have .22 and .410 interchangeable barrels. My grandson, now 13 and handling any gun you stick in his hands, still cherishes his first "real gun", now set back for a keepsake.

[Kalrog]

Well, I have a problem with .410s in general so the convertible thing like you mention is out. As far as I'm concerned, shotguns start at the 20ga.

I'm not totally opposed to getting scout or youth sized rifle for him, but I would rather spend more money on something that will last the rest of his life than on a cheap thing whose only virtue is its small size - that will be outgrown in a year or so. And I was surprised with how well the AR with the 6 position stock actually did fit him.

[frreed]

Actually that is not a bad idea. With both the .22 and the 5.56 uppers he (you) would have a great rifle to start with and then to grow with. The AR is accurate and fun to shoot. The .22 upper would be a good deal as you could use it for plinking at a whole lot cheaper rate than the 5.56.

As for being to much of a "big boy"gun. It is no problem to shoot an AR as a single shot. Put one round in the magazine, load, aim, pull the trigger, and repeat. This in some ways makes sense in that the more involved manual of arms requires a bit more attention and will build habits that will allow him to be safe with most any firearm.

[boomerang]

I like the idea of a 22 conversion for the AR but I can't get past 22 uppers priced at twice what a whole rifle like a 10/22 costs.

[Kalrog]

I've seen the uppers for sub $300. That is right in line with a new .22 rifle, but it would be more expensive total than the .22 would be.

[nedmoore]

First of all I do not have kids yet.... I think starting him off on a single shot shotgun or a bolt action rifle would be the best way to go. Teaching the basics of firearm handling, safety, target acquisition, etc. Then progress to semi's, like a 10-22. I am just happy for you that you are going to teach your son some skills that he will never forget and spending quality time with him as well. If you do not have those basic starter guns I am sure that you can find them from some of your friends and borrow them, and not have to spend the $$$$.

[srothstein]

As a father with some grown up kids, let me correct one minor point in your story. When my oldest son was 10, I bought him a Daisy .22 bolt action. It has a child size stock. Friday was his 30th Birthday and he now stands 6' tall. He still has the Daisy and shoots it. He likes the Mini-14 he got at 16 more but he does still shoot the Daisy.

My second son got a Marlin model 15Y, which is their youth model .22 bolt action. He still has it and shoots it also. His first child is due in July and I expect the Marlin will be handed down to that child. It is 15 years old now and still in very good shape.

If you buy him a quality firearm, he will have many years of use with it and will keep it for the emotional connection.

Having said that, I have to admit that I would love to get a good quality .22LR AR. Bushmaster sells one that has a regular stock, but has a two inch shorter youth stock as an option.