Ruger 10/22 or Marlin 795

[gguess66]

Ok first let me say this, I understand that this discussion is a Ford/Chevy/Dodge type of thing. I am looking at purchasing a 22 for my son who will be 7 this next year (2015). So with that in mind Regur 10/22 or Marlin 795?

[Blindref757]

Bought mine the 10-22 last Christmas. He loves it and it shoots great. I don't know much about the other option, but I love the versatility of the 10-22.

[Dadtodabone]

When last I looked the 795 was substantially less expensive than a 10/22. The 795 has a heavier micro-grooved barrel that is inherently more accurate. The 795 factory trigger, while not great, is at least usable. Uses inexpensive 10 round stick magazine. Bolt locks back on empty magazine.
The 10/22 is endlessly upgradeable. With the rotary magazine the 10/22 is much easier to carry in the hand at the point of balance.
For a first time shooter the 795 would be my choice.

[srothstein]

Might I suggest a slightly different rifle? I like the Marlin 15Y as the first rifle for my children. It is a single shot bolt action. I choose it more to help them learn basic shooting skills and remove the temptation to fire quickly, especially quick second shots. You may or may not have that same consideration.

Of the two, I chose a Ruger 10/22 as the second rifle since it is always reliable and a fun to shoot rifle. I am not sure I could tell a difference in accuracy between the two.

[BobCat]

I can't compare since I do not have a 10/22, but I do have a 795 that I really like. It is accurate, light, handy, and the out-of-the-box trigger is ok.

You also may wish to consider the Model 60. It is the same action as the 795 but with a slightly longer barrel and a tube magazine instead of removable box mag, making it easier to carry at the balance.

[C-dub]

I went with the S&W M&P 15-22 and sort of wish I would have gone with a single shot bolt rifle. However, one thing to keep in mind is the LOP for whatever you get a 7y old. My daughter is not a small girl and could not reach the trigger on the Marlin 60 I already had. The 15-22 has the adjustable stock.

[A-R]

"Used" parts (usually never "used" just replaced) are so prevalent with 10/22 that custom fitting a second stock to a younger shooter is easy and inexpensive. I bought a cheap OEM birch-wood 10/22 stock on eBay for about $25, cut it to fit my 5-year-old, and we're good to go.

[ddstuder]

I agree that a single shot bolt gun would be better for a child.
It makes them slow down and focus on shot placement rather than just pulling the trigger 10 times.

Another plus is that most bolt action 22's can shoot long, short and long rifle rounds.