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In addition to the Cricket, Marlin makes a single shot bolt action youth model, the 15Y. I have given both to my kids and can recommend either. The Marlin is a little bit better quality in my opinion, but the Cricket also works well.

I also gave my son the Rossi that was mentioned. Break open 22 with a swapable barrel to make it a 20 gauge (I might have gone for the 410 if I could find it). The 20 kicks way to hard for a kid to learn on in that gun, IMO. They have a newer version that includes a third barrel that is a center fire rifle, .243 I think. The .22 rifle is pretty good and my son really likes it, more than his Cricket I think.

For a second rifle, I do recommend considering the Ruger 10-22. I got one with a collapsible stock from the factory. Not the full AR look-alike, but started that way. It is a really good rifle for a kid after they learn to shoot, and I get to use it also. I extend the stock for my use, and then collapse it part way to make the pull fit my son. Sharing the one rifle is a great way to bond with him.

Thanks for the suggestions. I figure I'll have opportunity to buy him/her several guns over the years.

I figure I'll buy the cricket and then just move them up and then they can pass it down to their kids.

I do like the lifetime NRA membership idea.

It'll be a few years before we do any shooting but I like heirlooms and the idea of it waiting for them.

Lifetime hunting/fishing license is always a good investment too.

Crossfire wrote:Forgot to add, we also gave him a life membership to the NRA on his first birthday. He wasn't too impressed at the time, but it certainly annoyed the bejeebers out of the liberal in-laws, so was more than worth the price!

Crossfire -- You sound like an American Express ad:

Lifetime NRA Membership for newborn grandson: $1000
Reaction of Liberal In-laws: Priceless!

If you want a new gun, any kid would love a Henry H001.

But I think a single-shot is the best answer for a new young shooter.
My first gun was an Ithaca 49, which was a single-shot levergun, youth-size.
Long since discontinued, but there are a few mint examples still out there for $200 or less.
Mine isn't for sale.

My nieghbor and friend just bought a pink cricket for his daughter. He spent a few more $$ by modifying it to a stainless bull barrel, pink, modified trigger. Really tricked out, but based on the number of custom rifles, pistols he owns, it fits into the family situation.

Of the many mounted heads/horns in their house, most belong to his wife. This family definately shoots together.

Good suggestions so far. But don't forget the Savage Cub, which is also a single-shot bolt gun.

My son has a Crickett, and my daughter the Savage Cub (with a pink laminated stock, of course!), and I prefer the Cub to the Crickett. It is a shade longer, and a bit heavier (with the wood stock) but the gun is cocked on the close of the bolt, no need to pull back that heavy spring like on the Crickett, and it has the Accu-Trigger which is so much smoother than the Crickett's trigger. Price differential is about $50, depending on the stock you get on either gun, which could be significant. Then again, it is his first gun, and I think the Cub will outlast the Crickett - fit and finish are better.

Crossfire wrote:Forgot to add, we also gave him a life membership to the NRA on his first birthday. He wasn't too impressed at the time, but it certainly annoyed the bejeebers out of the liberal in-laws, so was more than worth the price!

10/22

...if you could find him a Bearcat, that'd be an excellent first pistol...it'd fit his paw from about 5 on...but they're gettin' scarcer!!!