My young fellow is 10 and has been shooting rimfire rifle for the last 3 years but now I need to get a pistol. What is recommended for a youngster with small hands? I would like to have a gsg 1911 but I think the grip would be too big. I am leaning towards a Ruger 22/45 or a Buckmark? What do you guys think? I want something reliable with good sights. I would prefer a thumb position mag release, but its not 100% mandatory. Appreciate hearing your input thanks!
.22 starter pistol
- Thread starter alphamike
- Start date
BC Bigbore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- BC's Peace Country
Isn't it Browning that produces that 3/4 size 1911 in .22RF? Any input from those that have 'em?
Just today I helped a youngster that was around 10'ish with small hands shoot a .22 pistol which has the classic 1911 shape and size. The classic 1911 grips are clearly too big for small hands. In fact I can't really think of a semi auto which has a grip frame small enough for smaller hands to hold comfortably. The BEST option I can think of is the Ruger Mark III but then fit it with thinner and more arch shaped grips to thin down the circumference around the grips. But even with that done it would still be marginal for smaller hands at best. If you insist on going semi auto then he'll likely have to get through a couple of growth spurts before he can hold a semi as it should be held if he's a normal or slightly small 10 year old.
Would you consider the idea of a Single Six revolver? The grips on those are easier for smaller hands. One of the Ruger Bearcats would be even more ideal. But the Bearcat would fail a little as he grows or if/when you want to shoot it as well.
Would you consider the idea of a Single Six revolver? The grips on those are easier for smaller hands. One of the Ruger Bearcats would be even more ideal. But the Bearcat would fail a little as he grows or if/when you want to shoot it as well.
Go to your local gun shop and have him try a Ruger Bearcat, I think it is the smallest restricted you can get these days. If you have a prohibited licence the skies the limit in smaller handguns. Maybe someone at the club could bring in a prohibited for your son to use.
NorthCoastBigBore
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Northwest BC (Rural) 103-I-##
My daughter (6 but tall for her age) just started shooting my Ruger MKIII and it seems to work for her just fine. The grips are pretty slim on that model which is why I started her on that. In the year leading up she practiced with a small framed BB pistol to learn the basics, but the Ruger actually has a slimmer grip.
machinerydoctor
Regular
- Location
- Fraser Valley BC
If you can find one I highly recommend the Browning 1911/22 A1. I just purchased one for my wife but its tied up pending issuance of my LTATT. Its a completely accurate reproduction of the original 1911 invented by Browning but it is downscaled to 85% of its original size and the frame and slider are made of aircraft aluminium, the barrel is stainless. Total weight is 15 1/2 ounces. I was heartbroken when my local gunshop sold the only one they had a couple of days before I received my RPAL in the mail. I phoned every Browning dealer within a one day drive and manged to find another one. The new ruger has an aluminium slide but weighs a full 7 ounces more.
If you are into collecting and like 1911's they have a 100 yr anniversary set of the 1911 .45 ACP and the 1911/22 A1 with gold inlay mounted in a velour lined walnut case for about $3,500
I hadn't even considered a revolver, sounds like an interesting idea. I watched some YouTube looking for ideas and watched some footage of the Ruger rimfire competition- the .22 only family orientated match; and I noticed a lot of the kids were shooting g the Ruger's especially the 22-45. The small framed 1911 woild be nice, I will have to see if I can locate o e to handle some. Are any of the double action revolvers based on small frames? I've never tried one. Thanks for all of the tips it's very much appreciated.
AlbertaGunslinger
Regular
- Location
- The Wide Open Prairie
Ruger just came out with an SP-101 in 22LR, it does not have a huge frame and it is a double action revolver. There are also older Smith's out there in 22LR with smaller frames.
ambishooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Southeastern Canuckstan
GSG 1911 and replace the arched mainspring housing with a flat one. Ruger MK III P512 or a Browning Buckmark offers stable platforms.
+ 1
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Spanish Star Model F. Needs energetic high speed ammunition for function reliablity. Parts can be a bother to find along with spare magazines. This is no Ruger Mk II bull barrel, but my children truly enjoyed plinking away at 10 yard targets with it. Can be had for 300 or slightly less, for a good condition or better secondhand one in Canada. A 4.2 inch barrel makes for restricted classification. My daughters liked the slender grips too. Steel construction throughout. Magazine release, slide release, and safety where John Browning intended them to be positioned from the get go.
