help choose .22LR for disabled/elderly

J

"J" man

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Hi guys,

I'm looking for input on what .22LR firearm would work best for a family member that wants to get back into the shooting sports, but has some minor physical disabilities. It's hard for her to shoulder most standard sized firearms long enough to get an accurate shot off, and this struggle severely hinders her enjoyment at the range. I would love to make a special present for her, and would appreciate any input from you guys on what to buy for her.

Some criteria for this new rifle in order of importance:
1. Short barrel (16" or less) and synthetic stock for reduced weight
2. Short LOP, pistol grip/thumb-hole type stock for comfort
3. 10+ round detachable magazine/tube
4. Stainless steel would be a huge plus

I wish CZ would make a stainless youth model, but I don't think they do. Is there anything out there that includes all criteria?

I've researched at least 4 options.
#1. Ruger 10/22 compact, but has a wood stock without pistol grip/thumb-hole and doesn't come in stainless. (Does Hogue make a short LOP stock for 10/22?)
#2. Marlin XT-22YSR
#3. Savage Mark II FSS, but has a standard length barrel and stock
#4. Custom Dlask DAR22 receiver with 8" BB (still don't know what stock to go with for this build). It's the most expensive option, hard to get Dlask to make a stainless barrel.

Which bolt action is easier to work and requires the least amount of force to operate it, XT-22 or Mark II? Do you have to work these bolts with some authority like a Zastava Z5?

What do you guys think, maybe I'm overlooking something.
 
XD

I guess I'm looking for something that covers more of the criteria, but I do appreciate your input. I just wouldn't like to make her reload each round by hand, I know I wouldn't. Not every option covers all of the wants and needs except for the custom Dlask, but that is a very expensive option without stainless. You're right in saying that I'm leaning to the XT-22YSR more than all the others right now. I'm just wondering how easy the bolt action is to operate.
 
I'm looking for a 10/22 to buy also. I'm going to then buy a tactical solutions x-ring barrel 16" (1lbs), and Axiom stock (1.2lbs). If I go with a light receiver I'm guessing the gun would weight less than 5lbs. The axiom stock has a huge LOP adjustment, something like 9.75" to 13.5"
Maybe something like this would be an option.
Another would be an SU-22. 5lbs but it's a lot longer length. however the SU-22 does fold into a nice small package.
 
I would start with a regular 10/22 carbine and then find a stock that meets your needs. The options are nearly endless.
 
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If your elderly relative suffers from arthritis as many of us do, doing the small tasks can be a painful experience. Working a bolt action could aggravate this. I would suggest a semi-auto, with a tubular magazine (easier to load). Now I am not a firearms expert, but someone may be able to suggest a rifle that meets this criteria, as well as your other ones.
 
First thing that came to mind is a CZ 452 Scout.
They come with a blank/dummy mag.
Shouldn't be too hard to find a 5 or ten shot replacement.
 
Well, you nailed the disability bumperfood. That's why I was so concerned with how easy the XT-22YSR/Mark II bolts were to operate. I think I'll take your advice and go with a semi-auto. I don't think I'll take the risk of a bolt-gun, maybe a little to hard. Leaning towards the 10/22 platform now. Ruger 10/22 compact, or Dlask DAR-22.
 
I wanted to get a stainless because I wanted the gift rifle to last. Also, she might like to go hunt small game, so a stainless/synthetic option would be nice if she got caught in inclement weather.
 
The Ruger 10/22 receivers are aluminum. The barrel is easy to switch. If the gun ends up being really used, then switch the barrel to a stainless one.

It's a 22. I don't see the big deal on SS vs CM.
 
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