Pistols For Kids?

[mmattockx]

I have had my boys (ages 7 and 9) out to the range a number of times this last year and they love shooting. The youngest especially liked my Ruger 22/45, but the frame and grip are really too big for him to handle it very well. Are there any other smaller framed rimfire pistols out there that are reasonably priced and function as well as the Ruger? Any other recommendations for pistols that are kid sized?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[DocShay]

I'm guessing a Desert Eagle is out of the question?

Just kidding. I'll let someone more experienced anwser this properly.

 

[broncoo]

walther p22 grips are tiny felt like i was holding a toy seemed well made i have heard about some ammo related issues tho

 

[deadman]

try a sig mosquito, slightly scaled down.

 

[starpuss]

take them to a gun shop and let them "play with the toys" if the gun shop will let you. (most would not)

 

[Bobby Ironsights]

Are there any other smaller framed rimfire pistols out there that are reasonably priced and function as well as the Ruger? Any other recommendations for pistols that are kid sized?

Thanks,
Mark

I recommend trying out some single action revolvers, particularly birds head grips, and older ones, if they're willing to forgo automatics. The old "cheap" alloy framed single action cowboy guns were actually for youths in the states, back in the 50's, unlike the newer ruger SAA .22's which seem pretty much full sized.

Heritage arms .22 single actions look pretty petite too, and are affordable to boot. There is one supplier here on the board, can't remember who.

The other option is a Dan Wesson revolver. It's a little high end for a kid, and they don't make them anymore, and it's hard to find anyone willing to part with them, but they were target revolvers with interchangeable barrels, and grips, and they just have a small tang that the grips attach to. You could make a grip as small as you wanted for one.

Good luck.

 

[tjhaile]

The S&W Model 63 J Frame would be well suited to small hands.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...d=10001&productId=63570&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

 

[dan belisle]

S&W J frames, Colt Frontier Scout, Ruger Bearcat, Berretta 71. I've used all these with my kids when they were growing up. Right size for little hands, lightweight makes them easy for kids to hold up. - dan

 

[TrueNorth26]

For small hands you also might want to consider the beretta neos.....and it's one of the more affordable 22's available.

 

[Gailamir]

You might want to give the Norinco M-93 a try; Coppy of the Colt Woodsman. Very small hand grip and loads of fun at a great price. I had one for several years and never had a problem with it. It is actualy a fairly accurate little pistol and an excellant first gun for younger shooters. How can you go wrong for $149.00.

Website says sold out, but I would give John a call.

http://www.marstar.ca/gf-norinco/22-M-93.shtm

 

[andrei]

I have a sig mosquito and the grips are small and very comfortable, you can also check out a Browning Medalist, not the pretiest gun but very accurate and comfortable as well.

 

[sevoman]

I bought an old (1962) alloyed frame Browning Nomad a few years ago.Its quite light(about 26ozs),and accurate and reliable.My 12 year old son shoots it well

I would be a bit hesitant letting a 7 year old shoot a semi auto pistol,I think a revolver would be a better bet,less to go wrong

Andrei,how can you say that a Browning Medalist isnt the "prettiest gun"!?I think that they are absolute works of art,one of the best looking guns ever made!Also,the grip is pretty substantial and not suited for a young child,and its pretty heavy for a child

 

[Wendell]

Ruger Bearcat

I have had my boys (ages 7 and 9) out to the range a number of times this last year and they love shooting. The youngest especially liked my Ruger 22/45, but the frame and grip are really too big for him to handle it very well. Are there any other smaller framed rimfire pistols out there that are reasonably priced and function as well as the Ruger? Any other recommendations for pistols that are kid sized?

Thanks,
Mark

Ruger has re-introduced the Bearcat with a barrel long enough to keep it in the restricted category. It might be the perfect first handgun for a very small person.

 

[gnmontey]

Colt Woodsman 22 or Norinco M-93 if you can find one! Perfect firearm for a young person. Won't break the bank either. Contact Gunnar at ARMco, he has a used Colt posted for sale.

 

[Master-G]

I would be a bit hesitant letting a 7 year old shoot a semi auto pistol,I think a revolver would be a better bet,less to go wrong

I agree 100%...I think I'd be leery of any handgun to be honest. Things can go really bad, really fast with muzzle control on a handgun and with a rifle you've got a bit more time to catch it before it goes bad. Maybe get him started on a rifle and then when he's got more strength and size in a few years set him up with a handgun.

Andrei,how can you say that a Browning Medalist isnt the "prettiest gun"!?I think that they are absolute works of art,one of the best looking guns ever made!

+1

 

[fnrob]

for small hands you also might want to consider the beretta neos.....and it's one of the more affordable 22's available.

x2

For the money it's a very reliable .22, and shouldn't be overly heavy for younger shooters.

 

[Starscream]

I agree 100%...I think I'd be leery of any handgun to be honest. Things can go really bad, really fast with muzzle control on a handgun and with a rifle you've got a bit more time to catch it before it goes bad. Maybe get him started on a rifle and then when he's got more strength and size in a few years set him up with a handgun.


+1

Mmmm, easiest way to negate that is just load one round in the magazine and encourage them to take carefully aimed shots at longer distance.

That's how I learned, although I started out on paintball.

 

[mmattockx]

I would be a bit hesitant letting a 7 year old shoot a semi auto pistol,I think a revolver would be a better bet,less to go wrong

Thanks to all for the suggestions, I will do some more research on the models suggested and see if there will be a late Christmas present in time for spring at the range.

As to the safety issues, I loaded 3 rounds at a time and very closely supervised them to minimize any rookie semi-auto mistakes. I stood directly behind each one when shooting and was paranoid about muzzle control and safety. Before shooting, they were drilled on gun safety for months and had time with a .22 rifle before ever touching the pistol. We also were shooting at around 3 yds from the target to maximize the potential hits on target. I would never let them loose with a full 10 round mag just because of the potential catastrophe. Most of their shooting has been with a Cooey Mod. 75 off a rest to get the hang of trigger control and sight alignment.

Mark

 

[joe-nwt]

I bought an old (1962) .........

Hey! 1962 is NOT old....

+ 1 on the Bearcat or a single six.

 

[MTF]

I agree with Master-G. I think controlling a pistol in the hands of one young enough not to be able to understand the consequences of a serious mistake is just asking too much. I'm sure there are lots who've done it, but I would feel like I'm not being a responsible gun owner if I didn't advise against it. It just sounds to me like a tragedy waiting to happen. I think the best thing to do is start with .22 long guns and be aware that no matter how much you talk to them, you've got to be close by and watch them until things settle down.