Best Starter for Youngsters

[Siggy]

What  is the best starter handgun for kids?  I was thinking either a Ruger Single-Six or Mk3/Buckmark.  We had some fun with a bolt action rifle in 22 and they understand safety considerations and are quite responsible.  Under adult supervision, what is the best gun to start?

[TAB]

If the gun does not fit thier hands, it does not matter if its a 22 short or a 500 smith and wesson, its too much gun.

[MikeBjerum]

I agree with TAB (I hate it when that happens).  Size matters!

I suggest that you go with a .22 rimfire and that it be a single action revolver.  Low recoil and safety!

[tombogan03884]

Either one is a great choice, if, as the other 2 mentioned, their comfortable with the grip size.
What makes it an issue is that you didn't mention how young. With teenagers it is much less likely to be an issue than with younger kids. With the younger ones I would go with the BuckMark since the Semi auto is more conducive to a 2 handed grip and there is no concern with flash from the cylinder gap.
I'm assuming that the 2 you mentioned are ones that you have, so I will just say that at 11 I started shooting pistols with a S&W model 17

[ellis4538]

Maybe even an old Ruger "Bearcat" .22 (think that was the name).

Richard

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

It not only must "fit" them, they need to be able to "manipulate" it.  Load and unload, and cock it if necessary.    Children have trouble racking the slide on most semi-autos.   It can become frustrating. 

Part of me say, get the most accurate gun that fits the other criteria.   They'll enjoy shooting a lot more if the gun shoots well.

The Buckmark is a good choice as is a Ruger MKII/III.   I'm not convinced that single action is so much safer for them to operate.  I've observed people with small hands waving single shots around in trying to cock the hammer.    That said, you may also look at some quality da/sa revolvers.  They probably can't shoot DA but the lock time on them is usually shorter than many single actions, which can improve accuracy.

[philw]

what age is the kid



I know I can not let my Daughter use a pistol yet  she is still not quite big enough for the rifle yet,  it needs to be bench rested for her to shoot it.

I like the idea of a Revolver for a first time, They have to take a positive action to get it to fire the next round: cocking the hammer versus just pulling the trigger. I think they are safer.

Ruger Bearcat or single six


for a S/A  how about a Walther P22 5",  S&W model 22a   + as mentioned Ruger or Browning


or how about an air pistol   

[Solus]

For a brand new shooter, load the cylinder or magazine with one round and repeat until they become familiar with the weapon and you verify their safe handling.  The number of rounds can be progressively increased.

Can anyone remember the Range Master calling   "Lock and load one round."

[Ping]

Started my boys with a .22 Glenfield. The same day after they built up their confidence we fired a Glock 17 and a Smith and Wesson .38 Special snub nose. Really wish that I had a .22 pistol at the time but they shot very well with what we had.

[Texas_Bryan]

First pistol I'd ever shot, back when I was but six or seven, was a .22 single action.  Great choice, I don't think you could go wrong.  About sixty seconds later I shot a Sig .45, quite a contrast.