Asking for input - .22 bolt action rifle for kids

[Cadcom]

I'm open to input. Looking for a bolt action, wood stocked, tube fed or mag or single shot .22 rifle that groups well at 25 - 50 yds and can be easily handled by 10-12 year old young men. They currently shoot my Buckmark pistol and their Rossi single shot rifle well and can load the mags and hit what they aim at withing reason. I would like to pick up a Ruger M77 in .22lr with a fixed 4x scope but was wondering if there were some other options out there? They are ready to shoot at longer ranges and completely satisfied with bolt action or single shot rifles. (at least so far). Anyone have a lead on an old savage or stevens bolt action they want to sell or is there a better option out there?

 

[BanjoJohn]

The Ruger American seems like a descent weapon. They make it with the wooden stock, but I mostly see the synthetic.

There was a descent looking Marlin mod 25, 22 S,L,LR, at the Bass and Antler last week. $175.00.

A lot of the older 22 bolts didn't have scope mounting capabilities. I have a couple of Rem mod 34 that are great shooters, but no scope.

There was a savage advertised for sale in Athens, for 120.00. You might could have him ship it for a little extra.

 

[shotgunman]

I bought a Ruger American synthetic 22 yesterday and I can tell you already it's going to be one of my favorites. Have not seen it in wood though. Light weight.

If you can find an old Nylon 66 or variation......these rifles are great for kids! Not going to find one in wood though obviously.

Or this Marlin.......

http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/threads/fs-marlin-model-60.1214692/#post-6158400

 

[MRH]

Boyd's makes a beautiful aftermarket wood stock for the Ruger American and it is pretty reasonably priced, depending on how much you customize it.
https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/press-room/product-information/ruger-american-rifle

I wasn't even aware they made an M77 in .22...I'm sure it is a very good rifle.

 

[palmettomoon]

Maybe a Marlin XT-22LR @$174.05 wholesale? Probably about $200 retail? Don't over look the lowly 795 either. Outfitted with TechSights they make fine training rifles. Used 10/22s are plentiful and fun. I don't know about Canton but here they run right at $180 - $200, used in great to new condition and there isn't much you can't fix on one.

If they haven't been yet, they are the (here I go with the broken record thing) perfect age for attending an Appleseed event. They'll learn the fundamentals of three position military marksmanship and the six steps of firing the shot. Take the two day course when you can (usually a Saturday and Sunday) you will not regret it.

 

[Survivor Johnny]

we were all raised on Marlin 60 but your ammo cost will go up with semiauto. The savage rascal is impressively accurate (but a bit small)

 

[Cadcom]

we were all raised on Marlin 60 but your ammo cost will go up with semiauto. The savage rascal is impressively accurate (but a bit small)

Thanks for the input everyone. The Ruger may do the trick. I def need to slow down ammo consumption. They can run through it pretty quick with the Buckmark.

 

[shotgunman]

Boyd's makes a beautiful aftermarket wood stock for the Ruger American and it is pretty reasonably priced, depending on how much you customize it.
https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/press-room/product-information/ruger-american-rifle

I wasn't even aware they made an M77 in .22...I'm sure it is a very good rifle.

They should be VERY good rifles!! :-) http://www.gunbroker.com/item/574979638

 

[MRH]

They should be VERY good rifles!! :-) http://www.gunbroker.com/item/574979638

I was wondering what the difference in price would be in comparison to an American w/Boyd's stock. The M77 would still be a good bit more, and with the Boyd's stock the American would look better, IMO. It would probably shoot better too.

 

[BanjoJohn]

They should be VERY good rifles!! :-) http://www.gunbroker.com/item/574979638

I haven't heard anything negative about the Ruger American. I do however favor wood stocks over synthetic.

I have a meet this AM to pick up a Ruger American in 22 mag.