Gun for my 12 y.o.

[Rafe Hollister]

I'd like to get him a .22 for his 12th BDay in Nov. For simplicity's sake, I'm thinking a semi-auto. In case he doesn't really take it up, just like he didn't take up skateboarding, R/C cars, or any of the other things he was "really into" for about 2 months, I'm not wanting to spend much money. I've got it narrowed down to a Marlin Model 60 or a Remington 597. Both less than $150 and both should be good shooters.

Any other suggestions?

[BornBad]

Subscription to Playboy, I can flat out guarantee ya he will appreciate it.

[Rafe Hollister]

Well, his mom would NOT appreciate it. I promise you that if I did that, I'd be cut off for a long, long time. I couldn't handle that.

[2BHNTN]

Single shot would be safer if this is his first gun.

[BornBad]

Ya, I suppose, Mom's are always good about throwing out that kinda stuff.. I remember the look on my Mom's face when she found my bunny mags . 'Also remember the look on my dad's face when I told mom that dad got them for me. It was priceless

[Rafe Hollister]

Single shot would be safer if this is his first gun.

Safer? Who said anything about wanting a safe gun?

[Tigerhaze]

I would recommend a bolt action for a first-time shooter. There is too much temptation to rapid fire with a semi-auto and not actually aim the weapon. It is also a lot easier to clean a bolt action (by pulling it out) and less chance to damage the muzzle during cleaning. It's just a better teching gun because each shot will be important and the basics are easier to learn on them.

If you do choose a semi-auto, I would probably not go with the Marlin Model 60. I own one and it has had some problems with the action. I don't know this for sure, but I have heard it is a recurring design problem with this model. I would probably recommend a Ruger 10/22 in that case.

I want to get a lever action myself-either a Browning or a Henri. I'm not too much on the semi-auto rifles.

[Hellbender]

The 10/22 is classic and there is all kinds of customizing available, if he should ever desire. It has stood the test of time.

[Gamegetter]

I agree with the eye of the tiger, I mean tigerhaze on the bolt action. I bought a savage Mark II (stainless/syn.) for my youngsters to learn on (I get to shoot it too). I put on a Simmons scope and that thing is a shooter.

[Big John]

H&R ultra varmint in .223 single loader, hardly any kick and should the little guy not take to shoot/ hunting YOU have a very nice weapon for varmints.

[Mule]

Take a look at the Rossi combination guns.

I saw one last week. Three barrel set. .22lr, 20 gauge and .243 Winchester.
The most important thing with a 12 y.o. is muzzle control for him and ammunition control for you.

Shoot Often, Shoot Safe!
Mule