22 for Grandaughter

[Lost Okie]

Need some direction.  Have started shopping for a bolt action 22 for my 10 yr old Granddaughter.  She is tall for her age and already has experience with pellet rifles and semi auto 22's.  Would like to keep the price under $200...   Suggestions

[gustmouse]

When I brought my Daughter her first rifle it was all about length of pull and weight. We decided on a Cricket rifle
21/2 pounds and I believe 11 1/2 inch LOP. She could fire other rifles but she really couldn’t shoot them by herself.
But once we found one that fit her, She could and would at times shoot all day.
Here’s a few about or under $200
CZ Scout
Marlin 915Y
Chipmunk Rifle
Cricket Rifle
NEF Sporter Youth

[Lost Okie]

Gustmouse; I looked at the CZ, nice; I also have looked on the Savage web site at their Mark II youth model with Accutrigger.  Did not give LOP.  I measured granddaughter August of last year and she was at 11.25 LOP.  We looked at the cricket, but it was a little small for her.  I have set up a Marlin 995SS for her last year but got into a feed problem.  Gun shoots good but bolt is hard for her to pull back.  Not sure if I could change the spring without damaging the rifle. 
 
Thought about the H&R (have one rifle in 223 and USG in 20 ga) but really wanted to get her a bolt.

Marlin 915 youth (comes in stainless) looks very promising. LOP is very close. 

Anyone out there know anything about the Marlin or Savage Mark II ?

[gustmouse]

Lost Okie,
My Daughter has outgrown her cricket, she's also 12 so we are looking for something else for her.
The Marlin 915 is now on our list again. I'll be at the dealer tomorrow picking up another rifle so I may get a price for the 915 and some other youth rifles. He also has a bunch of older used 22 caliber bolt rifles. So one of thoses may make for a nice rifle after shortening the stock some.

[Lost Okie]

Gustmouse;  Thanks for the info, I took a second look at the cricket this morning at Gander Mountain.  overall just too small for the granddaughter.  Things have a way of solving themselves.  Did a little more shopping and found they had the Savage Mark II youth with accutrigger marked down to $169.  Also looked at the Marlin single shot, LOP was about 1/2 inch less than the Mark II but it was a single shot.  So, I came home with the Savage.  Plan is to clean it up, box it up and suprise the Granddaughter with it during spring break when she comes down for the week.  Plan on having her start on this rifle with iron sights (which I happen to like) and then move up to a scope.  Will need to put together a target to hold several clay pigeons so we don't bother the shooting line very much if some one happens to be at the gun range. 

[navylawdog]

I just wanted to say Lost Okie that I think you made an excellent decision. I have a Savage Mark II in .17hm2 and it shoots like a dream. I was a little bit concerned because I didn't get the bull barrel version but after shooting it for the first time I realized I didn't need it. Savage is a very accurate and well made firearm. I think your granddaughter will be very happy with her new rifle and I know grandpa will be proud.

Navylawdog

[Lost Okie]

Thanks dog.  Friend purchased a Savage last year in the 17HMR/poly stock and it will S H O O T!  Have wanted one but my H&R in .223 is so accurate that I would hate to give it up.  Granddaughter will not get a chance to shoot until Spring break, but I will let everyone know how she likes it.

[Oldtimer]

Put in a big supply of ammo.  My older daughter shot my Savage 93 in .17 HMR one time and was hooked.  That's all she wants to shoot when she comes home.  We set up a lot of fun targets, like balloons hung from tree limbs by strings and balloons released across the pasture on a windy day, especially if there is snow on the ground. You can singlehandedly send up the stock price of the ammo company on a good day.

[SuperstitionCoues]

Not looking at the LOP of this one, I will say that Guns and Ammo just did a good write up on three models of .22 bolts; Winchester Wildcat, Henry, and CZ.

Of the three, Winchester Wildcat seemed to take the highest marks, with the CZ closest.  Me, I would lean towards either a Marlin bolt or the CZ.  I have had my Marlin bolt since I was 15, and it shoots just as straight and accurate as anything that is new. 

Just my 2 cents worth...

[Jack Gilbert]

In 1992 I bought a used 67-A Winchester youth rifle for $75. It was in fine shape. It shoots like a house afire. The two girls loved it. Naturally, I held on to this one.

I'm glad I did. A gun shop in Spokane had one but it wasn't for sale--the owner was hanging on to it for his grandkids. Wise decision. I have seen many of the adult sized 67s but not many in the youth model. The drop at comb is pretty low for an adult. No matter. I have shot quite a few squirrels with it.

If you could come up with one it might be worth your time.

Jack