What is the best rimfire rifles for beginners?

[Elixir]

I'm helping my nephew get into shooting and looking for a good beginner rimfire rifle. I took him to the range last month with my old .22 and he loved it, so now I want to get him set up properly. There are so many options from budget to expensive, what rimfire rifles is recommended for someone just starting out?

 

[Just_Matt]

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a rimfire for a beginner. It's the right move, as far as recommendations go, honestly, the Ruger 10/22 is the gold standard, period. It's the best overall, hands down. It's affordable, super reliable, and the aftermarket support is massive, which means he can trick it out as he gets more into the hobby. If you're leaning towards a bolt-action for that old-school precision training, the Ruger American Rimfire or the Savage Mark II are both killer options. The Ruger American can even share magazines with the 10/22, which is a nice perk. Any of those will be a fantastic rifle to get him set up properly, good luck to your nephew

 

[rfd]

How old is your nephew? Preteens that have zero firearm knowledge are typically best with a single shot bolt or break open, there are many good brand options for all of these type of rimfire rifles starting with the Cricket. With teenagers and semi-autos in mind it's hard to beat the 10/22 ... but ... I find the Winchester Wildcat is excellent as well, at a much lower price tag, it can use 10/22 mags, AND has the added benefit of bolt hold open on the last round fired. Sights are important, too. There are advantages to learning the use of iron sights from the get-go, but scopes will be far more accurate and help stimulate firearm interest.

 

[Jack Teahan]

We as Dealers find the Ruger 10/22 & American, the Rossi RB & RS22's and the Savage F series & Rascal are the most popular selling "Youth" rifles......

 

[mauser888]

10/22 was my first back in 1973

 

[K9TXS]

Also check out the CZ line of rimfire rifles. They have different price ranges and styles.

 

[rfd]

The CZ-457 is my fave bolt target .22LR rifle, top shelf without spending thousands.

 

[Paul]

You can't go wrong with a Ruger 10/22. They are the industry standard and have endless options as he grows into it. Also check out the Savage Rascal for a perfect youth fit

 

[HaRrY]

I also agree, for a beginner...go Ruger 10/22 for reliability and parts, CZ 457 for accuracy and bolt action, or Savage Mark II for budget friendly precision, also match stock size to your nephew and have fun.

 

[Alan]

How old is your nephew? Preteens that have zero firearm knowledge are typically best with a single shot bolt or break open, there are many good brand options for all of these type of rimfire rifles starting with the Cricket. With teenagers and semi-autos in mind it's hard to beat the 10/22 ... but ... I find the Winchester Wildcat is excellent as well, at a much lower price tag, it can use 10/22 mags, AND has the added benefit of bolt hold open on the last round fired. Sights are important, too. There are advantages to learning the use of iron sights from the get-go, but scopes will be far more accurate and help stimulate firearm interest.

Yeah, I'm with you. For young kids, its best stick to single-shot, bolt-action or break-open types. Teens do better with a 10/22 or Winchester Wildcat

 

[rfd]