Thread: Rabbit hunting with 10/22

Or a Chiappa Little Badger, I got one for my kids to practice on. Single shot, light weight, fits a kid, and is easy for them to hold.

If the kids aren't using the rifle then I wouldn't be too concerned. as long as you are exercising safety properly and retaining complete control of the rifle.
Once you have fired the .22, remove the mag and unload the live round if you think it will make it safer. If you treat the rifle correctly and safely then it is no more dangerous than a bolt action.
Once you have the kids firing it then yes single round through the mag, perhaps a couple of mags to swap over.
My suggestion would be head out to Kelly Country, and pick up a cheap second hand bolt action or single shot for the kids to use.

On my own when using my 10/22 I just put the safety on and put the rifle down. With the kids I would only load 1 round in the mag ( although you can buy single round 10/22 mags), but still remove the mag and cycle the action incase there was another round in the mag( very unlikely but always err on the side of caution).

Originally Posted by rugerman

On my own when using my 10/22 I just put the safety on and put the rifle down. With the kids I would only load 1 round in the mag ( although you can buy single round 10/22 mags), but still remove the mag and cycle the action incase there was another round in the mag( very unlikely but always err on the side of caution).

That reinforce what I am thinking.

There are some ok single shot rifles out there.. and good bolt actions for under 300. At 4 I reckon he would be happy with even a slingshot if he could go out with his dad doing boy stuff. I would also think about using a supressor and subs. You don't want him to develop a flinch this early in his hunting career. Less recoil as well. I would give a thumbs up to the norincos as well. I know a bunch of people who got one of these as their first rifle and 30 years on are still shooting it. It is cheap enough that you won't be traumatised by the treatment a kid gives it.
I wouldn't bother with the air rifle route either unless you are just shooting targets. I know adults who are frustrated by how hard it is to be accurate with an air rifle. Must be worse for a 4 year old.