Best Youth Guns for Beginners

Choosing the right firearm for your young shooter is crucial for ensuring a positive and safe experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best youth guns for beginners, helping parents and guardians make informed decisions. From features to look for to maintenance tips, we have you covered.

Top 10 Youth Guns for Beginners

• Ruger Explorer Youth Spring Piston 177 Pellet

  

  $86.24 | Shop Now

  Type: BB Gun

  The Ruger® Explorer air rifle is a spring-piston single-stroke break-barrel air rifle with an all-weather composite black stock. This Ruger® air rifle's stock is ambidextrous (for both left- and right-handers) and has a thumbhole stock and vented cheekpiece for comfort and ease of use. The Explorer rifle shoots pellets out of its rifled barrel at 495 fps. Accuracy is a breeze with its fiber optic sights. The Explorer also comes with an automatic safety and rubber recoil pad. It is designed as a rifle with a shorter overall length (37.125"), lighter frame (4.45 lbs.), and an added anti-slam trigger-barrel safety system. Overall length is 37.125". Manufactured by UMAREX under license from Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

• UMAREX LEGENDS COWBOY AIR RIFLE 177CAL

  

  $176.24 | Shop Now

  Type: BB Gun

  Now here's an air gun you just HAVE to have in your collection, but not just to look at. It's too fun to put on the wall. Images of the Wild West come alive with the Legends Cowboy Lever Action Air Rifle from Umarex Airguns! The Legends Series of air guns brings to life the classic arms of the past backed by the quality standards and imagination that only Umarex delivers. Stylized after the Model 1894, this backyard-friendly quiet CO2 rifle resembles the rifle regarded by gun historians as the "ultimate lever-action design". The Umarex Cowboy Lever Action spits shells when you operate the lever. You load it in realistic fashion, 10 BB cartridges inserted into its under barrel tube magazine. Put a little RWS Chamber Lube on the tip of two 12-gram CO2 cartridges and insert them butt-to-butt behind the stock's removable buttplate, cock the lever, then you are loaded and ready to send 10 shots downrange! Quickly operate the lever to shoot each round and eject the shell, just like the real steel powder burner, but in a backyard friendly quiet design. If cowboy action shooting is your thing, get this Lever Action Cowboy Air Rifle, a Colt Peacemaker Air Pistol, some CO2 and plenty of BBs, because you're about to give some steels and tin cans a run for their money.

• Savage 13775 Rascal Youth 22 LR

  

  $161.66 | Shop Now

  Type: .22 Rifle

  The Rascal is the industry's safest micro-rimfire. Shooters cock the rifle by lifting the bolt and unload without pulling the trigger. The platform builds superior shooting skills thanks to full-size rifle features, including adjustable peep sights and Savage's user-adjustable AccuTrigger.

• Mossberg International 37071 702 Plinkster Youth 22 LR

  

  $202.40 | Shop Now

  Type: .22 Rifle

  Whether hunting small game, serious marksmanship practice or just plinking around, the 702 Plinkster fits the bill. The .22 LR caliber 702 Plinkster is made to the high quality standards of Mossberg International with the balance, feel, and accuracy of rifles costing much more. Standard features of the 702 include a free-floating barrel for superior accuracy, a conveniently located cross bolt safety and mag release button, adjustable fiber optic rifle sights, and a dovetailed receiver grooved to accept 3/8" scope mounts. This youth bantam model features a synthetic stock with a stippled grip and forend, dual swivel studs, and a thick vented recoil pad.

• Henry H005 Mini Bolt Youth 22 Short,Long,LR

  

  $293.48 | Shop Now

  Type: .22 Mini Bolt Action Rifle

  Made in America, the Mini Bolt is constructed entirely of stainless steel and features a tough one piece synthetic stock. The result is a rifle that is virtually kid proof. Easy to use, safe and reliable, this single shot .22 is the ideal first gun for beginners and can be enjoyed by experienced young shooters as well. Henry fitted the Mini Bolt with Williams Fire Sights an illuminated two green dot adjustable rear sight and a contrasting red front sight. They allow for a simple, consistent sight picture. It's rare indeed to find sights of this quality on any youth rifle. A beavertail forearm offers a comfortable and firm grip.

• Mossberg 54210 500 Youth 20 Gauge 22" 5+1 3" Blued Black Right Youth

  

  $448.93 | Shop Now

  Type: Shotgun

  The Mossberg 500 Bantam pump action shotgun is the preferred choice of youngsters and smaller stature adults - from beginner to seasoned outdoorsmen alike. The Super Bantam features a standard 12" length of pull (one full inch shorter than the standard Bantam), and it comes with an innovative stock spacer and extra rubber recoil pad to bring its synthetic stock to 13" overall. This youth model has a 22" barrel with an Accu-Set choke.

• Maverick Arms 32203 88 Youth 20 Gauge 22"

  

  $283.96 | Shop Now

  Type: Shotgun

  Maverick's 88 shotgun features dual extractors, twin action bars, positive steel to steel lockup, and an anti-jam elevator which provides trouble free operation.

• Stevens 22560 320 Compact 20 Gauge 26"

  

  $161.66 | Shop Now

  Type: Shotgun

  Whether you're shooting trap or upland birds, you can always count on reliable performance from the Stevens 320 Field Grade Muddy Girl. The pump shotgun is sized for smaller framed shooters and offers smooth cycling, thanks to a proven rotary bolt and dual slide-bars.

• Smith & Wesson 108390 M&P Compact 22 LR

  

  $437.50 | Shop Now

  Type: .22 Pistol

  The Smith & Wesson M&P has a reinforced polymer chassis, superior ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and proven safety features. In designing the M&P, Smith & Wesson considered the needs of military and law enforcement from every conceivable angle, so the M&P is the standard in reliability when your job is to serve and protect and your life is on the line. This M&P22 Compact model features a black polymer frame with a Picatinny rail, black Armornite aluminum slide, and 3-dot sights with an adjustable rear. Its threaded barrel comes with a thread adapter to fit most 1/2" x 28 threaded suppressors

• Walther Arms 5120365 P22 *CA Compliant 22 LR

  

  $249.99 | Shop Now

  Type: .22 Pistol

  Walther once again took the industry by storm with the introduction of the first polymer frame semi-auto rimfire pistol, the P22. Premium features such as windage adjustable rear sight, double-action/single-action trigger, and threaded barrel help to solidify this pistol as a leader in its class. The extremely reliable P22 is ready for anything from varmint control to recreational shooting.

Key Features to Look for in Youth Firearms

When selecting a youth firearm, it’s essential to consider certain key features to ensure safety and usability:

• Weight and Size: Look for firearms that are lightweight and appropriately sized for young shooters to handle comfortably.
• Recoil: Choose guns with low recoil to minimize discomfort and help with shooting accuracy.
• Safety Features: Firearms should have effective safety mechanisms, such as manual safeties and easy-to-understand controls.
• Durability: Youth firearms should be built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use by beginners.
• Ease of Use: Look for guns with simple operating mechanisms, making them user-friendly for younger shooters.

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Reviews of Popular Youth Guns

1. UMAREX LEGENDS COWBOY AIR RIFLE 177CAL:

   Review: The UMAREX LEGENDS COWBOY AIR RIFLE 177CAL is a timeless choice for young shooters. It’s durable, easy to load, and provides a great introduction to shooting sports. Many parents appreciate its safety features, and kids love its classic look.

2. Ruger Explorer Youth Spring Piston 177 Pellet:

   Review: Praised for its accuracy and reliability, the Ruger Explorer Youth Spring Piston 177 Pellet is a favorite among youth and adults alike. It’s easy to customize with various accessories, making it an excellent long-term investment.

3. Mossberg 500 Youth Shotgun:

   Review: The Mossberg 500 is ideal for youth hunters. Its lighter design allows for easier handling, and it’s known for its reliability and effectiveness in the field. Parents report high satisfaction with its performance.

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Price Ranges and Value for Money

Prices for youth firearms can vary significantly based on type, brand, and features. Here’s a general overview:

• BB Guns: $30 - $100
• Air Rifles: $100 - $300
• .22 Rifles: $200 - $500
• Youth Shotguns: $300 - $800

When considering value for money, think about the long-term use of the firearm. A higher initial investment in a quality firearm can provide better safety features, durability, and resale value.

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Maintenance and Care for Youth Guns

Maintaining youth guns is crucial for safety and longevity. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, clean the firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent buildup and ensure smooth operation.
• Check for Wear: Regularly inspect the firearm for any signs of wear or damage, addressing issues promptly.
• Safe Storage: Always store firearms in a secure location, away from children, and consider using a gun safe or lock.
• Periodic Professional Check-ups: Consider having a qualified gunsmith inspect the firearm periodically, especially if it’s used frequently.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can help ensure your young shooter’s firearm remains safe and functional for years to come.

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