I have never owned a gun. I do however go target shooting with my wifes step dad and do enjoy it. He also takes my nephews when they visit and they love it. I am considering getting a small caliber rifle that would be suitable for me and them (7 & 9 years old) to shoot targets with. Can someone recommend me an inexpensive small caliber (17 or 22?) rifle that would be a good starter gun for us?

Thanks

Cliff

.22 can't get any cheaper or easier then that 550rnds for 20 bucks compared to a .17hmr there 12 dollars for 50. I'd get a little bolt gun there cheap and teach u to aim and take ur time u can pick them up for less then 150 new or used.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/SelfLoading/60.asp

This is one of the most popular .22 caliber rifles there is. You can pick one up at Wal Mart for under $200. You can probably find a used one for half that.

Yep, what BirdDog said. I've had one since I was 8 (I'm 33), and never cleaned it until I was 22ish. It worked flawlessly. Lots of rabbits and squirrels from that gun, and countless aluminum cans.

.22, cheap ammo, lower price guns, widest selection out there

I agree with the Marlin Model 60 recommendation. That gun is inexpensive. It's easy to break down and clean. It's laser-beam accurate. It's vell made. It's reliable.

I have the stainless steel version with a 2-7X centerfire scope. It's one of the guns I own I'll never get rid of. It's just too good.

Here's mine...

The Ruger 10/22 is a great little .22 also.

I just bought a Model 60 on a whim yesterday.

Micro, do you have a link for those base adapters? I am thinking about optics but I don't want to use tip-off rings...