My youngest boy turns 5 this month. I was thinking of getting him a 22. I was at Byfords a month ago and they had a Winchester Wildcat. I liked the look of it and seemed small enough for a kid. Not really looking for the single shot cricket stuff. Located in Hartselle, AL

I bought my son one for Christmas. It’s a nice little gun. You’ll be satisfied with it

It also accepts Ruger 10/22 mags.

I don't know if the ruger 10/22 is too much for him, but I love them.

Re-think the cricket. Single shot are perfect for teaching kids about shooting and good habits from the start. They also fit a smaller kid well. We bought my daughter one about the same age. It still probably gets shot more than any gun we have when plinking cans at camp. They are crazy accurate for such a simple little gun.

I like the single shot idea. I have an old bolt action that I love. Those bolt .22s are plenty accurate, and you are teaching them the techniques for properly handling a deer gun for later. Just my .02.

Another recommendation for the single shot/bolt action rifle. Something that must be considered in today's world is the ammunition availability. Also the 10-22 could be an illegal firearm in the future. Its a semi auto that takes 30 round magazines. When the squirrels around here get smart and stay out of range of my old Winchester Mod 97 12 I get an Anshutz .22 with a 4x Leupold scope off the rack. Its probably killed more critters out here than anything else I've owned.

A mini-bolt 22 is a good one for kids in my opinion

Look into the Ruger American Rimfire Compact. I have one and it seems like it'd be a great kids starter gun.

If the child is small, I recommend the Savage Rascal. The sights are crappy, but you can get around that with a scope. The thing about the rascal is they shoot good and have the accu trigger. I’m impressed for the one my son has

X2, bought one for my son at 5. He turns 10 tomorrow but he and his sister shoot it a lot. Great little gun.

Henry 22! cant beat them and will last a lifetime or more.