After spending the day in the field with my 12y/o nephew last Saturday, it put a burr in my saddle to get my boys more time in the field. To date, I've introduced the 5y/o to shooting through a suppressed M&P22 pistol and suppressed M&P15-22 rifle with red dot. He also has a Daisy "Buck" bb gun. He's not opposed to shooting, but doesn't seem to long for it. Some of that may be to lack of exposure, though. Once or twice a year isn't exactly regular exposure. He did really seem to come alive about it on our latest trip 3 weeks ago where we has able to break clays with the 15-22.
I don't want it to just be about shooting, though. I want to introduce them to the nuances of the outdoors. Walking through the woods and observing animal sign, tracks, sounds, etc as well as introduction to vegetation, etc. Doing so with a .22 rifle to have the opportunity for a shot on the odd squirrel seems it would add to the enjoyment and "tie the tool to the task."
Now, I have for both of my sons already sitting in the safe a pair of 10/22 Deluxe Walnut Sporters, a pair of Colt 6920's (sequential sn's) and a pair of Buck 110's (pair of each = one for each son).
My thought is to pick up something like a Crickett or Savage Rascal single-shot bolt .22 that would be something lighter/easier for him to tote around the woods for a couple years until he's ready for the 10/22 and then his brother can tote around the single shot.
The boys are 2 years apart and will turn 6 and 4 in December. Both are on the larger size for their age.
Thoughts?