Ultimate Guide: The Best Guns for New Shooters and Youths (2025 Edition)

✅ Summary Table: Best Guns for Youth and Beginner Shooters

Firearm	Type	Caliber	Key Features	Best For
Ruger 10/22	Semi-auto Rifle	.22 LR	Legendary reliability, modular, vast aftermarket	All-around beginner rifle
Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact	Semi-auto Pistol	.22 LR	Ergonomic, low recoil, same feel as full-size M&P	Handgun intro for youth
Henry Lever Action Youth	Lever-action Rifle	.22 LR	Classic style, simple manual of arms, shorter LOP	Traditionalists, manual practice
Crickett Youth Rifle	Bolt-action Rifle	.22 LR	Single-shot, safety-focused, compact size	Very young or first-time shooters
Ruger SR22	Semi-auto Pistol	.22 LR	Lightweight, ambidextrous controls, adjustable sights	New shooters who want quality
Glock 44	Semi-auto Pistol	.22 LR	Glock-style platform for training	Transition to centerfire Glocks

How to Choose the Perfect First Firearm for Safety, Skill-Building, and Confidence

TL;DR for Skimmers:

• 🥇 Top Pick Rifle: Ruger 10/22 — affordable, customizable, perfect for skill-building
• 🔫 Top Pick Pistol: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact — great ergonomics, safe for smaller hands
• 👶 Best for Very Young Shooters: Crickett Youth Rifle — ultra-safe, single-shot learning tool
• 🧠 Why .22 LR?: Low recoil, low noise, and cheap ammo = less fear, more reps, faster learning
• 🛒 Buy Here: SCHEELS.com

Why the Right First Gun Matters More Than You Think

Choosing the “best gun” for a new shooter or youth is a make-or-break decision. It’s not just about recoil or fit — it’s about shaping a lifetime relationship with firearms. A poor first experience can lead to flinching, disinterest, or even fear. The right choice, on the other hand, builds confidence, teaches safety, and instills lifelong respect for the tool.

Veteran firearms instructor and Gunsight Academy graduate Tom Givens emphasizes, “The gun you train with first forms your foundational habits. Make sure it's something that rewards good behavior, not punishes it.”

And in the world of introductory shooting, nothing beats the venerable .22 Long Rifle.

🎯 Why .22 LR is King for Beginners

• Low Recoil: No shoulder bruises, no flinch-inducing blast. This helps new shooters stay on target.
• Minimal Noise: Reduces intimidation, especially for young ears.
• Low Cost: A box of 500 rounds can cost under $30. You can shoot all day without burning cash.
• Universally Available: Every gun store carries .22 LR in stock. And for good reason.
• Fundamentals Focus: Without the distractions of recoil and noise, students learn grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and breathing.

🧒 The Best Guns for Youth and New Shooters — Ranked and Reviewed

1. Ruger 10/22: The Gold Standard for First Rifles

• Type: Semi-Automatic Rifle
• Caliber: .22 LR
• MSRP: ~$250
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Pros:
• Decades-proven reliability
• Massive aftermarket for customization
• Detachable 10-round rotary magazine
• Variants like the Takedown offer portability
• Cons:
• Some models may be slightly long for very small shooters (opt for the Compact model)

🔍 Why it’s great: The Ruger 10/22 has been the “first rifle” of America for over 50 years. The trigger is crisp enough for marksmanship, and models like the Ruger 10/22 Compact feature a 16.12" barrel and shorter length of pull, perfect for smaller frames.

🔧 Pro Tip: Add a red dot like the Sig Sauer ROMEO5 for easier target acquisition.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact: Scaled for New Hands

• Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
• Caliber: .22 LR
• MSRP: ~$350
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Pros:
• Excellent ergonomics for small hands
• Same controls as full-size M&P (good for training)
• Reliable performance with most bulk ammo
• Cons:
• A bit pricier than entry-level pistols
• Not as customizable as Glock 44

🎯 Best for: Teen shooters and adults learning pistol fundamentals.

🔧 Trainer's Insight: “It’s got the same feel as my duty M&P 9mm, but my students don’t fear it,” says firearms coach Beth Alcazar of USCCA.

3. Henry Lever Action Youth: Teach the Old Ways

• Type: Lever-Action Rifle
• Caliber: .22 S/L/LR
• MSRP: ~$410
• Weight: 4.5 lbs
• Pros:
• Simple manual operation
• Short 13" length of pull
• Classic Americana appeal
• Cons:
• Slower reloads
• Requires stronger hand coordination

🧒 Best for: Kids learning traditional skills, or families into Western-style firearms.

🏆 Standout Feature: The smoothest lever-action action in its class. No exposed hammer to worry about cocking.

4. Crickett Youth Rifle: Safety Above All

• Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
• Caliber: .22 LR
• MSRP: ~$160
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Pros:
• Single-shot: forces discipline and safety
• Very light, short, and youth-oriented
• Tons of fun colors and patterns
• Cons:
• No magazine = slow firing
• Sights are basic

👶 Ideal For: Ages 6-10 with adult supervision.

🛡️ Why It Wins on Safety: With its built-in keyed safety lock and single-shot action, it's practically impossible to mishandle under watchful guidance.

5. Ruger SR22: Best Balance of Features and Form

• Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
• Caliber: .22 LR
• MSRP: ~$400
• Weight: 1.1 lbs
• Pros:
• Swappable grip sleeves for hand size
• Ambidextrous everything
• Threaded barrel for suppressors
• Cons:
• Not as similar to centerfire models for training carry

🧠 Great For: Those who want to stay with Ruger quality and need something refined, compact, and comfortable.

6. Glock 44: Glock Familiarity in .22 LR

• Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
• Caliber: .22 LR
• MSRP: ~$430
• Weight: 14.6 oz
• Pros:
• Feels identical to Glock 19
• Perfect trainer for Glock users
• Ultra-light recoil
• Cons:
• Sensitive to some types of bulk ammo
• 10-round magazine feels limited

🔫 Great for: Transitioning to defensive Glock platforms. Teens and adults alike benefit from the identical ergonomics.

🔄 Alternatives You Might Not Have Considered

• Air Rifles like the Daisy Red Ryder or Crosman 760 Pumpmaster are phenomenal for backyard plinking and early lessons in muzzle discipline.
• .22 WMR (.22 Magnum) is a slightly more powerful step-up, great for small game and slightly older learners.
• Suppressed Firearms: Consider adding a suppressor for .22 LR guns. Less noise means even more approachability. Look at the Dead Air Mask or SilencerCo Sparrow.

⚠️ Important Safety and Training Considerations

• Supervision: Always under direct adult supervision. Even the safest gun is dangerous without responsibility.
• Eye and Ear Protection: Mandatory. Even .22s can damage hearing over time.
• Structured Learning: Use formal instruction or join youth shooting programs like 4-H Shooting Sports or Project Appleseed.
• Storage: Lockable safes or keyed safety locks should always be used when not in use.

Final Thoughts: Build Habits, Not Just Hits

The “best gun” for a new shooter isn’t about firepower. It’s about mastery. The goal isn’t just to hit targets — it’s to create shooters who understand responsibility, skill, and the weight of handling a deadly tool with respect and proficiency.

Nothing builds those fundamentals like a reliable .22.

As Col. Jeff Cooper once said, “Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.” Start smart. Start small. Start right.

🛒 Buy the Best Beginner Firearms Online 👉 SCHEELS.com.