Best Compact Bolt Action 22 LR Starter Gun For Kids/Hunting

[WeR0206]

Forgive my ignorance as I don't know much about the rimfire world (I shoot CF bolt actions and AR's mainly), I'm looking to add to my collection a solid 22 LR semi-auto rifle that I can use mainly as a starter gun for my girls when they are old enough (7yrs old and 4yrs old currently) and also for hunting/varmints here and there. I'll probably make the purchase some time within the next 6 months so right now I'm just in the research phase. Seems like the best option re: aftermarket support, reliability, etc. is a Ruger 10/22 but I wanted to see what the hide thought.

Budget for initial purchase (not including upgrades, etc.) would be <= $350

Here's what I was considering but I'm open to whatever (leaning towards a 16.25" in barrel vs. 18" since it'll be mainly used by the kids):

• Ruger 10/22 (18” barrel, hardwood stock) (# 1103) ($200)
• Ruger 10/22 Compact 22 LR (16.12” barrel) (# 31114) ($255)
• Savage 45110 64 FV-SR 22 LR 10+1 16.50" Matte (# 45110) ($145)
• Henry AR-7?

If you have any upgrade recommendations re: barrels, triggers, stocks, scopes/rings, etc. and also ammo I'm down for that as well thanks!

 

[Aftermath]

I prefer to start a kid with a 22LR single shot with open sights. Rossi makes a decent one that is not expensive. Once they have the idea that they only have the one shot to make a hit and are showing proficiency with safe handling, I move them to a 10/22 with open sight.

 

[WeR0206]

I prefer to start a kid with a 22LR single shot with open sights. Rossi makes a decent one that is not expensive. Once they have the idea that they only have the one shot to make a hit and are showing proficiency with safe handling, I move them to a 10/22 with open sight.

Good thinking, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[oldrifleman]

EDIT: removed stupid post that deserves the ridicule of all, but to save the intent of the thread and reduce my embarrassment.
For original content see reply copied below.

 

[Aftermath]

Most places will require the starting gun to be a dedicated blank pistol. Not stop you buying the 22rf you want but I would not be surprised if the events require the blank gun.

I just gotta save this for posterity.

 

[John?]

We started our kids with the single shot Savage Rascal. It is tiny so it fits smaller kids. Rudimentary peep sights. Good to learn basics.

Upgraded to Ruger American compact rimfire. Excellent tools for small game and informal target shooting. For Steel Challenge, we got them 10/22.

16” barrel balances better for youth.

 

[oldrifleman]

Good thinking, thanks for the suggestion!

Helps if you actual read with understanding. Score one goal blunder to me!
To the topic I started my kids with a cz452 scout model. When the they outgrew that I got each a kid 10/22.
Sorry for a stupid post, I and I don’t drink

 

[WeR0206]

We started our kids with the single shot Savage Rascal. It is tiny so it fits smaller kids. Rudimentary peep sights. Good to learn basics.

Upgraded to Ruger American compact rimfire. Excellent tools for small game and informal target shooting. For Steel Challenge, we got them 10/22.

16” barrel balances better for youth.

Thanks! Im leaning hard towards the below Rascal. The features/size seem perfect. Appreciate all the feedback from everyone!

Savage Rascal - RH Black (# 13775) ($115)

Also looking at:

• Henry Mini Bolt Youth G2 16.25” (# H005R) ($235)
• Keystone Chipmunk Walnut Blend (# 00001) ($170)
• Keystone Cricket Desert Tan (hard to cock firing pin compared to Rascal?) (# KSA2235) ($100)

 

[John?]

Thanks! Im leaning hard towards the below Rascal. The features/size seem perfect. Appreciate all the feedback from everyone!

Savage Rascal - RH Black (# 13775) ($115)

Yep. That’s the one we have. Bought a blue one when my oldest was 6 months old. No sense in dawdling . He is now driving. That rifle has been used by his 3 siblings. Youngest daughter has been lobbying to get a pink stock for it.

 

[WeR0206]

Yep. That’s the one we have. Bought a blue one when my oldest was 6 months old. No sense in dawdling . He is now driving. That rifle has been used by his 3 siblings. Youngest daughter has been lobbying to get a pink stock for it.

Haha nice!! Any ammo in particular it seems to like or do you just your rando plinking stuff?

 

[John?]

@WeR0206
We get best results (for kid values of best) with Federal AutoMatch and CCI SV. For practice, cheap Blazer 22 works surprisingly well.

 

[Cal97c]

Browning SA-22, besides the unique/weird loading mechanism, I think it is better suited for smaller hands and better balanced than most other 22's.

 

[WeR0206]

Something else I'm also considering if I don't go with the Savage Rascal or Henry Mini Bolt G2 single shot rifles is getting a compact bolt action 22 LR that either has factory 1 shot mags/adapters or ebay etc. adapters that are widely available. That opens my options up a bit and here's what I've added to my list:

• Ruger American Compact Rimfire 22 LR 18” (# 8303) ($315) (use with a 10/22 single shot mag (# 90344) ($13))
• Savage Arms B22 F Compact 18” (# 70214) ($245)
• CZ 457 Scout 16.5” (# 02335) ($500)

Going with the Ruger American Compact Rimfire would make for an easy transition to the 10/22 since they both use the same mags.

 

[Emerson0311]

Buy a CZ. Tigers and Savages will disappoint you with their build quality pretty quickly. Semis are not great for teaching kids much but fun conspicuous consumption. Tiny and expensive single shots are useful for a very short time. Have all of the above and several kids.

 

[WeR0206]

Buy a CZ. Tigers and Savages will disappoint you with their build quality pretty quickly. Semis are not great for teaching kids much but fun conspicuous consumption. Tiny and expensive single shots are useful for a very short time. Have all of the above and several kids.

Thanks for the suggestion and I was curious about the differences in triggers between the options. Those CZ's look damn nice for the $$$ and would last a lifetime (they also have a ton of aftermarket support). I think they come with a single shot adapter to start off with which is nice.

 

[Emerson0311]

Thanks for the suggestion and I was curious about the differences in triggers between the options. Those CZ's look damn nice for the $$$ and would last a lifetime (they also have a ton of aftermarket support). I think they come with a single shot adapter to start off with which is nice.

CZs are the Tikka of the Rimfire world. The Tikka Rimfire is not bad, but I give the nod to CZ. I competed with a Tikka Rimfire for several years. CZ is better.

 

[oldrifleman]

CZ Scout! Perfect starter rifle!

 

[joe777]

I just went through this myself, was just looking for a decent 22. Was horribly disappointed by the build quality of new production rifles around the 300 dollar range. Saw a decent Bergara with threaded barrel but it was 600. Ended up with a single shot Win model 67

 

[John?]

Something else I'm also considering if I don't go with the Savage Rascal or Henry Mini Bolt G2 single shot rifles is getting a compact bolt action 22 LR that either has factory 1 shot mags/adapters or ebay etc. adapters that are widely available. That opens my options up a bit and here's what I've added to my list:

• Ruger American Compact Rimfire 22 LR 18” (# 8303) ($315) (use with a 10/22 single shot mag (# 90344) ($13))
• Savage Arms B22 F Compact 18” (# 70214) ($245)
• CZ 457 Scout 16.5” (# 02335) ($500)

Going with the Ruger American Compact Rimfire would make for an easy transition to the 10/22 since they both use the same mags.

The Ruger American Rimfires we have are decent little rifles. Would recommend them to anyone not shooting tiny targets are great distance.

We looked at CZ (i am a fan of the CZ75). At the time CZ didn’t offer a rifle with threaded muzzle. That was a deal breaker. Not sure if they offer threaded muzzle now.

 

[JBoomhauer]

Another vote for the CZ scout. If you mount a red dot on it, it makes the learning curve much faster. The only problem is you will have to buy another one for your kids.

 

[WeR0206]

The Ruger American Rimfires we have are decent little rifles. Would recommend them to anyone not shooting tiny targets are great distance.

We looked at CZ (i am a fan of the CZ75). At the time CZ didn’t offer a rifle with threaded muzzle. That was a deal breaker. Not sure if they offer threaded muzzle now.

Thanks for the info. Yeah Im pretty sure the CZ comes with a threaded muzzle now. What I may end up doing is start my oldest off with the rascal for around $125 and if she takes to shooting and sticks with it, I will upgrade her to the CZ then give her younger sister the rascal…my oldest is seven (pretty big for her age) and the youngest is four so we almost always have to end up buying two of everything but can’t really afford to buy two CZ’s right now

 

[oldrifleman]

My kids outgrew the scout at about 10. They are really good.

 

[JBoomhauer]

My kids outgrew the scout at about 10. They are really good.

That’s what is great about the 457 scout. When they outgrow it, you can replace the stock and barrel as needed. I can have my kid shoot the scout today, then shoot an NRL22 match with it this weekend.

 

[Alpinebeard]

My almost 4 year old daughter started asking if she could start shooting and have a rifle of her own… I couldn’t wait to I go pick up a little .22 for her but I encountered similar concerns with the limitations of commercially available youth rifles many of you have expressed.

It may not be a direction many want to take but I decided to get a 16” Tikka T1x and carve a totally custom stock that can grow with her and her little sister (and my nephews and friends kids as well). I think it will be much easier to teach proper fundamentals with a rifle that promotes good form. I’ll finish it up after hunting season…

 

[6.5SH]

My almost 4 year old daughter started asking if she could start shooting and have a rifle of her own… I couldn’t wait to I go pick up a little .22 for her but I encountered similar concerns with the limitations of commercially available youth rifles many of you have expressed.

It may not be a direction many want to take but I decided to get a 16” Tikka T1x and carve a totally custom stock that can grow with her and her little sister (and my nephews and friends kids as well). I think it will be much easier to teach proper fundamentals with a rifle that promotes good form. I’ll finish it up after hunting season…

That is beyond awesome and hope your daughter grows to appreciate what you did.

 

[Big Phish]

My almost 4 year old daughter started asking if she could start shooting and have a rifle of her own… I couldn’t wait to I go pick up a little .22 for her but I encountered similar concerns with the limitations of commercially available youth rifles many of you have expressed.

It may not be a direction many want to take but I decided to get a 16” Tikka T1x and carve a totally custom stock that can grow with her and her little sister (and my nephews and friends kids as well). I think it will be much easier to teach proper fundamentals with a rifle that promotes good form. I’ll finish it up after hunting season…

Thats pretty cool! Hope your daughter does well!

 

[Jack_L]

I highly recommend an AR-type .22, most significantly because they can fit small shooters and grow with them, or be changed super fast for another shooter. Zero effort needed to achieve a good fit for pretty much anyone.

Being a semi-auto, it also allows the shooter to stay in position between shots, reinforcing good (or exposing bad) position and trigger manipulation. Also greatly reduces the risk of losing control of the gun during the manual use of the bolt.

I disagree with the "has to be a manual action with irons" thought process.
A simple red dot sight is super easy to use, and will let the young/learning shooter focus on critical tasks and safe handling rather than bouncing eye focus and having to learn an advanced skill. You can always bring irons into the training cycle later, but making it easy at the start makes literally everything else easier.
Focus the new shooter on learning and applying a good pre-shot, shot, and post-shot process, and hold them accountable for their performance and they will *almost magically* reflect the discipline you instill.
At the end of the day, good marksmanship and safety spring out of discipline and accountability.
That can happen with any tool, regardless of the technology level.

I started my kit at about 4 years old on a 15-22. As his skills developed he moved toward a stick-shift rifle as he wanted better levels of precision than the 15-22 could give him. I never had an issue with him shooting faster than his ability to process the shot, nor have I ever had a single safety issue with him; as I simply taught, demonstrated, and demanded that those things be done correctly.

 

[eagle0199]

I coach 4H Shooting Sports and we concentrate on CMP Sporter Rifle, NRA 3-Position, and Rimfire Silhouette. By far the most popular is CMP Sporter. Kids start in 4H at age 9 and continue thru age 18, I like to work with the new shooters so have seen a lot of 9-10 year old kids that are new to shooting. It can sometimes be a challenge to work with what they have (grandpa's old rifle) and be both accurate and fun, with an emphasis on the fun.

Many kids start with open sights and the most popular is the Ruger 10/22 but the kids often shoot too fast so the solution is often just single loading a magazine. About one out of 10 shows up with a bolt action . If I were to rank the bolts then the Savage Rascal would be first due primarily to its' trigger. Next would be a tie between the CZ 457 Scout and the Henry Mini Bolt, and finally the Keystone Cricket last because of the independent cocking and the trigger that is difficult to adjust (my example was too light, had to disassemble and add a spring to bring it up to the 3 lb minimum required for CMP.

I think the key here is stock fit. The Savage, Henry, CZ, and Cricket will generally fit a younger shooter but you would have to go to an aftermarket stock for the 10/22 or Ruger American. Just to save some time, below is a post I created a little over a year ago when asked about youth stocks for .22's. Prices have likely changed by now.

How to select proper Length of Pull (LOP) for a young shooter:​

One of the ways to get close to the appropriate size is to measure from the inside of the elbow (with the arm bent) to the pad of the trigger finger when the finger is in a position to pull the trigger. If the individual is of "normal" proportions, this would allow them to shoulder the rifle and easily see the sights.

I see many with a LOP that is too long, forcing the individual to have their cheek too far back on the stock, or having to place the butt either above or below the shoulder.

Youth Stock Information​

Just to aid someone else that might be looking for a youth stock, below are some measurements that might help your decision. All measurements are from the front of the trigger blade to the center of the butt. Listed below in order of shortest LOP to longest.

AR15-type chassis for the 10/22 (Blackhawk Axiom - Buy Knoxx® Axiom R/F Ruger® 10/22® Rifle Stock And More | Blackhawk) with adjustable stock: 10 1/4 inches up to 13 1/2 inches. $95.95.

KRG Bravo Chassis 10/22 Chassis, Comfortable Bravo Chassis | Kinetic Research Group - either 11" or 11 1/4 (per their website). $264.99.

Luth-AR Chassis, model MCA-22. MCA | Luth-AR This chassis has adjustable length of pull from 11.25 to 15.75 in .75 increments. Also has fully adjustable cheek riser. Around $179 from Optics planet Luth-AR 10/22 Modular Chassis Assemblied MCA-22 Color: Black, Gun Model: AR-10, Hand: Ambidextrous, $11.40 Off w/ Free Shipping

Crickett rifle, by Keystone Arms: The Savage Rascal is very similar but with a better trigger - 11 1/4 inches. The Henry Mini Bolt is also very similar (and I like the looks of the bolt handle) Mini Bolt Youth | Henry Repeating Arms - 11 1/2 inches

Brownells youth stock WOOD PLUS RUGER 10/22 RAISED YOUTH STOCK SPORTER | Brownells or WOOD PLUS RUGER 10/22 STANDARD YOUTH STOCK SPORTER | Brownells : 11 5/8 inches. Note that these are for a standard taper barrel but about 15 minutes with some sandpaper wrapped around a broomstick will open it up to fit a bull barrel. $104.49 - $111.49.

Hogue/Volquartsen Youth, This is a discontinued item but can be occasionally found on eBay. Description at Hogue Rubber OverMolded Youth Stock (12 Length of Pull) Ruger 10/22: 12 inches. Approximately $100.

CZ 457 Scout: 12 1/4 inches:

Magpul X22 Hunter MAGPUL RUGER 10/22 HUNTER X-22 STOCK ADJUSTABLE | Brownells : 12 1/2 inches minimum, has spacers to add up to 2 more inches. Has a reversible barrel channel, one side for a taper barrel, the other side for a bull barrel. Also has the capability to accept 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 inch cheek risers (sold separately) to best adapt to using a scope. The 1/4" and 1/2" risers come in the Low kit. The 1/2" and 3/4" risers come in the High kit. Stock: $100.99, Cheekpiece kit: Approx $16

Ruger American Rimfire (RAR) with Youth stock module: 12 ¾”

Ruger 10/22 "normal" carbine stock: 13 inches.

Then there is the whole other problem of getting the cheek on the stock while the aiming eye is properly behind and lined up with the sights, be it iron sights or a scope. Without going into a lot of detail, pool noodles and/or pipe insulation on the top of the stock, secured with Vet Wrap, works well.

 

[WeR0206]

I coach 4H Shooting Sports and we concentrate on CMP Sporter Rifle, NRA 3-Position, and Rimfire Silhouette. By far the most popular is CMP Sporter. Kids start in 4H at age 9 and continue thru age 18, I like to work with the new shooters so have seen a lot of 9-10 year old kids that are new to shooting. It can sometimes be a challenge to work with what they have (grandpa's old rifle) and be both accurate and fun, with an emphasis on the fun.

Many kids start with open sights and the most popular is the Ruger 10/22 but the kids often shoot too fast so the solution is often just single loading a magazine. About one out of 10 shows up with a bolt action . If I were to rank the bolts then the Savage Rascal would be first due primarily to its' trigger. Next would be a tie between the CZ 457 Scout and the Henry Mini Bolt, and finally the Keystone Cricket last because of the independent cocking and the trigger that is difficult to adjust (my example was too light, had to disassemble and add a spring to bring it up to the 3 lb minimum required for CMP.

I think the key here is stock fit. The Savage, Henry, CZ, and Cricket will generally fit a younger shooter but you would have to go to an aftermarket stock for the 10/22 or Ruger American. Just to save some time, below is a post I created a little over a year ago when asked about youth stocks for .22's. Prices have likely changed by now.

How to select proper Length of Pull (LOP) for a young shooter:​

One of the ways to get close to the appropriate size is to measure from the inside of the elbow (with the arm bent) to the pad of the trigger finger when the finger is in a position to pull the trigger. If the individual is of "normal" proportions, this would allow them to shoulder the rifle and easily see the sights.

I see many with a LOP that is too long, forcing the individual to have their cheek too far back on the stock, or having to place the butt either above or below the shoulder.

Youth Stock Information​

Just to aid someone else that might be looking for a youth stock, below are some measurements that might help your decision. All measurements are from the front of the trigger blade to the center of the butt. Listed below in order of shortest LOP to longest.

AR15-type chassis for the 10/22 (Blackhawk Axiom - Buy Knoxx® Axiom R/F Ruger® 10/22® Rifle Stock And More | Blackhawk) with adjustable stock: 10 1/4 inches up to 13 1/2 inches. $95.95.

KRG Bravo Chassis 10/22 Chassis, Comfortable Bravo Chassis | Kinetic Research Group - either 11" or 11 1/4 (per their website). $264.99.

Luth-AR Chassis, model MCA-22. MCA | Luth-AR This chassis has adjustable length of pull from 11.25 to 15.75 in .75 increments. Also has fully adjustable cheek riser. Around $179 from Optics planet Luth-AR 10/22 Modular Chassis Assemblied MCA-22 Color: Black, Gun Model: AR-10, Hand: Ambidextrous, $11.40 Off w/ Free Shipping

Crickett rifle, by Keystone Arms: The Savage Rascal is very similar but with a better trigger - 11 1/4 inches. The Henry Mini Bolt is also very similar (and I like the looks of the bolt handle) Mini Bolt Youth | Henry Repeating Arms - 11 1/2 inches

Brownells youth stock WOOD PLUS RUGER 10/22 RAISED YOUTH STOCK SPORTER | Brownells or WOOD PLUS RUGER 10/22 STANDARD YOUTH STOCK SPORTER | Brownells : 11 5/8 inches. Note that these are for a standard taper barrel but about 15 minutes with some sandpaper wrapped around a broomstick will open it up to fit a bull barrel. $104.49 - $111.49.

Hogue/Volquartsen Youth, This is a discontinued item but can be occasionally found on eBay. Description at Hogue Rubber OverMolded Youth Stock (12 Length of Pull) Ruger 10/22: 12 inches. Approximately $100.

CZ 457 Scout: 12 1/4 inches:

Magpul X22 Hunter MAGPUL RUGER 10/22 HUNTER X-22 STOCK ADJUSTABLE | Brownells : 12 1/2 inches minimum, has spacers to add up to 2 more inches. Has a reversible barrel channel, one side for a taper barrel, the other side for a bull barrel. Also has the capability to accept 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 inch cheek risers (sold separately) to best adapt to using a scope. The 1/4" and 1/2" risers come in the Low kit. The 1/2" and 3/4" risers come in the High kit. Stock: $100.99, Cheekpiece kit: Approx $16

Ruger American Rimfire (RAR) with Youth stock module: 12 ¾”

Ruger 10/22 "normal" carbine stock: 13 inches.

Then there is the whole other problem of getting the cheek on the stock while the aiming eye is properly behind and lined up with the sights, be it iron sights or a scope. Without going into a lot of detail, pool noodles and/or pipe insulation on the top of the stock, secured with Vet Wrap, works well.

Wow, this fantastic info, thanks for sharing!

 

[JBoomhauer]

I coach 4H Shooting Sports and we concentrate on CMP Sporter Rifle, NRA 3-Position, and Rimfire Silhouette. By far the most popular is CMP Sporter. Kids start in 4H at age 9 and continue thru age 18, I like to work with the new shooters so have seen a lot of 9-10 year old kids that are new to shooting. It can sometimes be a challenge to work with what they have (grandpa's old rifle) and be both accurate and fun, with an emphasis on the fun.

Many kids start with open sights and the most popular is the Ruger 10/22 but the kids often shoot too fast so the solution is often just single loading a magazine. About one out of 10 shows up with a bolt action . If I were to rank the bolts then the Savage Rascal would be first due primarily to its' trigger. Next would be a tie between the CZ 457 Scout and the Henry Mini Bolt, and finally the Keystone Cricket last because of the independent cocking and the trigger that is difficult to adjust (my example was too light, had to disassemble and add a spring to bring it up to the 3 lb minimum required for CMP.

I think the key here is stock fit. The Savage, Henry, CZ, and Cricket will generally fit a younger shooter but you would have to go to an aftermarket stock for the 10/22 or Ruger American. Just to save some time, below is a post I created a little over a year ago when asked about youth stocks for .22's. Prices have likely changed by now.

How to select proper Length of Pull (LOP) for a young shooter:​

One of the ways to get close to the appropriate size is to measure from the inside of the elbow (with the arm bent) to the pad of the trigger finger when the finger is in a position to pull the trigger. If the individual is of "normal" proportions, this would allow them to shoulder the rifle and easily see the sights.

I see many with a LOP that is too long, forcing the individual to have their cheek too far back on the stock, or having to place the butt either above or below the shoulder.

Youth Stock Information​

Just to aid someone else that might be looking for a youth stock, below are some measurements that might help your decision. All measurements are from the front of the trigger blade to the center of the butt. Listed below in order of shortest LOP to longest.

AR15-type chassis for the 10/22 (Blackhawk Axiom - Buy Knoxx® Axiom R/F Ruger® 10/22® Rifle Stock And More | Blackhawk) with adjustable stock: 10 1/4 inches up to 13 1/2 inches. $95.95.

KRG Bravo Chassis 10/22 Chassis, Comfortable Bravo Chassis | Kinetic Research Group - either 11" or 11 1/4 (per their website). $264.99.

Luth-AR Chassis, model MCA-22. MCA | Luth-AR This chassis has adjustable length of pull from 11.25 to 15.75 in .75 increments. Also has fully adjustable cheek riser. Around $179 from Optics planet Luth-AR 10/22 Modular Chassis Assemblied MCA-22 Color: Black, Gun Model: AR-10, Hand: Ambidextrous, $11.40 Off w/ Free Shipping

Crickett rifle, by Keystone Arms: The Savage Rascal is very similar but with a better trigger - 11 1/4 inches. The Henry Mini Bolt is also very similar (and I like the looks of the bolt handle) Mini Bolt Youth | Henry Repeating Arms - 11 1/2 inches

Brownells youth stock WOOD PLUS RUGER 10/22 RAISED YOUTH STOCK SPORTER | Brownells or WOOD PLUS RUGER 10/22 STANDARD YOUTH STOCK SPORTER | Brownells : 11 5/8 inches. Note that these are for a standard taper barrel but about 15 minutes with some sandpaper wrapped around a broomstick will open it up to fit a bull barrel. $104.49 - $111.49.

Hogue/Volquartsen Youth, This is a discontinued item but can be occasionally found on eBay. Description at Hogue Rubber OverMolded Youth Stock (12 Length of Pull) Ruger 10/22: 12 inches. Approximately $100.

CZ 457 Scout: 12 1/4 inches:

Magpul X22 Hunter MAGPUL RUGER 10/22 HUNTER X-22 STOCK ADJUSTABLE | Brownells : 12 1/2 inches minimum, has spacers to add up to 2 more inches. Has a reversible barrel channel, one side for a taper barrel, the other side for a bull barrel. Also has the capability to accept 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 inch cheek risers (sold separately) to best adapt to using a scope. The 1/4" and 1/2" risers come in the Low kit. The 1/2" and 3/4" risers come in the High kit. Stock: $100.99, Cheekpiece kit: Approx $16

Ruger American Rimfire (RAR) with Youth stock module: 12 ¾”

Ruger 10/22 "normal" carbine stock: 13 inches.

Then there is the whole other problem of getting the cheek on the stock while the aiming eye is properly behind and lined up with the sights, be it iron sights or a scope. Without going into a lot of detail, pool noodles and/or pipe insulation on the top of the stock, secured with Vet Wrap, works well.

Could you elaborate on the rascal trigger being better?