Rifle for the kids..

[RedOneFive]

Trying to figure out a good light rifle for my kids to shoot at matches.
Ive got a traditions 32 deerstalker, but it's almost too small for my older 2 kids.

I have a line on a used 32 crockett or a 32 pedersoli scout.. I haven't messed with either of those. Was wanting some input.
Also curious if there's any 36 or 40 type options yall could suggest that aren't bank breakers?  I think a little more weight would help with the steel silhouette shoots, but they're timid of the 50 loaded down..
Joe

[BEAVERMAN]

You might look at an old Traditions Bobcat, the older ones had a wood stock then they switched to plastic, some were 45 and some 50's, I've had 10 and 11 yr olds shooting these, just powder down  bit, they wont break the bank like a Cherokee or a Seneca!

[rollingb]

Beaverman has already suggested what I was going to recommend.   

[Winter Hawk]

My youngest shot a CVA Bobcat with 50 grain loads.  Since he left the roost I sent the plastic stock to Pecatonica River and they duplicated it as a full stock.  I had picked it up used for $100.

CVA sold the Bobcat; Traditions sells the same rifle as the Deerhunter:
https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/product/Deerhunter-.50-cal-Percussion-Select-Hardwoods-Blued

The 24" barrel makes it less intimidating to kids, I think.  I went out with our pastor and a missionary who was visiting with his 10 year old son.  I took along the T-C Pennsylvania Hunter (the only M/L rifle on the range trip) and while other people had a blast shooting it the boy was afraid it would kick too hard.  I think that if it had been the Bobcat he would have given it a go, even though the bore is large.

~Kees~

[BEAVERMAN]

Yep Kees is correct, been a minute since I dealt with kids guns.

[Bigsmoke]

I just thought of another interesting rifle sized for younger shooters.  I am not sure if it is still available or not, but it is worth a look, and it looks like no other.
In 1980, I reviewed the rifle in our at the time publication Buyers Guide to Muzzleloading Shops and Products.
It was made by Pedersoli and imported by Navy Arms.  It is a side slapper lock which gives it a different look, especially sighting down the barrel.  It's kind of weird seeing the hammer stick out to the side, rather than straight up.
When I reviewed this in 1980, it retailed for $250.00.  But that was then.  Now it's probably $250,000 or so.   Shut up, it's not funny.  Thanks Joe.
I guess I would call this a "maybe gun".
Do they still make it?  Maybe
Does Navy Arms still import it?  Maybe
Can you find one on the used market?  Maybe
John (Bigsmoke)

[Winter Hawk]

A mule ear gun.  They used to be seen a lot more.  I see that L&R has a lock available if you want to make your own.  IIRC, Deer Creek USED to sell them when the old folks owned the store, but since the new owners took over they aren't available anymore.

~Kees~