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Didn’t intend on buying a gun yesterday but I did.
Saw a youth model .22 rifle on the rack at my LGS. It’s Marlin Model 15Y single shot youth model. It’s in good condition considering it’s at least 23yo. It’s heavier than a Cricket but not overly so. I didn’t know this model existed until yesterday. It’s for one of the grandkids.
Check to see if there is any play between the stock and action, if there is bed it using a super thin layer of plumbers 2 part epoxy putty. Then go bench that little gun and your grandchild will have to pry it out of your dead cold fingers. They are little tack drivers from an era when kid's .22s were basically small sized adult .22s, not toys.
I will check it. It’s definitely going to one of my grandkids. I already have a little Daisy .22. I’ve been thinking about a Savage youth gun but just haven’t bought one yet.
I’ll probably end up getting a Lavender Cricket. I have already purchased several Case knives with lavender scales for one granddaughter.
Function tested the Marlin today. It won’t eject the empty cases. Gotta research how to remove the bolt and give it a good cleaning. Trigger is VERY heavy.
"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain)
I suspect it needs a good cleaning and oiling. I think it was made in 1988. Production years were 1988-2003. Since it’s a youth model it’s probably been in someone’s safe for quite a few years.
I’ll search the YouTubes for a video and piddle with it this weekend if I get a chance. Grandkids range from 3 1/2 to 3 mos. They won’t be shooting for awhile yet.
Rugerfan wrote: ↑Wed Feb 25, 2026 11:21 pm
Thanks CPJ.
Function tested the Marlin today. It won’t eject the empty cases. Gotta research how to remove the bolt and give it a good cleaning. Trigger is VERY heavy.
If I remember correctly bring bolt back, press trigger and pull the bolt out while holding the trigger Agree, check the chamber for crud. I would actually take the whole thing apart and go over the whole thing with a brush and Hoppes. .22s are simple machines but they get pretty gunked up over time for sure.
My daughter had a gun in her had at 4. Son took a little longer because… boys are stupid. But he was still just over 5 or halfway to 6 when he started. I went out of my way to take all the mystery out of guns and shooting early.
My 6 and 8 year old granddaughters are coming around. They enjoy shooting the Red Ryder in the basement and will hopefully make a first range trip this summer.
I used the Eddie Eagle materials and to this day when my kids see a gun in my house they call me and let me know before they pick it up to check it out. I believe the NRA still gives the stuff away for free. Probably one of the best things to come out of that organization.
