The Savage Rascal 22 LR (Model 13805): The Definitive First Rifle for Aspiring Marksmen

Embarking on the journey of responsible firearm ownership and shooting sports often begins with a fundamental decision: selecting the right introductory rifle. For parents, guardians, or instructors seeking the ultimate first firearm for a young or novice shooter, the Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR (Model 13805) stands out as an unparalleled choice. This meticulously designed, single-shot bolt-action rifle, with its distinctive yellow synthetic stock and blued metal finish, is more than just a firearm; it's a meticulously crafted tool engineered to instill confidence, foster foundational skills, and ensure safety from the very first shot.

Who Is the Savage Rascal 13805 Designed For?

The Savage Rascal 13805 is specifically tailored for:

• Young and Beginning Shooters: Its ergonomic design, light weight, and intuitive controls make it incredibly user-friendly for smaller hands and developing motor skills.
• Parents and Guardians: Those looking for a safe, reliable, and effective platform to introduce their children to shooting sports and responsible firearm handling.
• Shooting Instructors and Youth Programs: An ideal training rifle for teaching core marksmanship principles in a controlled environment.
• Anyone New to Firearms: While optimized for youth, its simplicity and safety features make it an excellent choice for any adult beginner who wishes to learn shooting fundamentals with a low-recoil, easy-to-manage rifle.

This rifle expertly addresses the common concerns of parents regarding safety and comfort, while simultaneously providing a genuinely accurate and engaging shooting experience for the budding marksman.

Why Is the Savage Rascal the Best First Rifle for Young Shooters?

The excellence of the Savage Rascal 13805 lies in its thoughtful integration of safety, ergonomics, and performance features, making it arguably the best starting point for any new shooter.

Uncompromising Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and the Savage Rascal is built from the ground up with features that prioritize responsible firearm handling:

• Single-Shot Capacity (1rd): This crucial feature ensures that only one round can be loaded at a time. This deliberate design mandates focused attention on each shot, minimizing the risk of accidental multiple discharges and reinforcing discipline in loading and unloading procedures. It teaches patience and precise shot placement rather than rapid firing.
• Thumb Safety: An easily accessible and intuitive thumb safety allows the shooter to engage and disengage the firearm's firing mechanism with minimal effort, providing an immediate layer of control and reinforcing the critical habit of "safety on" until ready to fire.
• Visible Cartridge Indicator: This visual cue provides instant confirmation of whether a cartridge is loaded in the chamber, adding an extra layer of safety awareness.
• Savage AccuTrigger™: A cornerstone of Savage Arms' commitment to safety and performance. This patented user-adjustable trigger system allows for a crisp, clean release with no creep, enhancing accuracy. Crucially for beginners, it includes a safety blade within the trigger itself, preventing accidental discharge unless the blade is depressed along with the trigger. This dual-stage safety mechanism is a significant confidence booster for new shooters and their instructors.

Ergonomics Designed for Smaller Frames

One of the biggest challenges for young shooters is handling a rifle that is too large or heavy. The Rascal 13805 expertly solves this:

• Optimal Length of Pull (11.25"): The "length of pull" (distance from the trigger to the end of the stock) is specifically engineered at 11.25 inches. This shorter length ensures that young shooters can comfortably shoulder the rifle, achieve a proper cheek weld, and maintain a consistent shooting stance without stretching or discomfort. This natural fit leads to better control and reduced fatigue.
• Featherlight Weight (2.66 lbs): Weighing in at a mere 2.66 pounds, the Rascal is exceptionally lightweight, allowing young shooters to hold and maneuver the rifle independently without struggling. This makes extended shooting sessions more enjoyable and less tiring, promoting longer learning periods.
• Compact Overall Length (30.63"): The rifle's manageable overall length further contributes to its ease of handling and portability.
• Youth-Sized Synthetic Stock: The vibrant yellow synthetic stock is not only durable and weather-resistant but also perfectly proportioned for youth. Its design provides a secure and comfortable grip.

Precision and Learning Capabilities

Beyond safety and comfort, the Rascal 13805 is built for accurate shooting and effective skill development:

• 16.12" Barrel with Target Crown Muzzle: The precisely rifled 16.12-inch barrel ensures consistent bullet flight, contributing to excellent accuracy. The "target crown" muzzle protects the rifling at the barrel's end from damage, which is crucial for maintaining shot precision.
• Adjustable Peep Sights: These highly effective and durable iron sights are ideal for teaching fundamental sight alignment. Being adjustable, they allow for precise zeroing, helping young shooters understand the relationship between sight picture and point of impact, a critical skill for any marksman.
• 1:16" Twist Rate: The barrel's 1:16" twist rate is perfectly suited for stabilizing the common bullet weights of .22 LR ammunition, maximizing accuracy and consistency.
• Blued Metal Finish: The classic blued finish on the barrel and receiver provides a durable, attractive, and corrosion-resistant surface.

The Enduring Advantage of the .22 LR Caliber

The choice of the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) caliber for the Savage Rascal 13805 is strategic and highly beneficial for new shooters:

• Minimal Recoil: The .22 LR produces very little recoil, eliminating the flinching and discomfort often associated with larger calibers. This allows beginners to focus on fundamental skills like sight alignment, breath control, and trigger squeeze without being distracted by recoil.
• Affordable Ammunition: .22 LR ammunition is one of the most cost-effective cartridges available. This affordability means more practice sessions are possible without breaking the bank, leading to faster skill development and more enjoyment.
• Versatile Applications: While ideal for training, the .22 LR is also perfectly suitable for small game hunting, pest control, and casual plinking, offering a wide range of uses for the developing shooter.

Building Foundational Shooting Skills: Real-World Applications

The Savage Rascal 13805 is not just a rifle; it's a vehicle for invaluable learning experiences:

• Mastering Marksmanship Fundamentals: This rifle is an exceptional tool for teaching the core tenets of marksmanship:
  • Sight Picture: Understanding how to align the front and rear sights with the target.
  • Breath Control: Learning to control breathing to minimize movement during the shot.
  • Trigger Control: Developing a smooth, consistent trigger press that doesn't disturb the sight picture.
  • Follow-Through: Maintaining focus on the target and proper form after the shot.
  • Stance and Grip: Establishing a stable and comfortable shooting position.
• Instilling Firearm Safety Discipline: The single-shot nature and overt safety features reinforce the crucial "Four Rules of Firearm Safety" with every shot fired. This hands-on application embeds safe habits from day one.
• Introduction to Target Shooting and Plinking: The Rascal transforms target practice into an engaging and rewarding activity. Its accuracy makes hitting targets achievable for beginners, boosting confidence and encouraging continued participation.
• Responsible Small Game Hunting: For the young aspiring hunter, the Rascal offers a safe and appropriate entry point into ethical small game hunting, teaching patience, tracking, and shot placement in a field application scenario.
• Developing Responsibility and Focus: Learning to handle a firearm responsibly teaches discipline, focus, and an appreciation for the power and precision of mechanical devices.

Answering Common Questions About Choosing a First Rifle

When considering a first rifle for a young or new shooter, several questions frequently arise. The Savage Rascal 13805 provides compelling answers to many of them.

• "What is the safest rifle for a beginner?" The Savage Rascal, with its single-shot capacity, easily accessible thumb safety, and the innovative AccuTrigger, is designed with safety as its utmost priority, making it one of the safest options available for supervised learning.
• "How do I choose a rifle that fits a child?" The Rascal's specific youth sizing, including its 11.25" length of pull and lightweight design (2.66 lbs), ensures a comfortable and natural fit for smaller individuals, preventing awkward handling that can hinder learning and enjoyment.
• "Is a .22 LR rifle good for teaching kids to shoot?" Absolutely. The .22 LR caliber is universally recommended for beginner training due to its minimal recoil and low ammunition cost, allowing for extensive practice without discomfort or high expense.
• "What features should a good beginner rifle have?" A good beginner rifle should prioritize safety, fit, ease of use, and accuracy. The Savage Rascal excels in all these areas with its AccuTrigger, youth dimensions, simple bolt-action mechanism, and reliable peep sights.
• "Will my child enjoy shooting with this rifle?" The combination of comfortable ergonomics, minimal recoil, and the satisfaction of achieving accurate shots with the Rascal makes the learning experience enjoyable and builds genuine enthusiasm for shooting sports.

The Ingenuity of the Savage AccuTrigger

The Savage AccuTrigger is a standout feature that sets Savage Arms rifles apart, especially for new shooters. Unlike traditional triggers that can be heavy, mushy, or inconsistent, the AccuTrigger allows the user to adjust the pull weight from 1.5 to 6 pounds (though typically preset for optimal safety in youth models, still offering that potential for future adjustment by a qualified individual). Its unique design incorporates a small, bladed lever within the main trigger. The rifle will only fire if both the main trigger and this internal AccuRelease blade are intentionally depressed simultaneously. This two-stage safety system virtually eliminates accidental discharges due to jarring or dropping the rifle, providing an unparalleled layer of security. For a beginner, a crisp, predictable trigger pull is essential for developing proper trigger control, directly impacting accuracy and fostering confidence. The AccuTrigger delivers this precision while maintaining a high standard of safety.

Maintaining Your Savage Rascal 13805

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and continued performance of any firearm, and the Savage Rascal is no exception. Its robust design, featuring a blued metal finish on the barrel and receiver, along with a durable synthetic stock, ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use. After each shooting session, a basic cleaning of the barrel and bolt action is recommended. This typically involves using a bore snake or cleaning rod with appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants. The synthetic stock is particularly easy to wipe clean, resisting moisture and impacts far better than traditional wood. Regular cleaning not only preserves the rifle's appearance but also ensures consistent accuracy and reliable operation for years of enjoyment and learning.

In conclusion, the Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR (Model 13805) in yellow synthetic is far more than just a compact rifle; it is an investment in safety, skill development, and the lifelong enjoyment of shooting sports. Its thoughtful design elements, from its innovative AccuTrigger and single-shot mechanism to its youth-specific ergonomics and precise barrel, converge to create the definitive platform for anyone taking their first steps into the world of firearms. It represents Savage Arms' dedication to crafting reliable, safe, and effective tools that build confidence and foster responsible gun ownership from an early age.

Savage Arms Rascal 22 LR (Model 13805) Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Savage Arms
Model	Rascal
Caliber	22 LR
Capacity	1rd
Action	Bolt
Overall Length	30.63"
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Sights	Adjustable Peep
Size	Youth
Barrel Finish	Blued
Muzzle	Target Crown
Twist Rate	1:16"
Application	Field
Receiver Material	Carbon Steel
Safety	Thumb
Barrel Length	16.12"
Length of Pull	11.25"
Stock Material	Synthetic
Stock Finish	Yellow
Trigger	AccuTrigger
Weight	2.66 lbs
SKU	13805
MPN	13805
UPC	062654138058