Best 22 pistols to start a buckaroo with

[BobinIL]

I am getting my 11 YO son into the sport.  What 22 pistol wold be best?  Leaning towards the Ruger Bearcat or Single six.  I am afraid the single six grip may be too big for his hands.  What about some of the economy single action 22's like Heritage, or any thing else.

[Pettifogger]

If you are looking at quality guns that will hold up to a lifetime of shooting and are currently in production there is only one brand, Ruger.  The Bearcat and Single Six are made out of good steel and will last a lifetime.  Colt hasn't made a .22 in a long time.  Uberti makes a few .22s that are pretty darn good quality, but you don't see a lot of them.  Pretty much everything else on the market are light duty pot metal guns and simply won't hold up like a Ruger will.

[Sagebrush Burns]

If he has small hands the Bearcat is far and away the best choice.  There is now a Bearcat with birds head grips that looks really sweet.  Compared to a Ruger the Heritage is junk.

[Cliff Fendley]

Bearcat

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Look on Gunbroker for a Colt Scout.  They are 3/4 sized SAA frame.  Made from the 1950's to the 1980's.   (in the 70s and 80s they added steel frames (Colt Peacemaker) and adjustable sights (Colt New Frontier).  The pre 1980 models are better craftsmanship.  You can find them used in the $250 to $400 range. 

Rugers would be my second choice.