Some guns are bought for the grips, and this one is a good example. The Rough Rider here is a .22 LR single action with a 6.5 inch barrel and six rounds in the cylinder, fitted with 1776 US flag grips. Under two hundred dollars, it is an easy gift for a shooter who likes bold patriotic touches.

The mechanics are simple. You thumb the hammer back, line up the sights and press the trigger. Recoil is almost nothing, the report is mild and ammunition is cheap, so a morning of plinking costs very little. Supervised youngsters and first-time adults both pick up good habits on a gun like this.

The 6.5 inch barrel is the sweet spot for a rimfire plinker. It gives a decent sight radius for hitting cans at a fair distance and balances well in a steady two-hand hold. It is a little long for a small belt holster, so pick a rig made for the length.

Look closely at the listing photos to see how the grips are printed before you buy. Some people love the look, and others prefer plain wood.

The listing is new. It ships to your FFL dealer, where the background check is done before pickup.