I have had one of the litlle Ithaca 49s for most of my life, I got it when I was about 10, at that time a boy could be trusted to spend his yard mowing money on 22 rifles and Mom and Dad not get a visit from social services. There is no telling how many rounds of 22 ammunition that little rifle has fired but it is a bunch. It is not a target rifle but it will always be near and dear to me and for a beginners gun it is great, short, light weight, single shot, external hammer just a good little set up. I hope you enjoy yours