I got my twin boys each a Ruger 10-22 compact rifle, 50th anniversary edition, and swapped out the stock for an Axiom tactical stock, added a basic red-dot, changed the trigger pull from nearly 7 pounds to about 2 pounds with new Volquartsen trigger assembly, and extended the bolt handle by 1/2 inch, also Volquartsen. End result is a light-weight, fun rifle for 8 year old that is accurate and will last them many years. Taking them to rimfire competition, they score 1st to 3rd in the junior categories. And 22LR, now around 7 cents each, we can shoot as much as we want without breaking the bank.
Sweet setup. Your boys are lucky to have a dad like you.