If lever action and you can add a bit get a Henry Golden Boy.
Bud’s has them for $431.57.
Get him a real gun and take him for several sessions of on range training. .22 is worthless.
Buy him and AR15 and install the .22 conversion kit
Henry 22 tube-fed lever action
https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/lever-action-22-rifle/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/36596
I love mine!
Ruger 10/22 (and then take him out to an Appleseed bootcamp for the weekend - http://appleseedinfo.org/)
Ruger 10/22 with a few 25-round magazines.
Or one of these
http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/772
I love my Henry Lever. Old West style. And it shoots straight!
Also note you can get a new Ruger 10/22 for $200.
Many different models at different prices.
Lever actions are pricy. Here’s a Mossberg that isn’t too bad: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=534409444
But for the money you can’t beat a Ruger 10/22. With the money he saves on the Ruger, he can buy a lot of ammo.
10/22
Bought mine at Walmart 4 years ago, but I have seen them at all the major outlets i.e Academy, Bass Pro, Cabelas
I had a bolt action Remington back in the day. Absolutely loved it and became a really good shot with it. My dad bought a Marlin semi-automatic about the same time, and it wasn’t nearly as accurate.
There is only one choice - Ruger 10/22. But there are many Ruger 10/22 models to choose from. Start at Davidson’s Gallery of Guns. They provide a lifetime warranty on every gun they sell.
Ruger 10/22
Henry makes great lever action 22s.
IMHO, a Ruger 10/22 is the best choice for a semi auto 22, based upon all the aftermarket parts and accessories it can be upgraded and customized with.
Savage makes great and affordable 22 bolt action rifles.
Marlin 60
I have several, love them all, but the older ones with the 18 round magazine, 22” barrel and the squirrel stock are my favorites.
Ruger 10/22, with bull barrel for life-time accuracy.
If the budget is $300 than you can not beat the Ruger 10/22 as a first .22 rifle, but semi auto's would not be my first choice for a first rifle to hunt and plink with in the field.
By far the best .22 rifle for a young man would be a nice bolt action magazine fed single action rifle and the Savage MKII is a tack driving accurate and dependable rifle in your budget. My first .22 was a bolt action rifle and perfect for learning safety and hunting. Plus the savage by far would be the most accurate. Maybe even find an old Remington model 41 or 43 Target Master for less than $100.
Henry pump action octagon