[servo1969]

If lever action and you can add a bit get a Henry Golden Boy.

Bud’s has them for $431.57.

[WENDLE]

Get him a real gun and take him for several sessions of on range training. .22 is worthless.

[Ouderkirk]

Buy him and AR15 and install the .22 conversion kit

[CelesteChristi]

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!

[Heartlander]

Ruger 10/22 (and then take him out to an Appleseed bootcamp for the weekend - http://appleseedinfo.org/)

[old-ager]

Ruger 10/22 with a few 25-round magazines.

Or one of these

http://www.chiappafirearms.com/product/772

[ponygirl]

I love my Henry Lever. Old West style. And it shoots straight!

[thackney]

Also note you can get a new Ruger 10/22 for $200.

Many different models at different prices.

http://www.academy.com/shop/browse/shooting/firearms/rifles#facet:-100282117103101114383549555259,-42145050327682&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&;

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I had a Marlin single shot bolt action when I was 18 or so. Loved it. Keeps ammo cost down and builds good basic skills.

Marlin 915Y

[Blood of Tyrants]

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.

[dgbrown]

10/22

[praytell]

I know you said lever action, but might I interest you in the Mossberg tactical 22LR. Picatinny rails for you to add scope and other accessories. Comes standard with 10 Rd magazine, or you can by the upgraded "banana" magazine that holds 25 rounds.

Bought mine at Walmart 4 years ago, but I have seen them at all the major outlets i.e Academy, Bass Pro, Cabelas

[mikeus_maximus]

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.

[Yo-Yo]

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.

[shankbear]

Ruger 10/22

[Above My Pay Grade]

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.

[Lurkinanloomin]

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.

[imardmd1]

Ruger 10/22, with bull barrel for life-time accuracy.

[Mat_Helm]

You will not find a Henry .22 lever new for under $450 and the yellow boys with brass receivers are even more expensive. For the cost of a new lever the Browning BLR comes in several grades and the least cost is right around $400. It is smooth as silk and worth every penny and a better rifle than the Henry, which is equally a good quality rifle, but not as nice or smooth as the BLR22.

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.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Henry pump action octagon