Start him with a single shot .22 add a telescopic sight and add a brick or two of .22 long rifle ammunition. A lot of us started with a similar rifle.
Move to the Ruger 10-22 when you think he’s ready. There’s enough accessories readily available to modify it to his heart’s content.
I noticed one poster suggested the Marlin single shot .22, that’s a great choice. Other brands are likely similar.
Check to see what’s common in the used rifle rack at your local gun shop or nearby gun show.
Henry makes a great youth model. Lurker Jr. loved his.
L
For a single shot bolt gun a used Winchester 67, the perfect beginners gun. Safe, thrifty, and made in a time when “kid’s guns” were produced to the same quality as the big boys. They can be found for $150 or so. I buy every one I come across to have as teaching guns and gifts.
Henry’s AR7.
Oh, yeah, Rossi makes lever guns, you might check those out too.
If you just want a nice entry level .22 for a first gun at a good price, Marlin model 60. I personally don't care for the 3/4" diameter scopes that often come attached to .22's, particularly the Marlins but they can always be replaced with a real (one inch) scope or a more modern optical sight like an aimpoint.
Ruger 10/22 is the industry standard and is always worth a look too. I'm kinda intrigued by the takedown model myself.
A blued Henry .22 lever-action is around $280 at Walmart here in Texas. It is absolutely a work of art!
My vote is for the 10/22 Ruger.
I miss my beloved 10/22 that sunk in a boat accident.
Buy it soon. You never know what Obama is going to do. Stock up on “banana” clips (yes I know it’s a magazine)
Good luck finding .22lr ammo though. Last I saw some on the shelf is was $10 for a box of 50. Pre Obama it was about $8 for a box of 550.
My first rifle was a bolt action. I still favor them. They are rugged, accurate and will feed more kinds of ammo without jamming than a lever or semi. Semi’s offer a kid too much temptation to squeeze off rapid shots without careful aiming. .22 ammo has been tough to find for a number of years, so you should encourage careful shot placement.
You might find a quality used bolt action at a gun show.
For my money, there is NO better .22 choice than a used (old) Mossberg but most on the market are the heavy target models us old timers learned on in school and/or scouts.
Lever action .22; Henry.
For my money, take that 300 bucks to the pawn shop with a buddy who really knows guns and buy 4 or 5 .22s!
>Marlin bolt, they’re all the same and CHEAP
>Ruger 10-22 for eternal upgrading and customizing and CHEAP
>Marlin Model 60 cause it’s go to go as is and CHEAP
>Henry because you guys are American and lever rifles are SO American
Haven’t seen the Henrys in pawn shops and they aren’t cheap. Just a good are the Marlin Model 29, and Browning BL22, all lever guns. Those also are not cheap.
Have fun!
How about a Savage .22?
Ruger 10/22
Nice article on the Marlin 39 lever action:
http://shootersjournal.net/marlins-magnificent-model-39/
Marlin Golden 39A, the longest continuously manufactured firearm in the world (and not without good reason). You won’t get one for $300, but you can’t expect to get a true heirloom gun for that. Made from forged blued steel and checkered American walnut, with nothing more than regular maintenance, it will last to serve your great-grandchildren’s great-grandchildren.
I have a Ruger 10/22 Compact and I’ve been very happy with it.
Think about his future. If things keep going the way they are, if you buy him a .22 now, he may never get the option of buying a hunting or sporting rifle later.
Buy him something in a larger caliber that is popular and let him grow into it if it is too heavy now. You can never go wrong with a .30-o6 or a .270.