I think a bolt action or the Ruger 10/22 is the way to go.
I would stay away from the tube fed magazine rifles like the Marlin 60.
Its a fine rifle but I don’t like the way you have to load it.
It could be a safety concern with a young child.
I vote for the 10/22 but it needs the extended magazine release on it. The stock release can cut you. . . personal experience.
I agree. I like the idea of starting them out with a single-shot or maybe a lever action and those Super Colibri .22 rounds.
My daughter has been using the Modle 60. I didn’t want to waste the cash on somthing she might only use once so since it was laying around I have been teaching her on it. Since getting her used to it she has come to call it “her rifle”.
There have been no safety issues while reloading.
I’m gonna cut a couple of inches off the stock to reduce the LOP and eventually scope it for her if she keeps at it. She really like the little spinner target I got for her too.
Once while shooting at targets she was so proud of her tight little group she ran all the way to the house to get her camera.
She will be 8 next month.