Great rifle. I wouldn't choose a self-loader for a first rifle though. Especially one that won't hold open after the last shot.
For his ninth Christmas my son got a Marlin bolt rifle. He is 21 now and uses those learned skills with his '06 Savage. My friends have always been impressed with his gun safety and marksmanship.
Yep, dad is proud about that.
my first rifle was also a Marlin/Glenfield .22 bolt action , think it cost $29.00 with a little scope. my daughter has been shooting single shot .22’s with the 4H , she’s about to inherit dad’s Marlin.