I'd stay away from any semi-auto. It's better to teach kids to be patient and make good accurate shots..
This link should take you to Savage Arms' -Stevens Favorite
http://www.savagearms.com/rimfire/single_shot_series/30gm.htm
Very nice gun for target shooting, plinking, and hunting. Not heavy and well balanced.
No argument from me on any of that. That looks like an excellent choice. There's nothing whatsoever wrong with Savage/Stevens, and I'd much rather deal with them than with Ruger.
While we're doing photos, here's one of the Taurus model 62's that I referred to in an earlier message:
Made in Brazil on Rossi machinery. American design. Not so bad, methinks. If it were me, I'd get the one on the left.
Harry
Nice rifle. I've had one with the long barrel for about 15 years. Mine is stamped by Rossi firearms, model 62 SA.
Put
thousands of rounds through it, still in excellent condition.
Sights are easy to see and adjust, very accurate at 100 yards. Easy take down for cleaning.
It likes CCI Blazer 22 ammo. They're 2-3 times cleaner than Wildcats and just as cheap.
This may be debatable - I also like this gun because it has no safety [button type]. It does have half-cock that works well, but I was taught that a gun is only safe when there are no cartridges in it and the action is open. Other than half-cock when hunting, I never use a mechanical safety.