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Keep your eye out for any bolt action Marlin or older Remington. I have a Remington 514 single shot that makes probably the best first rifle for a new shooter.

If you are set on a semi, consider a Marlin 60 or 795. Both are less money than a 10/22, and will out shoot the 10/22 out of the box. If he sticks with it and outgrows that rifle, then you can enter the world of the CZ and Savage bolt rifles.

The best thing about starting with a .22lr is the cost of ammunition. Most kids can start out paying part of the cost of their ammunition. As most people who shoot will attest, the cost that never goes away is the cost of ammunition. Introduce it to him early and he will learn to appreciate each and every round and learn to make them count. It will also lead him into reloading or at least considering the cost of different weapons after considering the cost of ammunition.

Be safe.