If you are wanting to get the kids into hunting,it's sorta like fishing,if they go and don't catch anything , then they get bored.same in hunting,they wanta get something,and you want to show them how it works.
all that being said,I would go with th 12 ga. or any shotgun(so you can get something),with the 22 you may not get a lot with the kids with you.(movement and talking). after that then you can take one at a time and use the 22.
the 22mag. and 243 is a little overkill for the limb rats.(some will say the 12 ga is also overkill)
lots of people disagree with me ; but there wrong
