My advise is to get a bolt action .22. The semi-automatics are loads of fun to shoot but I firmly believe that the importance of precision bullet placement is the single most important element of rifle shooting. With a bolt action or a single shot,you tend to makeevery shot count and aim more carefully than with a semiauto that simply needs another trigger sqeeze to fire more rounds. The most popular .22 rimfire cartridge is the .22lr-.22 long rifle. It is also the least expensive,and very accurate with almost total lack of any percieved recoil. Some good choices would be those made by marlin,savage,ruger,and others. As with any firearm,it is absolute necessity to teach and maintain safety. Most bolt actions are simpler to operate and maintain than semiautos,and are usually wonderfully accurate.