I got my boy a Rossi single-shot in 7.62x39, the same round as the SKS, but they come in a wide variety of chamberings. I figured the ammo would be cheap enough to let him shoot it for practice, and the single shot is good for training discipline for each shot. Also, it cost $120, so why not. It shoots pretty well with Remington ammo and military ball as well. The SKS is not going to be as accurate (unless you get lucky) but is heavier and semi-auto, so felt recoil will be reduced for training a young shooter. The yugos are the best SKS you can get, and can be found from $150-$250. They do not have chrome-lined barrels.