Staying with a fixed power scope is a good idea. Basically a fixed power scope allows you to get a better scope for the same price as a cheaper quality variable. And a fixed 4X is the best for a young shooter-or any shooter for that matter. However a 2.5X is also a great scope for a short range "brush rfle".

I have spent a good bit of time shooting and hunting with kids. It is a good bet that a kid will have the scope turned up to 9X all the time. And I also think a smaller power scope with a larger field of view is safer, and easier for a "youngin" to use. Tom.