RE: 22 Rifle for Son!
Hands down the Ruger 10/22 is the best rifle out there for the money and to use as a starter gun.
1. Reliability... They shoot and shoot and shoot..........etc.
2. Price. although they may be a few dollars more than a marlin 60 or mossberg plinkster. It is not a significant amount... yet the quality is!
3. weight. alot of beginners have trouble holding and steadying a rifle due to the length and it being a little barrel heavy. This is not an issue with the Ruger. It is light, short and compact, all the necessary ingredients for a great day of shooting for a beginner.
4. versatility. These guns have so many aftermarket parts and options.. you could never get tired of tinkering with it. So it will transition with your son as time goes by.
These are just my thoughts, there are plenty of nice .22's out there.. ultimately, it will be whatever your son feels the most comfortable with... God Bless Boxerkidd