Originally Posted by homers brother

Had the same dilemma awhile back. "Last a lifetime" was a criteria as well. Here are my observations:

10/22 - EVERYONE seems to have one of these. Durable, dependable, but a dime a dozen. If I wanted an auto though, this would be my choice.

Marlin 60 - I've had one of these for years. Poor man's 10/22, but not as reliable I've found. In fact, rather "picky" about the ammunition you feed it, and very sensitive to fouling.

Henry - The "nicest gun I wouldn't buy". I couldn't believe the action on these, smooth, positive. Then i got to looking at how it was built. The "action" is a "cassette"-sort of arrangement with painted pot-metal or brass sides. The barrel band was plastic. But real walnut stock (?!). I know a lot of people who have and love theirs, but I didn't see this as something destined to be an heirloom.

CZ - Hands-down the only bolt-action .22 I'd consider. The newer model was supposed to allow barrel swaps as well (the 455?), but as I understand it, also swapped the stamped steel magazines for plastic.

Remington 5 - I wasn't able to find one to look at in person, but from what I've read, this is the competition for the CZ that Remington dropped from the lineup. I suspect that one might still find one new on gunbroker if you look. I couldn't buy one sight unseen, though.

Browning BLR - This one nearly had it for me until I noticed the little plastic piece in the bottom of the receiver. Really? Browning? Everything else was great about this rifle.

Marlin 39 - Adult-sized for sure. Action is stiff, but not a plastic part in the mix, save for the tubular magazine follower. Great wood. Design's been around since .... well, a long time. The only rifle, save the 10/22 and model 60, still being made that I found myself drooling over at 40-some odd years ago when I was 10. In my safe at the moment, waiting for the youngest to grow a bit more.

To be fair, any of these rifles would be the hit of any boy's Christmas. My parents bought me a low-end Savage bolt-action for Christmas that I still wouldn't trade for anything. You'll want it to last, but you'll also want them to use it.