I have a buddy who is looking for a .22L.R. for his 10yr. old. This gun will be used for squirrel hunting and plinking. He wants a good rifle for a reasonable price. Bolt action or semi-auto? Any suggestions?

I would have him take a look at the crickett. They are good learning guns for younguns. And the price won't break the bank. Good luck

http://www.crickett.com/CrickettRifle/crickettrifle.html

Bolt action marlin. In the beginning this gun could also be used as a single shot by only putting one shell in the chamber.

Depends on how big he is. I think the cricket might be a bit small if he is a normal to larger kid. Maybe a youth model savage or something. I had one and it fit me pretty well and was a decent rifle. I didn't like the extended clip though. I like the flush mount clip on my savage 17HMR better.

If he can shoot a full sized rifle comfortably get him a 10/22 or marlin model sixty. The Henry lever guns are pretty nice too. They are actually a bit smaller. The one I had fit me pretty well and I am little.

Any of those guns should last him decades if not generations.

Paul