RE: Best Rifle for a 9 year old?
 

I would highly recommend a .223 mod 77 ruger mark 11 its a junior rifle.... i bought one for my son and he loves it...he killed deer with it every year for 5 yrs. and none got away...alot of people would call it a varmit rifle but,its one of the best deer rifles for a kid.Jim

RE: Best Rifle for a 9 year old?
 

I just wish MY parents would've bought ME something like that for Christmas when I was that age!!! Back then deer weren't very plentiful around this neck of the woods. I'm sure he'll be astounded Christmas morning, and the Rossi you mentioned will be plenty until he gets a bit older, bigger, and more refined shot placement ability.