A little late to the party. My suggestion is based on my own experience. When I was 11, for my birthday, I received a sheridan .20 pump air rifle. I still have this gun and shoot it regularly, I'm 64. This gun taught me the importance of trigger control, the first shot, gun safety and taking care of a firearm. The pumping process built up young muscles, has zero recoil, no report and light enough for a young person to carry. A box of 500 pellets is cheap and will keep one busy for quite awhile. It is still fun for plinking and is very effective on squirrel sized rodents.
Last edited by pak; 03/19/16.
