I got my kids a Ruger American Compact in .223. I will have to say as much as they love shooting it, I believe I like it more. My next rifle will be a Kimber .223. I can see shooting a barrel out, it's that fun to shoot.
Factory ammo is easy to come by and PLENTY of bullets if you want to reload.
They may or may not be proud of them by looks, but as you said, they're kids and the gun can take a dinger or two and you won't feel too badly about it.
My boy is going to be carrying one this season for the youth season.
