Ruger American compact. The interchangeable stock modules are really nice. I have weaver mounts that allow the scope to come off and on. The kids shoot it mostly with open sights. The scope goes on for training the kids to use a scope and for me to use squirrel hunting. Versatile little rifle.
This would be my choice. Opt for the compact or standard and buy the extra butt module to change the length of the stock, it only takes a matter of seconds and you would be purchasing a life-time rifle. Not the prettiest or most accurate but it does have open sights and is easy to mount a scope if you need it.
It fills a lot of boxes for not very many dollars.
drover
