I guess it depends on the youth involved. When I was 12, I had no qualms about using a 3-9x40. That is the most versatile power range ever invented. Its been that way forever. The one I started out on was an old Simmons though. Just about anything these days is better than that. I don't know how much field time the youngster is going to have, but if the op can get out and let them use the scope for small game hunting that would be a huge bonus. It may not be feasible, as it seems people don't shoot nearly as much as I used to when I was a kid. In the field every day, hunting jackrabbits or lizards. It really didn't matter. You learn real quick how to use a variable powered scope..
