Learning to properly handle,(and learning by mistakes every kid is bound to make), a single shot 22, is a smarter option. If a kid makes the ultimate mistake of shooting a person, including themselves, a 22 gives a good survival rate.
I don't approve of minors shooting high powered rifles. They kick, and kick hard. Children should not be subjecting their still growing joints and connective tissue, to repeated heavy blows.
Sure, they get thumped playing sports and general rough-housing, but that's not the same. A day at the range would be like hitting themselves with a hammer, in the same spot, about a hundred times.
If only kids understood what a burden this huge penis is... sigh
