[aigel]

Where do you live exactly?

I used to shoot at burro canyon in the Angeles NF.

I think a pellet gun will suffice. Even a cheap BB will keep him busy and teach him. I would go with open sights. It will be useful for handguns down the line and close in rifle shooting.

I would not buy a .22 leave alone an auto. It is deadly and you will have to closely supervise. My kids start out with a BB and full gun safety training. Then I sit back and let them shoot independently while we are out camping etc. more fun for them to be independent and just as good for practicing aim and gun safety.

G