"however," here I think we can admire, if not recommend lunacy. This is an excellent place to start . Yes, that is an airgun. If you're interested in the details of lunacy go here.
+1 more for the Ruger 10/22. My dad thought me how to shoot, hunt, and all the safety training that goes along with it with this gun and a Marlin bolt action. I think it was a model 980, but not sure. He was pretty strict in teaching me to shoot with iron sites, so I'd learn all the mechanics and so forth. I'd say either the Ruger or the Marlin would be a great choice. If firearm safety is taught correctly, it shouldn't matter if it's a semi-auto or a bolt action. Either were great guns and far more accurate than I am, even to this day. With the right ammo, either would be great hunting, target shooting, plinking, and learning tools. Kudos for bringing another youngster into the wonderful world of hunting and shooting sports!
