Guns, Dogs and Blades QnA
For small game hunting a .22 rules. Average .22 rifle is much more accurate than any 9mm carbine to 50 yds. For larger varmints and game you are talking a centerfire rifle of some sort with some states having a minimum caliber requirement. A .22lr is a LOT cheaper to shoot than any centerfire unless you are casting your own bullets and reloading all your ammo and then it may be a push with the cost of powder and primers these days. In my mind for a kid to go have fun a .22lr can't be beat and a Ruger 10/22 would be at top of the list and Marlin M60 second for affordable plinkers. Best accuracy will usually come from a bolt action, but there are exceptions.