.22 rifle

[Dweezil]

Most popular and customizable? Ruger 10/22, hands down. In fact, will probably NEED to be customized to be accurate. Basically, most folks buy it for the receiver and replace everything else. Kind of a money pit. Decent, but not great suppressor host. Fouls rotary magazines in a hurry when used with a suppressor.

Less popular, but better out of the box? Savage FVSR. Relatively light, short LOP, great accuracy, already threaded for suppressor. Original stock isn't great but no worse than the 10/22 and easily replaced. Check Boyds for the Tacticool stock... or DIY with Bondo. Much better/quieter with suppressor.

I sold my heavily customized (expensive) 10/22 after years of fussing with it, bought an FVSR and never looked back.

[CCWeaponry]

have you considered building an Ar 15 with a dedicated .22cal upper? as he gets older the weapon can grow with him with adj stock and the round of his choice.

[BretJ]

+1 Savage FVSR. A tack driver and will make your son giggle like a little girl suppressed. Even un-suppressed, this rifle and any of the "new" CB style LR loads is crazy quiet. That said, a 10/22 is the Barbie Doll of .22 rifles....