If you want to introduce your child to the world of hunting, rifle hunting for small game, such as rabbits, squirrels, and gophers, is a great place to start. However, choosing a child's first hunting rifle is a little more complex than picking out a starter rifle for an adult. If you are looking for a manageable hunting rifle for your child, look for a rifle with the following qualities:

Low-Caliber Rimfire

A rimfire rifle with a low caliber is always better for hunting small game. Smaller rimfire rounds will preserve as much of the animal's meat as possible, while still possessing enough stopping power to take down your targets quickly and humanely. For children hunting small game for the first time, the mild recoil of a low-caliber rifle will also be much easier and less tiring to use.

Rimfire rifles are significantly quieter than their centerfire counterparts, which is ideal for protecting a child's sensitive hearing. If your child discovers they don't have much interest in hunting, rimfire rifles are also inexpensive, so you won't be throwing too much money down the drain.

A .22 long rifle has been the go-to rimfire caliber for small game hunting for decades and is pretty close to ideal for a child's first hunting rifle. These rounds generate very little recoil and are also inexpensive, so you won't burn money while your child learns to shoot accurately at small, elusive animals.

However, .22 long rifles leave something to be desired when it comes to maximum range, and most .22 long rifles are ineffective at ranges beyond 150 yards. If your child wants a rifle that can take down targets from longer ranges, consider a .17 HMR or .17 WSM. These rounds have more power and effective range than the basic .22 but can still generate manageable recoil.

Bolt Action

Beginner hunters of all ages should start with bolt action rifles before moving on to more complicated semi-automatics, and bolt action rifles are especially suitable for young children. Bolt action rifles are more reliable and less prone to jams and hang-ups, and also tend to have smooth, consistent trigger actions. 

Synthetic Stock

On a long hunting trip, carrying around a heavy hunting rifle can leave your child exhausted. Rifles with synthetic stocks made from plastic or fiberglass are more suitable for young hunters. Most synthetic stocks weigh considerably less than equivalent wooden stocks but still have enough heft to effectively dampen recoil.

Synthetic stocks are also more forgiving of improper handling by inexperienced young hunters. They are immune to the warping that can damage wooden stocks if they are exposed to moisture and do not need to be oiled or varnished.