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I personally recommend the CZ rifles for general use. They offer a "Scout" model that is scaled down for smaller shooters, and they also offer a "Trainer" version that has a longer barrel (24 inch I think) and has a full size stock. All of the CZ rifles that I have handled have been quite nice looking and have been very well built especially considering the price. If I am not mistaken, they run between $150 and $350. I also recommend the Browning Lever action .22 (BL-22) I personally have one and AM has one that I have carried untold miles and shot everything through with no malfunctions a pocket knife couldn't fix. The Brownings run about $300+, $300 being entry level, plain rifle and + being engraved, gold inlaid etc, etc.
The only problem with an air rifle in this country is that in order to get a good quality rifle, you will spend at least as much $ as a good .22, probably more. That being said, all the investment is up front, as pellets and compressed air are quite cheap.
In my experience, the CMP .22 rifles are very nice for the smallbore shooting they were designed for, but if I recall correctly, they are rather expensive for what they are. IMO anyway.
I would recommend staying away from a semi auto for a first gun, as they allow for near instant follow up shots. While I am a fan of instant follow up shots for some uses, basic marksmanship is not one of them. A bolt or lever gun will do everything you need one to do. Maybe go with a 10/22 later, just to play with and hang crap off of.
For what it's worth, I started with a little Beretta Tomcat/jetfire/bobcat/ whatever the hell they call their little pocket pistol with the flip up barrel chambered in .22.
Good luck, Sing out if I can help in some way.
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