I bought my son the cricket when he was six ( a year ago), this was after he experienced shooting one of my semi-automatic .22's. The cricket wasn't as much fun to shoot for him since you had to pull back the bolt, load the round, seat the bolt and then pull back to cock the BCG. It's fine for teaching the basics, but a pain in the butt. On reflection I should have bought him a bolt action with a tubular or box magazine. He would have enjoyed shooting it more.
I have been thinking about a 10/22. Only problem is he blasts thru the ammo and isn’t working on his skill
Which is why a single shot bolt rifle is the way to go. Won't be long before he starts getting interested in where his shots are going. I'd actually recommend a Henry lever. Although about 100$ more, it's a real keeper. And if you look around for used, I'm sure you can find a nice one cheap.I have been thinking about a 10/22. Only problem is he blasts thru the ammo and isn’t working on his skill
Between the two, I would go with the Savage.
Another option, depending on how big your son is, is the Ruger American Rimfire. It's a little more expensive, but you can get it with the Ruger modular stock on it and install one of the short modules for him to use. That way he'd be able to grow in to it, too.
I have the Ruger American rimfire compact for my son. Takes 10-22 mags. I bought it for him when he was 9. I'm getting him a 10-22 for Christmas this year and he 'll already have a stash of mag's for it.
Another option, depending on how big your son is, is the Ruger American Rimfire. It's a little more expensive, but you can get it with the Ruger modular stock on it and install one of the short modules for him to use. That way he'd be able to grow in to it, too.
Remington has a Model 5, comes with 5 shot clip and single shot clip. HEAVY wood stock, might be to heavy but is another option.
Second this.Another even better option is the CZ Scout. It comes with a single shot sled, but takes standard 5 or 10 round magazines. My son used one for NRA small bore target shooting until he graduated to a full-sized rifle. The rifle was exceptionally accurate.
JoeR