Squirrels in the hardwoods, cans on a fence post, a first rifle for a kid who just got tall enough to hold it. The Ruger 10/22 covers all of it, and this Man's Best Friend version adds a themed look to the same trusted rimfire. It is chambered in.22 LR with an 18.5-inch barrel and a 10-round magazine.

The 10/22 has been a standard American plinker for generations, and the aftermarket for it is huge. That matters if you like to tinker, because you can change stocks, triggers and sights down the road. As it sits, it is a straightforward black semi-auto that is light and easy to carry on a walk through the woods.

A.22 LR keeps ammo cost low, so you can shoot a lot and learn a lot. That makes it a smart pick for teaching trigger control and safe handling before moving a young shooter up to deer rifles.

This rifle is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer of your choice for the background check and transfer. Bring your ID and the dealer will walk you through it.