I have a couple of CZ452's, after a trigger job, will shoot with most of the custom Sporter class rimfires....with top quality ammo.
Somebody had too much pie for Thanksgiving.
Yes, I did, it was my granddaughters Pecan pie!
While you have him at the range, take a block of soap and shoot it with a .22LR, preferably a hollowpoint. Show him the kind of damage the little .22 can do. Kids need a visual to understand that it will do more than punch paper.
Concur w/ used Cooper Rifles.
I found a used Cooper Bench Rest model and it shoots really well. I have two friends with Model 12 H&Rs that also shoot great off the bench.
Used Cooper TRP Mdl 57's are out there. Very good entry level Bench Rest Rifle for 10.5-13.5 and UL Class competitions.