I got the Marlin 15y for Dustin 2 years ago,for a starter. The fiber optic sights gave him a heads-up about "site-window" for open sights I never got,. Bolt action is the ONLY! way to teach accuracy to the beginner,,,make each shot count! not dump a clip! An added plus to the bolt is it can be shot left or right!! Be sure to check for dominate eye and don't force the issue, Dust is cross-dominate,,right handed/left eye!!
I can bench that little rifle into a 50 cent piece at 50 yrds all day,with the factory irons/fiber,using winchester factory ammo. I opted for the stainless model cause of higer re-sale/trade value,purchase was under 200$
Only bitch I got is the trigger pull,,,Very heavy! But, considering teaching youth and saftey!?!? I guess it works,
For range shooting or compition Dustin perfers his left handed Traditions St.Louis Hawkin in .50, .490 ball with a loose patch bout' 40gr.'s a 3f,,,,,,,,,truth,,ask'im,,just don't try ta help'm load!