+100 . No semi-autos either... a good bolt-action like the Ruger American .22, or lever action .22 rifle like the Henry. Open sights. No scopes. After a lot of time with open sights, then transition (if desired) to a scope.Well, you're in a handgun forum, but I'd comment that any 9 year old should be taught the fundamentals of safety, sight picture and alignment, and trigger control with a more forgiving platform, ie. a rifle. Good habits there are more or less transferable to the short gun, and successfully hitting targets will give steady feedback.