Question on rifle builds for my sons.

[savages]

I have a 6 1/2 and 1 1/2 year old sons. My oldest likes to help with the reloading process and has reloaded 40cal and .223 under my supervision.
My youngest gets pissed off and throws a fit if he doesn't get to go see and hold onto the guns.

Click on the image to watch the video. I enjoy watching his excitement. This is what he is like EVERY TIME I open the safe.
Yes, the weapon was checked and made safe before he touched it.



My question to you guys is this. If I were to be a wise father, what gun or guns should I get for my sons so they will have them later on in life?
I'm not concerned with them being able to shoot the platform we choose right away. That's what toy guns, bb guns and 22's are for and they have a lot to learn yet.
Should I purchase a couple lower receivers and start building up some light weight AR's for them, making it a father sons project.
Or should I get them each a Remington 700 in one of these calibers .243/.308/30-06 and let them modify them how they want when they are older?

Oldest son recently shot a Frankenstein AR for the first time with my help and he did surprisingly well. He had quite a gleam in his eyes and walked with a lighter step afterwards.
I'd like to get something within the next year or so instead of waiting until they are older. If I wait, weapon availability could be sparse or certain ones banned and the prices will probably be ridiculous.
My wife agrees that it would be a good idea, just not sure what route to take with it.

What have you done or what would you do?

Thanks.

 

[tomcat mv]

Since I already had several .22's, I bought my sons each a Remington 870 Express in 20 gauge youth model. They have since replaced the stocks with full size and still use them for busting clays. I would also recommend something like the Smith&Wesson MP-15 .22 as a great training platform for an AR. Also, nothing like a good bolt gun in your choice of flavors.

 

[savages]

I forgot to mention they each already have their own 22.

 

[tomcat mv]

I would definitely get them a shottie.

 

[Heronion]

This is just my advice from the way my dad brought me into shooting: don't get them semi autos. Get them bolt rifles. The lower rate of fire aids in patience and fundamentals. Also it won't spoil them. If they start on ARs bolt guns may not seem as cool. Having been brought up on lever rifles I will always appreciate the fun of blasting away but I hold the fundamentals more dear. Also no optics to start!