I'd get a .22 break barrel single shot that does 900 fps , one that comes with a scope . It's not just the recoil rumor it's also parallax . Air gun scopes are made to shoot at much shorter distances than rifle Scopes . About 30 yards max .
900 fps with a .22 will kill pretty good if you put one in the right spot . Woodchucks and other varmints too .