My brother owns a "Matched Triple". 20 gauge, .243, and .22lr. He bought it as a starter set for his kids, girls 12 and 10, and son, 8. They have all shot it on a regular basis and are remarkably proficient with the .22 and .243. They didn't hunt this year as a family, but will next deer season. He took his boy this past year, but I think he had a little too much 'wiggle' to get a deer this go-round.
He has had nothing but praise for the combination from the standpoint that it is a good way to introduce the kids to a reliable (if not a little crude) longarm with enough versatility to train them in the proper manual of arms for both rifle and shotgun. It is certainly not the only firearm he owns, but it (along with the SKS) is the one the kids most want to shoot when the opportunty arises.
For the pittance they cost relative to the enjoyment factor it's tough to beat.
Regards,
Rabbit.