You are right about springers being hold sensitive. Another reason I got rid of mine. My little pea brain could not handle different hold points for different set ups. Not a big deal plinking at a plate off hand, but I use different ways to steady the gun when shooting critters.
Great to hear you can handle a hand pump as that is the cheapest way to shoot. I envy you. My old body is not up to it. Be wary of the cheap electric pumps if you decide to buy one. Mixed reviews on many of them.
If you are looking at an entry level PCP, I am averaging sub 1" groups at 50 yards with the DAR. It is just as quiet, if not quieter, than my moderated Daysate.
https://www.dynamicairrifles.com/products
I have heard good things about the Avenger as well:
https://www.airgundepot.com/air-vent...#AGD-513610278
You do not need to spend $1000 to get a decent PCP rifle. I found spending some time at the Gateway to Airguns forum very helpful. Like this site, I prefer to hear from real people about how their guns perform instead of what gets published by the gun rags. But same "issues" there as on this site...folks who post a "wallet' group and do not share the whole story. After a few weeks you know who to listen to. When I wanted to tune the trigger on the DAR, I got good advice.
Looking forward to seeing what you end up and your report. Your granddaughter will have a blast!!! Never met a kid that did not like to shoot.