Boy oh Boy lots of replies...looks like a crap shoot (no pun intended). I started with a 35 remington my 1st yearand then used a 303 british my 2nd year then switched to a 30-06... borrowed that for 7 years before buying my own, I would let your son pick it out....try and get him to try a couple different calibers, maybe some friends have some or at the range someone will help, if not go to your local gun dealer and talk real nice to him and he might let you try some used guns out if you buy from him, I guess what I am saying is shop around and involve your son in the decision...it will be an awesome memory for the both of you....