Shato,
I to have a warm spot for the 280,thats why I mentioned it.I find it heads and tails above the .308 winand 270 win..I'm not a big fan of either,but ifyou or Iwere going to be given a gun you rarely havea say in it.
My wife 2 years ago bought me a new rifle for Christmass,she could see the dispointment on my face when I looked the caliber of gun she bought me.I tried to act the part but it just something I had no need for.
She now takes me for walks through the gun department and when she see's me eyeing something she makes a mental note.

It might just be better to see what your son wan'ts,and by the way what do you shoot?(not you Shato I know that)
BBJ