Odds are the .30-30 is either a Marlin 336 or a Winchester model 94. the .308 w/the 5 round mag could be any of anassortment of makes and models. I like the .308 caliber over the .30-30. Rifles chambered in .308 are on short action platforms, and most .308's I've seen are light, handy rifles; "youth rifles" if you will. Certainly nothing wrong with the .30-30 caliber, but everything it does inside 100 yards, a .308 can do; and do it to well over 250 yards. That being said, if your Dad has both, I guess you dont have to "choose" in the first place.