I would suggest for the younger shooter, any shorter length rifle from .223 to 7mm-08. This includes, .243 ,.6mm, .260, .25-06, .308, or the .257. These are all fast flat cartridges that have less recoil than most larger calibers. A youth model maybe okay but there are some gun like the Remington Model 7, 770, Winchester M70 featherwieght (hard to find), Browning Micro Medallion, or the Savage 110. Find something that fits. The most money saving model would bethe Rem 770 and it has a scope. A nice lever action or cabine has prolly been nearly everyones first gun. 30-30 or 32 Win SPL had taken more deer than almost any other cartridge. It is venerable. If you are looking for something bigger in power, the 30-06 or .270, or .280 is there, but you now get managed recoil loads by Remington in the 30-06, 270, 7mm Magnum,. They kick less but perform nearly as well.