The 700 makes a nice muzzleloader for a young man. It's not excessively heavy and awkward like alot and gives him room to grow as well. I've had mine for about 10 years now. I got it when I was 13 and still shoot it. One side note if you do buy both from him make sure to call remington and get that 209 conversion for the one that is currently cap. They have a tendancy to hang fire when you are at the range and it starts fouling a bit or when the weather gets cold or real damp. The 209 takes care of that though. (I'm in Indiana)