Get him a Model 7 in 7mm-08. I have one with a Nikon 2-7 scope on it that i have been using since i was 8 and i love that gun! He will use it for many many years i can assure you that. Its a great gun for anyone, with its light weight and even lighter recoil. I have taken deer out to 175 yards with it and it has performed flawlessly. Use nosler ballistic tips or winchester fail safes and that thing will drop any deer alive with the right shot placement. Hope this helps, and congratulations on helping introduce another young person to the sport. Tell us how it goes.