I agree with frizzellr,the 30-06 is not a light kicker especially in a light weight rifle,your son will enjoy shooting a 260rem or 7mm-08 much better & probably become a better hunter because of it.

A model 7 rem would be a good choice,also look at the remington mountain rifle.

I' m a big fan of tikka rifles & have a continental(heavy barrel) in 7mm-08 & am most impressed with it & would recommend them to you,I think the whitetail model weighs about 71/2 pounds in 7mm-08 & I think it would be ideal for your son,I dont know how much the tikkas are worth over your way but check them out.

Good luck

Tumbo