NS - The X bolt as well as the A bolt are fine rifles. As for recoil it would depend on the model and chambering. What does he plan on using it for? Varmint, deer, black bear, or larger game.
If nothing larger than deer or black bear, a 7-08 or .308 is plenty of power. IMO (or it could have been the stock design) but I've found that a synthetic stock seems to absorb more recoil than a wood stock. But I must say I do like a finely grained wood stock. And a good recoil pad like a limbsaver or even a recoil absorbing system could help your dad cope with recoil. Good luck