I was talking stocks not actions,the WTHBY felt cheap to me.
Has your son shot befor? maybe a good target session around Easter with you A-Bolt see how he likes the recoil.If it don't bother him consiber the 300 win Mag,Winchester,Ruger and Remington all make good budget guns under 400 bucks.
Still would consider the 30-06 or the 7mm Rem mag first,most pepole handle these calibers well.

I like the 30 cal mags for elk and the .338's even better.
BBJ