Go ahead and get it for him. He's going to grow right into it and do fine so don't deny him if that's what he really wants. So what does he plan on, Brown bear?

I found a Winchester Model 70 338 magnum in near mint condition for $500. Is that a good price for one?

Does it come with a scope, if so what kind. Also it depends on which version. Classic, featherwieght, super shadow, ultimate shadow are just a few. If it comes with a nice scope this sounds like areasonable price.

What is he planning to hunt with it?

Simple answer. NO. Well thought out answer HE** NO. Tom.

The Nova is a pump gun so I say no. I owned a few 3.5" over the years and each one of them was more than I wanted to shoot. Conversely, I own a love a 338 win mag. I say the kid can handle it. My 15 YO can shoot my 338 and hes only 5'11 and 130 lbs.

I'm about 6' 155lbs. I shoot a 375h&h all the time and I actually like getting rocked by those big guns. If you're not recoil shy the rest will take care of itself.

Did anyone besides Shato and Mthunter read this?

Good lord, he is doing just fine with a pump shotgun and 3.5" loads. The .338 win mag won't come close to the felt recoil of the shotgun. I have shot my share of 3.5" turkey loads and my .338 Remington ultra mag firing 250 grain bulletshas considerably less recoil than those shells do.

The 3.5" turkey loads are gonna have about 60+ foot pounds of recoil and the 338 will have about 33 foot pounds of recoil. I think he is gonna be just fine.

ya, i agree. The kid should be able to handle it. There are a lot of .338 calibers out there, do some google searches and research them. Remington, Winchester, Savage, all good brands w/ modest price tags.

Scope: Mid range 3-9 X40, Burris, leupold, ect.

Get a good Sims butt bad or something similar, and he'll be set.

Good luck, and Good hunting.

So the scope wont hit him in the eye or anything? Would a 325WSM be a better choice