RE: 7mm08 for my son
 

Youth or not is all dependant on the fit &/or size of your boys(wife). The only way is go window shopping and have him shoulder the various rifles. If fit isn't right it can effect the felt recoil much like a lighter version of the same caliber.BTWm theSPS has the R3 (or sims pad) installed on it from factory, so need to modify. However it also carries a 24" barrel so it may not work, you'll just have to see.

If looking at a compact/youth model you may also want to check out the Weatherby Vangaurd Compact as well. It is made by Howa with the weatherby stamp put on it but doesn't have the traditional weatherby price. Just for options if you need them.

Personally for elk I'd go with the 140gr NP over the 140 AB in the nosler offerings. I have used the AB for 1-elk and 1-moose out of my 7mm rem mag but in the 160gr version. Neither opportunity was faced with the large bone structure so worked but in 140grs I'd look to something that may offer a bit more insurance, like failsafe, tsx or NP...just in case. Just my 2 cents FWIW.

RE: 7mm08 for my son
 

Got a Remington 700 LVSF in 7mm-08 topped with Zies Conquest and love it. I'm about to turn 46 and really don't like much recoil and this fits the ticket. Took nice 12-point (144 gross) at an unbelievable 20 yards, yes 20 yards, and shot one doe at 195 yards. The buck ran about 40 yards, and the doe was DRT. Also shot several other deer and a couple of hogs with it, and was very pleased. I think its a great round....

RE: 7mm08 for my son
 

I got a Savage .270 package gun for my son. He uses a 115 gr managed recoil round, and can use a full power round in the same gun later. I am not a handloader, so I was looking for a caliber that he could handle where a factory load was available inmanaged recoil.

RE: 7mm08 for my son
 

Check out My post ( Mod 7, 7MM-08 project completed ). I built one for My 8 year old Son and he has no trouble with the regular size mod 7NOT youth. Find someone who has one and let him try it out. If my 8 year old can handle it, I think Your Son will have no problems. Good luch and have fun.

RE: 7mm08 for my son
 

7-08 should be fine for Elk, but I would stick with under 150 yards. Key is placement. My son turned 14, I started him off with a Remington 700 ADL in .270 and he handled it fine. I started off with some light loads for him to get a feel for it and then used factory loads. Now Remington sells the 50% recoil ammo and it is great for target practice to work on trigger pull. Good Luck...........