Get him a Model 7 in 7mm-08. I have one with a Nikon 2-7 scope on it that i have been using since i was 8 and i love that gun! He will use it for many many years i can assure you that. Its a great gun for anyone, with its light weight and even lighter recoil. I have taken deer out to 175 yards with it and it has performed flawlessly. Use nosler ballistic tips or winchester fail safes and that thing will drop any deer alive with the right shot placement. Hope this helps, and congratulations on helping introduce another young person to the sport. Tell us how it goes.

My choice would be a Winchester Model 70 Compact Classic in 7mm-08. I' d put a Leupold Vari-X II 2-7 or 3-9 on top, and let the boy have a rifle he will be proud to pass down to his own son or daughter. Only problem may be that he will love it so much he may not ever want to give it away.

If you like the Remington Model 7, I' d go with a .260 Rem in that rifle. That really is the perfect cartridge for your needs. I just like the Winchester rifle much more.

And don' t forget the .257 Roberts and the 7x57mm Mauser. If a used rifle is being considered, these are perfect, light-recoiling cartridges that will do the job with plenty of authority.