Originally Posted by Big Cholla

Given his youth, I would recommend a New England Firearms single shot in their break action model in .223 Rem caliber. I believe that they even offer one in "Youth" sized stock. It is relatively inexpensive and will allow him to learn safe gun handling with safety for all around. Appreciation for maximum accuracy developes quickly with single shots. When he has successfully made a couple of years with the single shot, go for a bolt action. The Remington Model 7 is an outstanding choice. Or you might want to look in the used gun racks for a Remington Model 660 in .243 Win. Have a nice set of peep sights put on his rifles. He can use his great eyesight thru the peep sight to be more than accurate for hunting.