All fine choices, but unless he just wants an 06', a 308 would do as well and a 7mm08 kick less.
An 8 pound 06 with a marginal pad, does kick.
06s ? Marlin XL7, 1093A4 clone, 1903 1915 as issued, Ruger MKII Boat Paddle, M-1 NM. M-1 is very pleasant.
30-06 with managed recoil loads will kill any Whitetail that walks, an alternative ?
