I would stay away from the Mossberg unless they have fixed the problem with the bolt coming loose, that is dangerous. For that amount of money I would recommend the Marlin XL or XS. The XS in 7-08 or 308 or the XL in 270. I don't know how big the 16 YO is but these calibers would fit the bill for most any 16 YO for Texas deer and then some.

Ed

A person who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes the person who never asks is a fool forever.

The worst slaves are those that put the chains on themselves.