Realize not the question, but 7-08 or 308 would be better choices.
Definitely this. While he may start hunting with you in western Washington, he could end up anywhere, so he might as well have a rig he can use for elk, bear, hogs, and whatever else strikes his fancy down the road. In nearly 30 years of hunting western Washington, I've taken most of my deer up close, but I've had opportunities to reach out and hammer stuff way across a clear cut. A 30-30 doesn’t have the reach for that and a 243 is starting to get a little light for some of the bigger stuff.
If you’re near Bothell, DJ’s Sport Shop on Beardslee Boulevard is heaven for shooters. They have several hundred solid used rifles in stock, from rimfires to stuff you’d take to Africa. Plus, many of their rifles have 24hourcampfire-approved modifications like good synthetic stocks, glass bedding, Leupold glass, etc. You can easily go nuts in there, but I’d focus on a Remington M-700, Winchester M-70, Ruger 77, etc. They’ll have dozens from which to choose.
Also, sign him up for a Hunter’s Safety course NOW. They book quickly, and if you wait until April there won’t be a free slot anywhere in the state. When I was in the gun business, I saw a lot of kids not get to hunt because their folks waited until June to sign them up. Kenmore Gun Range (
http://www.wcwi.org/education-and-training/) and the Renton Fish & Game Club (
http://www.rfgc.org/education/) have good programs.
PM me if you have questions.
Okie John
