Yep, even the 20" barreled ultralight Ruger in 308 is pretty snappy. The 16.5" would be too much for most kids with factory 308 loads. Even with 300 Savage level loads it may still be too much. I would load all the way down to 30-30 levels and used a 30-30 bullet with a fixed 4X scope. It will get the job done at any range new shooter has any business shooting at a deer and he wont be tempted to twist the power ring out of boredom and have it on 9X when a deer walks out 15 yds in front of him.
