Since he doesn’t seem to be into rifles like the rest of us loonies, 30-06 is the way to go. Never need another cartridge in North America no matter the game or hunt he finds himself on in the future. Also ammo will be much easier to find with a variety of options from lighter deer loads up to heavy elk loads. Stainless synthetic due to ease of maintenance, in case he doesn’t always clean it when he gets home right away. Tikka would be my pick, best shooting factory rifles I’ve ever shot, seem to like any load you use in them.
I just bought myself a kimber hunter in 30-06 as my do it all backcountry rifle, that lightweight setup can be a bit tricky to shoot. The tikka is also on the lighter side but I have never had a problem getting accuracy out of them.
MM
Last edited by mitchellmountain; 02/15/21.
