Congrats on your new hunting partner.
Let me say that I am 21 so it was not so long ago that I was on the receiving end of my first hunting rifle. It will be a very special moment for your boy and will make lasting impressions on him for the rest of his life. I suggest you get him an action model and cartridge you like as they are the action, model, and cartridge he will grow quite fond of as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I think he'll like it better if you buy him his own rifle rather than just handing down one of yours. I've hunted with both but there was just something special about getting my own rifle, rather than using someone else's. Sorta like getting a pair of shoes that are yours and not handed down from an older sibling or neighbor. I know it can be a significant investment purchasing a rifle these days, but if you ask me, a life long hunting partner is worth it.
Recoil shyness I think is pretty typical for an inexperienced rifleman. All he needs to do was practice. I was kinda shy about my Rem .270 Win until I had about 150 to 200 rounds through it. As for an antelope to elk rifle, I would suggest a .308 Win or .270 Win. With proper bullets, they will do anything you ask them to do. None have alot of recoil. Your son should be able to shoot them just fine with a little practice. Look for a Rem M700 ADL Synthetic. They sell for under $500. Then put a Nikon Buckmaster on it, for around $200, and you have a very useable hunting setup for not a whole lot of cash.
