my oldest son has the old style vanguard youth 7-08 and it is a great little rifle. He initially shot reduced recoil at the range with a factory 140 every now and then until he was used to them.
Also look at the Ruger compact. I bought my wife one for a little over $600 and she likes it better because it is "real" wood and not painted black. It also handles a little easier because it is smaller than the weatherby.
