Help picking out a Christmas rifle for My Boy coming back from deployment

[slowhand]

My oldest Boy is a Marine over in whatever hell hole they send the elite guys to do their work. He can't talk about it or where it is, but He's finally coming home just before Christmas. My Wife and I want to pull a fast one on him and only have him unwrap a few small nothing special (most likely clothes, socks, and underwear) gifts. Then surprise him after He thinks he's gotten the shaft. I will come down the hall a few minutes later with His new hunting rifle. I want it to be something special that He remembers forever and carries with him in the hunting woods for life. Help Me pick it out
Here is the best I can give everyone for help on what would make him happy.
P.S. I'm not rich just a regular guy so please don't put up rifles over $1500 range.
#1 He loves My Browning X-bolt because it's weight is close to nothing.
#2 He wants something bigger that the .270 He has had for years.
#3 He hates that the Remington 270 he has doesn't have a clip and you have to unload the rounds one at a time.
#4 He's a good shot now that the Marine Corp has kicked his ass a bit. I still smoke him at long distance. (that pisses him off, LOL). Point is I am sure He will want to shoot 500 Yards +
#6 I know He wants Iron sights with his rifle and that's the reason I don't just get him a nice X-bolt.
#7 I would like an all around caliber that can be used for Elk, Bear, and Deer. (changing bullet weights of course) I shoot a .30-06 Model 760 or X-bolt depending on the weather.
#8 our family (grandpa, uncles, and great grand pa) traditionaly  have shot .30-06, 270, 7mm Rem Mag.
#9 I prefer stainless but it's not a deal breaker.

So I need caliber suggestions, and rifle options. I appreciate any and all input.
Thank You Hunt Washington members.

[Hillbilly Zen]

My suggestion would be to give him YOUR x-bolt. Seriously.  Favorite gun in my safe is a beater .22 from a family member.  Just how I see it.  He can buy himself whatever rifle he wants when he gets out.  Except for yours.  I dont know him or you, but I would bet all my guns that Its the one gun he’ll want when you are gone.  Good luck!

[Henrydog]

I know you said stainless...but a nice pre 64 model 70 featherweight 3006 can be had in that price range with open sights

[700xcr]

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/tikka-t3-lite-stainless-rifle/p/p41851

[TSLPE]

My dream rifle was the Browning BAR (safari) model. I finally got one in 30-06 cal. I love it. 

[elkaholic123]

Find a clean used Remington Model 700, get a carbon barrel from Hells Canyon Armory, maybe a decent aftermarket stock and have a semi custom built. 

[CastleRocker]

My Dad got a Tikka T3 Lite in 7mm Rem. Magnum a few years back.   He bought it because it is inexpensive, and light.  He's always said,  "you pack 'em alot more than you shoot 'em".  Using the load he had worked up for his other 7mm, and with no barrel break- in, and stock rings, it shot a .27" group.  He said that, including his time on the rifle team in the military, that's the best group he's ever shot in his life.  (Of course I had to buy one too, but mine will shoot 1/2" moa...no better).  If you are looking for a no frills rifle that shoots well, give them a look.

[jrebel]

You really limited yourself with two requirements.....1.  500+ yards and 2.  Iron sights.  Most modern rifles that are chambered in calibers for 500 yard shots do not come with iron sights. 

If you want iron sights I would vote Savage Brush Hunter in .338 win mag. 

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57044

If you can forgo the iron sights looking for a longer range caliber I would vote Savage 110 high country in 300 win mag

https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57410

[Rob]

My suggestion would be to give him YOUR x-bolt. Seriously.  Favorite gun in my safe is a beater .22 from a family member.  Just how I see it.  He can buy himself whatever rifle he wants when he gets out.  Except for yours.  I dont know him or you, but I would bet all my guns that Its the one gun he’ll want when you are gone.  Good luck!

I count the firearms my father has given me among my most prized possessions...

Can a good Smith add iron sites to a rifle? 

[Rob]

Was hoping the CZ 550 safari Magnum came in the small stuff, but they all start at 375 HH and up.  Great rifles but 375HH is a bit much for the states, and they are heavy rifles.

I did a search on Gunbroker for ideas.  Looked for "7mm Rem Mag open sights"

couple that looked interesting:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/844085709
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/844746222

Could do a similar search in other cartridges that would be acceptable and see what pops up.

[Rob]

Boom!  300 winmag, stainless, open sights! New in box under 1500!
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/831045237

[Rob]

Another 300 WM under 1500. 
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/842054714

Winchester Model 70 Alaskan  Comes in 30.06 too
http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/rifles/model-70/model-70-Current-Products/model-70-alaskan.html

[Twispriver]

Browning Hells Canyon Speed - I bought one for my son in 300 WSM and he liked it so well I bought the same gun in 270 WSM for myself. Less than 7 pounds, drop mag, three lug bolt and factory muzzle brake. Everything you're looking for. I bought mine through Sportsman's Warehouse and I think paid around $925.00 - with your budget you could top that with a nice mid-grade scope and really set him up.

[Alchase]

I did not see a price listed, So I would go with Sako Finnlight, in 300 Win mag.

https://www.sako.fi/en-us/rifles/sako-85/85-finnlight#technical_specifications
 
I have two (65 and 85), incredible rifles, tack drivers you will not be disappointed with.

[spin05]

im looking at getting this one.    https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/rifles/tikka-t3x-superlite-rifle/p/p46876       wont find a lighter better shooting gun out of the box. Leaves you with more cash for a scope