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

[slowhand]

30.06  180gr 2800 fps b/c .507  dead on 100 yards roughly 22" low at 360 yards
7mag  160gr 3050 fps b/c .531  dead on 100 yards roughly 17.5" low at 360 yards
   

Lots of variables though...

This is interesting? I feel Like I should have asked this info earlier. 
How much does cross wind affect the same bullet?

I hate to be a hater here, but the miss was on you not having enough rounds at that distance, in varying conditions, with that caliber. I use 06, and regularly punch black on standard rifle targets round after round after round at 400yds. The 06 was used as the primary sniper round for ~75 years in the military first with the Springfield, and then with the M70 Winchester. Only reason I put this out there, is to encourage folks to get to out and practice, in lots of conditions with the same rifle, over and over. your story is a good lesson as to why.

That said, most important part is that these years later you have the awesome memory of getting out with your dad and going hard for 11 days. That's really what it's all about. Relish the memory.

I can honestly say that this is a true statement. I only practiced shooting out to two hundred yards at that point of my rifle hunting career.
Many years as a bow hunter with only a few years of rifle experiance at that stage.

[slowhand]

Kids home, He seems to be in good spirits from what I can tell.
I think He's really going to like his gift based on the fact We have been talking about how He wants to get a new hunting rifle when He gets out and is home for good. He has mentioned the 7mm mag more than once so that's a good sign. no scary stories or anything for that matter. Just says he was someplace that is real sandy and hot as you can possibly imagine.
Stupid mother in law asks him if anyone didn't make it back from his team within the first 3 hours of him being home. 
He says there is nothing to talk about and to leave it be.
I figure if He wants to talk about it He knows very well that I'm here and ready to listen. I see no reason to bring it up or push him to talk about it.
I've been focused on talking about fun stuff like hunting, the Seahawks, girls, and guns.
Lots of talk about his future plans and that He's going to be home for good next October.
I told him to let Me know when He knows for sure and I will put all those points I have been buying him after something special.
He seems very excited about us giving Bear hunting a try. Says He will need a new rifle  .
I'll keep you guys updated on how the gift delivery goes. I'm pretty excited to hand it over and see his face. should be a memorable moment.

[Caseyd]

Kids home, He seems to be in good spirits from what I can tell.
I think He's really going to like his gift based on the fact We have been talking about how He wants to get a new hunting rifle when He gets out and is home for good. He has mentioned the 7mm mag more than once so that's a good sign. no scary stories or anything for that matter. Just says he was someplace that is real sandy and hot as you can possibly imagine.
Stupid mother in law asks him if anyone didn't make it back from his team within the first 3 hours of him being home. 
He says there is nothing to talk about and to leave it be.
I figure if He wants to talk about it He knows very well that I'm here and ready to listen. I see no reason to bring it up or push him to talk about it.
I've been focused on talking about fun stuff like hunting, the Seahawks, girls, and guns.
Lots of talk about his future plans and that He's going to be home for good next October.
I told him to let Me know when He knows for sure and I will put all those points I have been buying him after something special.
He seems very excited about us giving Bear hunting a try. Says He will need a new rifle  .
I'll keep you guys updated on how the gift delivery goes. I'm pretty excited to hand it over and see his face. should be a memorable moment.

Congrats and enjoy the holidays. Let us know how he likes it

[Caseknife]

As for scopes, Leupold VX3i 3.5x10x40 with maybe the cds would be the way I would go, great scope and also made in the USA.  Glad your son made it home safe and sound and have a great Christmas.  You made the right choice on the rifle.