Free: Contests & Raffles.
I don't believe recoil is that much less with the 7/08. It all depends on what weight bullet you shoot. You can also buy the "managed recoil" loads in 308 until he gets older. I would get the 308. One real good reason- ammo is much cheaper and therefore he will be able to shoot more.
One thing I noticed is that with the little rifles, they kick harder than expected because naturally, they are lighter. The .243 that my buddy's boy shoots kicks pretty good because the rifle is sooooo little.
It's time for my soon to be 10 year old to get his own deer rifle. Any thoughts on the .308 youth models out there? I've heard great things about the Savage Accutrigger. My son has one in .22 rimfire and loves it. Which ones are made in USA? Thanks for any suggestions.