weapon for a child

[ICEMAN]

A little late here but, I feel that one of the factors to consider is how well they shoot the gun. I started both my kids with a .243...  Nice lightweight "youth" rifle with a smaller stock, lighter weight gun. They both shoot it well now, but the first year my daughter even found this gun a bit heavy for her (at age 11...) So I feel this does play into the equation.
 
Let's face the real issue, MONEY. For the deer, the .243 is great, not many argue this. But, for elk....many feel it is too small, I tend to agree. If you were wealthy you would probably buy two calibers? 
 
When my kids transition to elk hunting, I will probably step them up to a .270

[Wazukie]

I am late on this buy, I like my old 30-30 Winchester the best.  Not as fast, not as hard hitting, but it takes down anything I have ever shot with it.  My son is hoping to get his first bear with it this year.  He can shoot 1.5" groups with it at 100 yrds open sighted.  Not to bad for a 70 years old lever gun.  Just make sure they shoot real well with what you bought.  Like anything instinct is you best bet when it comes to making the shot.  See the animal, know where to shoot, and then shoot without much thought (instinctive action)

[KenPCPilot]

I BOUGHT A REMINGTON 700 VTR IN .308 FOR MY 12 YEAR OLD.  IT IS NICE AS IT HAS A MUZZLE BREAK ALREADY MACHINE IN FROM THE FACTORY.  I PUT A BLACKHAWK ADJUSTABLE FOR LENGHT OF PULL STOCK WITH RECOIL REDUCING SPRINGS.  HE SAYS HE FEELS THE RECOIL BUT DOESN'T COMPLAIN ABOUT IT.  HE THINKS IT IS PRETTY LOUD SINCE IT HAS A MUZZLE BREAK.  I LIKE IT AND IT SHOOTS LIKE A *censored* CAT.  .308 IS NICE BECAUSE AMMO IS FAIRLY CHEAP AND PLENTIFUL.  I JUST BOUGHT 250 ROUNDS FOR $96.00 ON LINE.   I AM HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH SCOPE MOUNTING THAT I ANTICIPATE I WILL FIND A SOLUTION FOR BUT AS FAR AS KID GUN HE CAN GROW WITH THIS IS A NICE OPTION