I have a Model 7 in 308. Its a good gun, fairly accurate too. I set mine up with a Leupold VX I 3 x 9 x 40, I didn't like it so much so today I pulled it off and went back to basics just the iron sights. The gun is well balanced and short so getting threw brush is less of a problem than with say a 24" barrel. I believe he will be happy with it. My only complaint is the laminated stock. Mine has developed a small crack its an easy fix there are a million stocks available for the 7. All in all I dont think you can go wrong with it. Good luck.