Many good suggestions, and some great qualifying questions for your generous gift!
You would know what preference he has for calibers that would be suitable for the game that he has hunted, and wher;, or desires to hunt and where, in the future; in trying to determine the best all-around rifle/cartridge for him in a synthetic/coated and/or stainless rifle.
Suggestions include:
- Rifles: Remington AWR, Brown X-Bolt rifles, Winchester Weather Extremes, Sako Model 85's Synthetic or Finnlight, Christensen Arms Mesa or Ridgeline, and Weatherby Weathermark
- Calibers: 6.5PRC, 264 Win Mag, 6.8 Western, 270 Win, 270 WSM or WBY, 280 or 280AI, 308 Win, 30-06, and 7mm Rem Mag
- Rings & Bases: Talley, Leupold or Optiloc
- Scopes: Leupold VX-3HDor 5HD, 3.5-10x40, 2-10x42 or 3-15x44
overal rifle/scope package should weigh in from 7-9 lbs
Glad to hear that he will have a safe place to store his firearm with nearby family...will provide peace of mind for security of the investment