its a tough call. if its too much for him it can discourage him from the shooting sports or lead to bad shooting habits. I'd spring for the 243. the 243 makes for a better varmint round anyway. you don't need a 270 for coyotes or woodchucks (ground hogs or whistle pigs for you southern folk). you can get a savage or the like for very reasonable money. besides you can't have too many guns. just my opinion