Advice on deer rifle for son

[erbusmc]

Hello,
I'm new to hunting. I live and work in Northern California, in the San Francisco Bay area. I want to buy my son (14 yrs old) a deer rifle, but I don't know which one to get him, and in what caliber. I'm prior military, but I've only dealt with M-16's and pistols. I think I'd like to get him a 308, but I don't know which brand. I'd like to keep my cost low obviously, so my limit is $400.00 if I can.
The reason for the 308 is because of the moderate recoil, as opposed to a 30-06. Thanks.
Enrique

[brush buster]

the savage model 110 has a good reputation and is not real expensive.

[twopatch]

Savage ,makes the Stevens 200, which is the same as the 110.they are suposed to be great guns, for the money. go on [link removed] and look around. its kind of like e-bay but different. Their is deals to be had . I don't feel .30 cal. is needed for anything in Ca. The 25-06 is a great deer round.7-08 is a good deer- hog round. I would not count out the good old .270 eather.