Many good recommendations here- you'll just have to sift through them and decide. However, I will add 2 points. First, make sure that the caliber is legal in your area for the game he'll be hunting- until just a couple years ago, .224 was not legal here in Wyoming for any big game- can now be used on deer and antelope. Second- muzzle brakes can be good, but I hate most of them on hunting rigs- most of my shots are taken prone, or over shooting sticks sitting or kneeling. Muzzle brakes often create muzzle- loader type clouds- dust, sage leaves and seeds, etc. which obscure your vision for a few seconds. I may practice with a brake, but take it off and check zero before hunting.
