One thing I know from instructing and fitting young kids for sporting clays. They grow and they grow fast. Some you have to chase the fit from age 9 to 18. I've also seen many 12 gauges that were light recoilers and many light 20 gauges that kick very sharply. Rifles can be much the same way.
I have a couple of 308s and in a lighter rifle they can kick quite a bit. If you already have rifles that they can use to work on their form and accuracy already you can feel a bit better about going a little larger. I personally don't like brakes due to the noise and concussion but that is a personal choice. You know your boys better than anyone and you've certainly received enough information to make a logical choice. I tell my students and their parents to try to shoot the type of gun you think you want before you go out and spend your hard earned money. I keep a lot of shotguns around for this very reason. The same advice would apply to rifles. Let them shoot a few different rifles in the range you are considering if at all possible. Also, If you reload you have a serious advantage when it comes to keeping recoil under control. Plus that's something you and your boys can pitch in and do together.
I have a couple of 308s and in a lighter rifle they can kick quite a bit. If you already have rifles that they can use to work on their form and accuracy already you can feel a bit better about going a little larger. I personally don't like brakes due to the noise and concussion but that is a personal choice. You know your boys better than anyone and you've certainly received enough information to make a logical choice. I tell my students and their parents to try to shoot the type of gun you think you want before you go out and spend your hard earned money. I keep a lot of shotguns around for this very reason. The same advice would apply to rifles. Let them shoot a few different rifles in the range you are considering if at all possible. Also, If you reload you have a serious advantage when it comes to keeping recoil under control. Plus that's something you and your boys can pitch in and do together.
