Looking for a 25-06 for my son, need recommendations

[Duck cutter]

I wanted a 25-06 so I went and bought a wood stock blued ruger at gander. Put a Leopold scope on it. I had trouble sighting it in. Then it hurt my feelings dragging that pretty new gun up a tree. I killed a pretty decent buck with it but he went further than I liked. Could be the ammo could be shot placement.

Went to uwharrie and my buddy was selling

a 257 with scope and 2 boxes of ammo for $425. I bought it took it home and it's killed everything I told it to. I'm just comfortable with it. I know it will do its job.
As far as the original post maybe you should encourage him to buy a used gun to figure out what he likes. Don't make the mistake I did and buy a purty gun you are afraid you'll scratch so you just leave it at home.

If I buy a gun I buy it to use, I don’t worry about scratching it up. They made plenty more just like it so there’s nothing special about mine.

And I offered to let him shoot mine if he wants to so obviously I’m giving him options to figure out what he likes and dislikes.