For what its worth now I have had the opportunity to take a lot of kids hunting for the first time and a 3-9 is usually what I have used, I have also used many different calibers, but the 6.8 is what I prefer. Both my kids killed their first deer using iron sights when they were 4 and 6 years old, but at 30-40 yards. Illuminated optics like Leupold's VXR line have really helped teaching kids where to put the crosshairs with just a simple red dot but it has magnification. I have also used Aimpoint's, EoTech's, with and without magnifiers, but a scope is better at gathering light for early morning and late evening. Also don't buy him a pair of $10 Simmons binoculars, of all the inexpensive binoculars I recommend Minox (a little heavier but will not break and a good warranty) over all others. Around $250 for 10x42's and they are very clear and are better at light gathering than my Nikons that were $100 more.