In my opinion, the 7-08's recoil is so similar to the .308 as to be indistinguishable. I'd get the kid a .308 AND some good quality hearing protection- plugs and muffs. I've said it on here many times and I think it's worth repeating- protect the kid's hearing, and he'll be a better shooter and true recoil will not be nearly as big of an issue. Plus he won't end up like most of us with continual ringing in his ears as an adult. Good luck