Originally Posted by Texas Star

If he has any taste, I'd get a Winchester M-70, probably in their Featherweight Classic version. Mine's a .270, but I think he needs a .243, judging from your description. Keep in mind that VA has black bears and probably feral pigs. Both can be dangerous. Deer hunting apparently requires at least 6mm/.243 caliber, and rightly so.

Also look at the CZ line from the Czech Republic, perhaps the CZ 550 American. And look at Sako rifles, from Finland.

If he lacks the artistic soul to want a fine rifle, look at Howa and Savage products, perhaps with synthetic stocks.

Good optics