Son's first...rifle

I recommend to get both the M1 Garand and either an 1903 or 1903A3. They're both serious .30-06's.

The M1 Carbine is great... my Grandpa had one during WW2 and always spoke highly of it. He never felt the need to own one though. Nowdays, from what I've seen, the ammo's more expensive.

K98k... I own one... kicks like a mule with surplus ammo... unlike the U.S. rifles.

I think there are some good suggestions here. But if your son is kinda built like my 15 year old brother I'm not sure a Mosin Nagant or 03 is his cup of tea yet. I am going to vote for the M1 Carbine then M1 Garand to me the .30-06 out of a Garand is pretty tame compared to some of the older bolt actions.

Lesson learned: when playing with fun monkeys, be prepared.

Re: '03 recoil

This is just me... I'm 34 years old, 6' tall, and 200lbs though... The recoil from my '03A3 isn't any worse than my M1 Garand. Keep in mind I'm shooting it from offhand standing and wrapped into the web sling. Across the bench with the Garand, as well as the K98k, and I'll be back to the chiropractor's office getting my neck put back into alignment.

+1 Garand, he will appreciate it more and more as he gets older