The TC Super 16 in .223 Win. barrel on a Contender in rifle format makes a perfect starting rifle for a youth. It makes such a small and light weight rifle for a youth to cut their teeth on. The recoil is like 2-3 ft. lbs. and if that is too much then a shoulder recoil pad or a Limbsaver recoil pad on the stock would pretty well eliminate any recoil. 60 gr. Nosler Partitions loaded by Federal or 64 gr. Power Point by Winchester work really good on deer. Teach the child to do a lung shot and let them practice on some deer targets. The TC Super 16 in any caliber is kind of rare, so if you change your mind later and want another223, you may not find one. Mine is running 5 deer, 1 shot ea. for the grandkids.