I don't consider a bolt action 30-06 a Formula one race car or an 18 wheeler. It's more of a Plain Jane 1/2 ton pick-up truck. Reviews of the Axis 30-06 claim it's not an unpleasant gun to shoot @ 7 1/2 lbs with the scope. Could be the guy just ain't shoulderin' the gun right and caught a corner of the butt plate Could be he's just closing his eyes and jerking the trigger, like so many first time shooters. While I do agree a .22 would be a cheaper gun to learn on, the Axis should not be that difficult to shoot at 25 yards, even with recoil. The guy wants to hunt deer, he'll have to learn to shoot it. I taught a lot of 12 year old boys to shoot a bolt ought-six, a full grown 6'4', 340# man should be able to suck it up and shoot it.
I believe I was around 8 or so when my Dad had me shoot a 12ga wingmaster. A 30-06 isn't a heavy recoil round, so its just a few pointers and away they go.