Just bought my 10 year old son (he saved half) the Remington model 700 ADL Youth synthetic .243, put a Nikon Buckmasters 3X9X40 on top, held in place with Burris double dovetail rings with the plastic inserts. Excellent setup that will last him forever. It shoots factory ammo just under 1 MOA. This is my first experience with Nikon, but the glass seems bright and crisp.
He is excited to use it this fall. He shot 2 deer last year with my Remington 700 BDL .243, my first rifle which I still use. Since I'm bragging, it was the first time he ever shot anything bigger than his .22, which he has shot alot.
Ruger makes a compact rifle (same dimensions as a youth model) with ss barrel and laminated stock that really looks nice, for an extra $100.