Well, today was also the birthday of my older brother. He has never shot a centerfire rifle. He has shot .22 LR and 1 shot of 12 ga. when we were still kids, ages ago. I took him to the range a few years ago almost by force and he was very pleased to shoot grandpa's old Cooey Model 60 bolt-action tube fed .22 S, L, LR again, just like when we were kids, but in a controlled environment and surrounded by adults, which was both different and, in a weird way, pleasant at the same time. He then asked me if centerfire rifles using the same type of action and metallic sights (excellent open sights on that particular rifle after having been filed in secret by an uncle, but that is another story, and sufficient barrel lenght) existed. Very long answer followed and we never talked about it again. I think I should buy him a nice .308 Winchester whith good iron sights (his sight is still good, I only wish) because if someone decides to own only one rifle, it might very well be a .308 and not be a mistake.