I just put a 30TC on order for my son, he is 11. I really like everything TC has made in the past and I wanted to get him a "lifetime" piece of hardware. Here is how I came to the decision:
Our field use will be hunting hogs and deer here in Florida and South GA but I am planning a trip to Colorado next fall for elk (if we get a tag), mulies and antelope.
There is a lot of talk about the 30TC round and it's eminent doom. It may, or may not be true. I noticed that anyone who has one or has shot one, loves it. All the negative that I found (here and elsewhere) is from folks who say they would never have an interest in it.
I called TC (or more correct, their affiliated Custom Shop) and asked them about the round and the success of it. Of course he gave it the praise that a good "company man" should. I also asked if the gun could easily be rechambered to .308 if the 30TC is not available in 5 years. He indicated that it would be very easily done. But also again assured me that this round isn't going anywhere.
I chose the 30TC because of the reduced recoil. My son is a good size for 11, 5'6", 120#. Even so, bad shooting habits are hard to break, especially if it hurts to pull the trigger. He shoots 12GA efficiently so I expect he will be fine with it.
I opted away from the 308 because I wanted the better performance. I would have went 30-06 if I felt he could handle the recoil. I began the research only looking at 06's because of its knock-down power at long range. If we are fortunate enough to get in the field this fall, I don't want to be under equiped. I spoke with a (distant) relative in Colorado that is a serious recreational hunter (27 elk to date). He said NO to a 270, maybe to a 308 and definately to the -06. I like the 30TC for the 165gr performance. Muzzel velocity is great but bullet drop over distance was a bigger factor. Placing a good shot means success with any of the rounds.
New model, first bolt action from TC, may be a desirable model one day.
I just like it. It's a really nice looking piece of hardware. Compared to some of the new composite guns; one looks like art, the other looks like the box it came in. The weight is no big deal to me, we mostly stand hunt. It's has a nice shape, great wood and is made in the USA.
Will put a Nikon Pro-Staff 3-9x40BDC on it unless I find a killer deal on something better.
Ours will be here in a few days, I hope the walnut is as good as the one I saw. As soon as we get it on the range I'll post a few pics of the groupings from my 11yo dead-eye!
Just my 2 cents.