Too early to say since I haven’t shot the axis ii yet. However, my initial impression is I like my ruger american predator better.
That being said, if you are buying two rifles, you can find some pretty good deals on the axis ii with a $75 manufacturer rebate. For example, I think you can get...
I’d stick with the 7mm08 for the new rifle. That way you only have to take one type of ammo for them and they can share it if someone forgets their ammo.
Depending on price range, I’d look at the savage axis ii, ruger american, savage lady hunter, weatherby Camilla (sp?), howa, browning micro...
Sitting in a deer blind right now with a Winchester Model 94 30-30 that was manufactured in 1962. It was my grandfathers gun. Probably my favorite gun we have.