Think You Can Handle the Largest Rifle in the World?

My family is a very outdoorsy group. We spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. A lot of that time is spent doing shooting sports. Whether it be archery, skeet, trap, or just plinking. With my 8-year-old, he thinks he is an expert in all shooting sports. He has been talking a lot about what deer rifle he might need for his upcoming apprentice hunter program a few years from now. Questioning what rifle will be large enough to take a deer, but small enough for a 10-year-old to shoot.

For those not familiar with Montana's apprentice hunter program, according to FWP.MT.ORG

The Apprentice Hunter program allows anyone 10 or older to hunt for up to two years without completing a hunter education course. Certain restrictions apply, and anyone certified as an Apprentice must be accompanied by a certified Mentor. 

A lot of our conversations about what rifle would be best for an apprentice hunter, usually revolves around caliber and "kick." The recoil is the biggest issue for my kid. He is afraid that my 30.06 will "knock him on his butt," but is insisting I get him a .308. Which will probably "knock him on his butt" just as much. At least we have 2 years to train and find the right caliber. I do know a caliber that neither of us can handle. A .950 JDJ.

According to the following video

Only 12 people have ever shot the .950 JDJ as a rifle and only 3 were ever made this was the first and the lightest weighing in at 50 lbs.. 2400 grain bullet and 240 grains of powder. With 25,400 foot pounds of muzzle energy. 277 foot pounds of recoil energy, which is equivalent to firing ten 30.06's at one time.

Needless to say, this gun will "knock you on your butt." And it isn't cheap to shoot. Each rifle cartridge costs roughly $40. Think you can handle it?