Vortex can be good...but you need to step up to one of their higher levels. Their LHT 4.5-22 would be a good fit for that rifle, but way above your current price point.
So what did you end up doing? If you didn't already get one, I'd caution against a SFAR if you're going to have a young shooter behind the trigger. With the factory muzzle brake, the report/concussion is significant, especially on the 16" version. The recoil isn't bad for a 308, but I felt it in...