Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son

[toddtms]

I am sure this has been debated many times before, but I need some help in purchasing my sons first deer gun.  He is 10 years old and just completed hunter safety.  I am torn between a .243 and a 7mm-08.  I have a friend who is selling a Remington Model 7 CDL 7mm-08 with a Burris scope on it for a really good price.  I am a little concerned that a 7mm-08 may be a little too much recoil to start for him. 

If I don't go with the above rifle, I will go with either a Savage Axis youth or Ruger American compact in .243.  What are your thoughts and why?  Please give me your opinions.

Thanks in advance

[NW-GSP]

I would say .243 really flat shooting caliber and even if he wants a larger caliber when he is older he will still enjoy the .243 for varment hunting.

[elkboy]

I agree on the .243.  I have shot several deer with my .243, and I love the (relatively) gentle recoil and the accuracy.  Really helps in developing good shooting habits to not have to deal with a lot of kick, in my opinion.  When he gets far enough along in his career to hunt elk, well, then it is just a great opportunity to go gun-shopping again!  Best of luck. 

[Heredoggydoggy]

You can't go wrong with a .243.  A friend's son got a bear with his .260 Remington when he was 9 years old.  He's shooting a .300 Ultra Mag now...

[JLS]

If you handload, the 7m08 hands down.  If you don't, I think I'd still go that route.

[thinkingman]

If you handload, the 7m08 hands down.  If you don't, I think I'd still go that route.

[pd]

Todd, buy the gun that fits him (stock size, weight---especially the fore end, butt stock placement).  That is more important than caliber. That said .243 is hard to beat.

[JBar]

7-08 is a great cal. If the price is right you can upgrade the recoil pad and I believe the managed recoil rounds work as advertised.

[Heredoggydoggy]

7-08 is a great cal. If the price is right you can upgrade the recoil pad and I believe the managed recoil rounds work as advertised.

 

[Jolten]

I shoot a .243 savage axis and I absolutely love it. I've shot many different rifle systems and just am drawn to the axis. If you come to Yakima I'll let your son send a few rounds down range.

[toddtms]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I appreciate it.  Please keep it coming.

JOLTEN.  Thanks for the offer, unfortunately I don't make it over there very often, but I will definitely keep that in mind.

[Jolten]

No problem.

[couesbitten]

Keep in mind that the .243, 7mm-08, and .308 are all the same case, just different neck sizes to accommodate the different caliber bullets. I started my 10 year old son with a 30-06 shooting managed recoil ammunition, knowing that he would eventually move to standard ammo in the same gun.  A year later, for elk season I bumped him up to standard .30-06 ammo and he's been there ever since. pd is correct, get him the gun that fit's him best and you'll have solved the biggest challenge to him being a comfortable shooter.  I'd get the 7mm-08 just because it offers a much better selection of bullet weights than a .243.

[Wacenturion]

Surprised nobody has mentioned the .257 Roberts.  `Great classic caliber and virtually no recoil.

[Jolten]

" I'd get the 7mm-08 just because it offers a much better selection of bullet weights than a .243."

Is that factory or hand loads?? I've taken mule deer and spike elk using 80gr Barnes TTSX. Although not going to lie I enjoy shooting 7mm-08 almost as much. Also .257 and .260's aren't bad. Could go with a light load .270 maybe?