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

[PNW_Hunter]

OP should add a poll to the top of the thread with various calibers that have been listed and are similar.

[Jolten]

Kids are usually rough on first firearms. Get him a savage axis youth .243 and if he breaks the stock I'll send you mine as a replacement.

[PNW_Hunter]

For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06

[huntnphool]

For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06

Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it!

[mossback91]

For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06

Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it!

   

[PNW_Hunter]

For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06

Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it!

You make a valid point! 2 rifles is better than 1 tho 

[bobcat]

A 243 will always be a great deer rifle. Doesn't matter how old you are, you will never outgrow it.

[PNW_Hunter]

A 243 will always be a great deer rifle. Doesn't matter how old you are, you will never outgrow it.

most definitely! I just meant that .243 to .270 seems like a natural progression. I sure do love both calibers.

[huntnphool]

For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06

Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it!

You make a valid point! 2 rifles is better than 1 tho 

Well there is that arguement isn't there.

[Mxracer532]

Im a .243 guy bbuti would go with a .260 if I were you. I dont understand how the .260 gets no love. Ballistics is retarded good and its one of the most accurate calibers there is. Just look at how many guys use them for 1000yrd competitions. (Very little recoil also)

[Rich_S]

Say he's on a hunt, driving to the camp. Suddenly he says, "Darn, dad! I left my ammo at home!" You turn the car around and drive to the nearest store (gas station with the "WORMS" sign on the door). While getting your wallet out of the velcroed pocket of your hunting pants (don't you hate those?) You ask the kid behind the counter, "Hey son, you got a box of (insert your rifle cartridge here)?"

If you say .30-30, he'll say "You bet!"
If you say .30-06, he'll say "Right over there!"
If you say  .257 Weatherby Mag, he'll say, "Huh?"

Been there. Drove another 20 miles and paid $50 for 20 shells. Something to consider when picking a cartridge.

[toddtms]

Thanks everyone, these are all good points.  I am torn to be completely honest.  I think either would be great and eventually he will be moving up to another, larger caliber anyways. I'm getting close to a decision, I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[Jolten]

Remember my PM.and He can always personalize whatever you get him. Maybe show him a few brands and let him decide?

[Wacenturion]

Might want to take a look at this.  Nice, newer South Carolina Model 70 Featherweight in 7mm-08.  Price seems fair...nice gun.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8769230/1/FS_Winchester_M70_Fwt_7mm_08

[Wacenturion]

Say he's on a hunt, driving to the camp. Suddenly he says, "Darn, dad! I left my ammo at home!" You turn the car around and drive to the nearest store (gas station with the "WORMS" sign on the door). While getting your wallet out of the velcroed pocket of your hunting pants (don't you hate those?) You ask the kid behind the counter, "Hey son, you got a box of (insert your rifle cartridge here)?"

If you say .30-30, he'll say "You bet!"
If you say .30-06, he'll say "Right over there!"
If you say  .257 Weatherby Mag, he'll say, "Huh?"

Been there. Drove another 20 miles and paid $50 for 20 shells. Something to consider when picking a cartridge.

Simple fix..........plan ahead.