Author Topic: Didn't think I'd be faced with this yet. Rifle for youth, deer (Read 8218 times)

Tony 270WSM · « **on:** July 19, 2009, 09:18:45 PM »

On a budget too. My 12 (almost 13) year old nephew has shown an interest in hunting. Have talked to him about it and he sounds interested in going and hunting himself. Just the thought of it gets me pumped up about it. Have a six year old girl and she doesn't have any interest in it, but I'd happily take my nephew and get someone new into hunting.

So, he's pretty small for 12, could easily pass for under ten right now. Only have my WSM and don't think that would suit him well at all. Want something with less recoil, don't want to get him gun shy.

Thinking 243, 257 Bob or 260 Remmy. Don't have a Wal Mart around here, but have heard of some smokin deals, like the Vanguard for only $299 on sale. Also open to a Savage or anything else cheap. His parents don't hunt and don't have the $$$ to buy him a gun, so I'm trying to scrape up some cash to pick something up.

Anyone know of some good deals going on? Also thinking a fixed 4x to top it off. Simple and to the point.

Huntbear · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:22:04 PM »

Unless a repeating rifle is mandatory, how about a NEF single shot in what ever caliber. Then later can add barrels as he grows into shooting.

jackelope · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:24:19 PM »

look at the NEF youth handi rifle. i picked one up for a soldier buddy's boy for when he hunts with us this year. $200.00 new, neat rifle and real small framed for a youth. it hasn't been fired yet but they have a rep of being pretty accurate.

HUNT · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:25:56 PM »

The .243 makes a great first deer rifle... My 9 year old shoots his Remington Model 7 with no problems... I put a synthetic stock on it to make it lighter for him.... The recoil isn't too bad. You should be able to find a used one for 300-350..... If you can't find one locally-- check out gunbroker.com

Mookie · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2009, 12:14:46 AM »

Might be a bit far to drive, or to much kick, but I have a friend with a Rem 710 .270, barely been shot, under 50 rounds, and comes with whatever scope they put on it. He only wants $250.

addicted · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2009, 12:43:00 AM »

check out a pawn shop. econemy should have put a good selection in there. get something cheap in the caliber you want and cut the stock to fit the kid.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2009, 06:00:57 AM »

A thought...

I purchased youth sized rifles for my kids, everything is a bit smaller, easier to shoulder etc.... Bought Mossberg .243/s for both of them in the youth size. My kids are 11 and 13yrs...The stocks can be replaced later with full size stocks.

I also place value in the tang safety which is visible for everyone to see, all the time. Plus, the safeties match their Mossberg youth shotguns....

Gutpile · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2009, 06:04:36 AM »

I bought a youth 870 20 ga. and a youth Ruger 77 in .260 as soon as my girl passed the test. I've passed them both down to my youngest now and will probably upgrade the youngest to adult models next year. That .260 is a sweet little rifle.

satchel3006 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2009, 06:58:27 AM »

you can get a weatherby vanguard youth rifle which comes with a full size stock for when hes older. my dad has one (with the full size stock on it) and its a shooter under an inch at 100 yards. NEF is also a good choice

whacker1 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2009, 01:36:02 PM »

I started with Savage .243, and once I stuck with it moved to a Savage .270. Both were model 110c. They can be found at gun shows at a relatively inexpensive level.

6mm is another good choice. The key is to use the short stock with a good recoil pad, as to not scare them from shooting.

BULLBLASTER · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2009, 02:08:44 PM »

i shot my first buck with my very own 7mm mag. when i was in 7th grade. i saved my allowance and my dad said he would match anything i saved. i shot 120 grain ( i think) factory loads and still love that gun today. i was out of high school before i got my .243. i went backwards i guess. the NEF ones seem pretty good. you could get a decent gun for yourself and him to use until he is older then let him have it. give him somethin to look forward to when he is old enough.

jackelope · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2009, 02:17:12 PM »

i also have a savage model 10gy, which is their youth rifle, in .243. it has a 20" barrel and a short stock. it actually used to have a short stock and i bought a full sized savage tupperware stock off of ebay for it for $30.00, now i have a short little lightweight pack rifle.

huntnphool · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2009, 02:29:18 PM »

I agree with the .243 the guys have suggested, there are plenty of good deals on gunbrokers these days.

newbs55 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2009, 02:52:00 PM »

.243 is good but i would rather start with a .308 same recoil more bullet weight choices. that way if he wanted to go after elk or bear you could step up the grain and not be underguned

Straight Shooter · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2009, 02:54:14 PM »

Quote from: ICEMAN on July 20, 2009, 06:00:57 AM

A thought...

I purchased youth sized rifles for my kids, everything is a bit smaller, easier to shoulder etc.... Bought Mossberg .243/s for both of them in the youth size. My kids are 11 and 13yrs...The stocks can be replaced later with full size stocks.

I also place value in the tang safety which is visible for everyone to see, all the time. Plus, the safeties match their Mossberg youth shotguns....

Stock is adjustable w/inserts...

http://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail.aspx?itemno=MB26240&mfg=Mossberg&family=100+ATR+Series&model=100+ATR+Super+Bantam

satchel3006 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2009, 03:06:50 PM »

.243 and .308 do not recoil the same i guess you could try the reduced recoil ammo for the .308

newbs55 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2009, 03:33:50 PM »

i guess i should have said similar recoil. my nephew is 12 and he shoots 125 grainers out of his .308 and his buddy shoots 110 out of his 243 and my nephew doesn't like shooting his buddies gun he says it kicks way more.

jackelope · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2009, 03:39:06 PM »

the weight of the gun will change things too. my guess is there's not too much difference between the 2.

newbs55 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2009, 03:41:37 PM »

yeah they are both synth stock savages with 3 x 9' on top so the weight should be close. I have shot both and can't tell a difference, but you know how little kids are.

haugenna · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:28:16 PM »

not sure if you reload, but you can load some light loads for him.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:33:45 PM »

Quote from: ICEMAN on July 20, 2009, 06:00:57 AM

A thought...

I purchased youth sized rifles for my kids, everything is a bit smaller, easier to shoulder etc.... Bought Mossberg .243/s for both of them in the youth size. My kids are 11 and 13yrs...The stocks can be replaced later with full size stocks.

I also place value in the tang safety which is visible for everyone to see, all the time. Plus, the safeties match their Mossberg youth shotguns....

Ok, I am a dufus. Just read my post....

My kids have the Savage .243 youth, not a mossberg....

My brain is continuing to degrade....

Tony 270WSM · « **Reply #21 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:40:20 PM »

Don't reload, but thought maybe rather than buying a gun/scope I could just get some reloading stuff and load my WSM way down

But nah, wouldn't mind something with less power to play with and pass down to him. Starting to consider the 7mm-08 with reduced loads, but would love a 260 and they make reduced loads for it too.

Will have to keep an eye out for some good deals around here. Would like to hold them first of course, want it to be comfortable.

catwithboost · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:45:37 PM »

Well I can reload 243 or 270 as far as smaller calibers. If you get anyone of those calibers for your nephew. I will donate low recoil rounds if you want to drive up to Olympia to get them. Just a thought and a way of me helping out a new hunter. PM me if you are interested. I have brass,primers,powder and bullets for those so you will not need to pay for anything.

Gutpile · « **Reply #23 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:51:05 PM »

My daughters were both shooting the 260 at age 10. You don't need reduced loads with it but you will want to reload. There are really not many loads to choose from as it's not a very popular cartridge.

here's a 100 yard group from my 11 year old at 100 yards off of shooting sticks. Just to give you an idea on how easy it is to shoot for a youth

Here's my oldest with her first deer and the 260. She's now 5'8" and has graduated to a 270.

Here's my youngest last fall with her first deer. If memory serves it was a 168 yard shot. So small kids can definately shoot a 260.

Too bad you can't wait till next season. I may be unloading it.

Tony 270WSM · « **Reply #24 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:54:42 PM »

Cat, very generous offer and great on your part!

Gutpile, I might be able to find something to work this year if you're getting rid of that 260 next year. Great photos

huntnphool · « **Reply #25 on:** July 20, 2009, 07:55:36 PM »

Quote

There are really not many loads to choose from as it's not a very popular cartridge.

Which is another great reason to go with a .243, every sporting goods store will have them on the shelf, you even have Catwithboost offering to load you some custom rounds.

Tony 270WSM · « **Reply #26 on:** July 20, 2009, 08:02:06 PM »

That is a valid point...

Really can't go wrong with a 243. Keep thinking about a 260 cause I've always wanted one since it came out, though it may not be the best choice for him. On the other hand, isn't a bad choice either, even with limited ammo for it.

One thing I hadn't even thought of till just a little while ago is to go visit my grandparents and borrow their old Coast to Coast bolt action 30-30. Took my first deer with it. Then can have more time and money to find something to pass down to him. I'm sure I think about this way more than he has lol

scoyoc5 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 20, 2009, 08:10:01 PM »

Quote from: catwithboost on July 20, 2009, 07:45:37 PM

Well I can reload 243 or 270 as far as smaller calibers. If you get anyone of those calibers for your nephew. I will donate low recoil rounds if you want to drive up to Olympia to get them. Just a thought and a way of me helping out a new hunter. PM me if you are interested. I have brass,primers,powder and bullets for those so you will not need to pay for anything.

wow cat very nice offer

Karl Blanchard · « **Reply #28 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:02:14 PM »

I bought my wife a NEF 243 youth model for her first rifle and it is a tack drivin little sucker. It is short but it fits me well enough that I can still shoot it comfortably. If I could do it over again I would have bought it in 25-06 which I think is a bit better of a round (you can shoot heavier bullets). Also I would look into Marlins new bolt actions. I bought one in 25-06 and It is a nice meat and potato's rifle. $300 bucks brand new too.

Pat/Rick · « **Reply #29 on:** July 21, 2009, 11:36:59 PM »

Surprised nobody suggested .30-30 lever gun.

Bigshooter · « **Reply #30 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:03:34 AM »

I would stay away from the .243. I would go with in order .308, .270, .260, .250 savage, or 7mm-08. .308 is a great choice especially if you reload for it. The .243 is such a small caliber that a not so well place shot can have bad results.

Mookie · « **Reply #31 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:33:37 AM »

A bad shot is a bad shot. Whitetail are so small the 0.065 size difference will not matter. 0.065 is less than 1/16 of an inch. Yes, the 308 and others will have more power, but in 90% of all hunting applications that power is wasted as most shots, ESPECIALLY a beginner, will be under 200 yards, and most of those will still be under 100 yards.

Straight Shooter · « **Reply #32 on:** July 22, 2009, 08:11:04 AM »

Quote from: Mookie on July 22, 2009, 01:33:37 AM

A bad shot is a bad shot. Whitetail are so small the 0.065 size difference will not matter. 0.065 is less than 1/16 of an inch. Yes, the 308 and others will have more power, but in 90% of all hunting applications that power is wasted as most shots, ESPECIALLY a beginner, will be under 200 yards, and most of those will still be under 100 yards.

Agreed. The sectional density of the .308 bullet is obviously better than the .243. However, there is nothing better than a well-placed shot with a good bullet. Federal makes a 95 gr Fusion load that has a bonded bullet and would be more than adequate for Washington deer. Sure, .243 is a caliber that will typically be "outgrown" but, for right now, it's a good choice. Then, the .243 can always be utilized as one heck of a long-range (55-75 gr bullets) yote gun. What ever caliber you decide, just make sure that the youngster can shoot it comfortably and well.

Rob · « **Reply #33 on:** July 22, 2009, 09:44:46 AM »

Quote from: Pat/Rick on July 21, 2009, 11:36:59 PM

Surprised nobody suggested .30-30 lever gun.

I have been involved in teaching Hunters Ed over the last few months. One of the inert guns we have for the students to look at and demonstrate skills with is an old 30-30. That gun is the only one that gets accidentally dry fired over and over by the younger kids. It was an eye opener to see how difficult it is for a kid with small hands to hold the hammer back, pull the trigger and gently let the hammer move forward. about 1 in 10 times I hear a loud "snap" and the hammer slips out from under their thumbs.

I'm sure after some practice they can make it work, but it is harder for small weaker hands.

Pat/Rick · « **Reply #34 on:** July 22, 2009, 10:22:14 AM »

Know what you mean, an old friend tagged his father-in-laws jeep on opening morning one year that way. The cross block safeties on the newer Marlins eliminate that from happening.

JackOfAllTrades · « **Reply #35 on:** July 22, 2009, 12:19:45 PM »

I started both of my smallish boys out on the Rossi Triple Play. .243win, 20ga, and .22rimfire. Three barrels, one action/stock. I drilled out the fore sling mount to accept a quick detach sling ring so changing barrels, (you have to pull the forearm), is much easier. I made both boys accomplish their first harvest via open sights before mounting scopes on the barrel. These guns are light to carry in the woods. What comes along with that is a little more snap/recoil, but the factory recoil pad is something that can be replaced with a better model.

I'm pretty sure I will have a Triple Play for sale after this Deer season as my eldest has outgrown his.

-Steve

huntnphool · « **Reply #36 on:** July 22, 2009, 03:34:59 PM »

Quote from: Pat/Rick on July 21, 2009, 11:36:59 PM

Surprised nobody suggested .30-30 lever gun.

Not a good choice for a young hunter IMO, a single shot bolt action would be ideal.

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Author Topic: Didn't think I'd be faced with this yet. Rifle for youth, deer (Read 8218 times)

Tony 270WSM

Tony 270WSM

catwithboost

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