Didn't think I'd be faced with this yet. Rifle for youth, deer

[Bigshooter]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Surprised nobody suggested .30-30 lever gun.

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