youth rifle

[bobcat]

I didn't say the 243 because this was supposed to be for deer AND elk. Sure the 243 would work for elk but why not use something a little bigger? If you get a 270 or a 308, you can get the reduced recoil loads that Remington makes, which would bring the recoil down to about the same as a 243.

[coachcw]

try the remington model seven youth in 260 . good out 200 yards and the 140 grain corelocks work well three on shot kills for my son. Iv'e seen 243's rattle around inside but not hit hard ?

[royalbull]

I like the 7mm-08 as well, I have two small frame nieces that shoot these and love them, talked one of my buddies into buying them for his two boys, he says that gun was the perfect choice

[Bob33]

7mm-08, 270, 308, or 30-06.  Get Managed Recoil ammunition and the '06 shoots like a 243; the others less.  It's simply amazing stuff.  When you grow into it, use the full power loads.

[ICEMAN]

You guys are forgetting that kids need shorter stocks and lighter guns...not just about recoil.

My daughter cannot even shoot a normal length stock...

[lamar_hunter]

243

[runamuk]

You guys are forgetting that kids need shorter stocks and lighter guns...not just about recoil.

My daughter cannot even shoot a normal length stock...

the ruger compact in .243 or 7-08   

[JoshT]

"compact" doesn't mean that the butt end of the rifle is shorter... just typically the barrel and forend... the LOP is usually the same or very close to the standard 13"-13.5".

The Howa "youth" model is the best I've seen for the money, the addition of a standard length stock makes a ton of sense too. I'd look at the 7mm-08 for an all-around gun... but if only deer are on the menu... then the .243 is more than capable.

Fitting the young shooter is far more important than the caliber... a poorly fit rifle in .243 will be a lot touger on a new shooter than a properly fit 7mm-08... both in the recoil department, as well as accurate shooting in the field. My advice is take him to the shop... or better yet a couple shops... and find the gun that he's most comfortable with. THEN, pick a caliber. If you don't handload... then consider what's available in factory loads. If you do handload, then it really doesn't matter what caliber you select, because you can tailor the loads to the shooter and the game at hand.

Congrats to your son, and I hope you have a wonderful time afield for years to come.

[HUNT]

You guys are forgetting that kids need shorter stocks and lighter guns...not just about recoil.

My daughter cannot even shoot a normal length stock...

The Model 7 is shorter and lighter.  Aftermarket synthetic stocks are readily available.

[KimberRich]

LOP is key here because of shorter arms.  If your hunting deer and elk I probably wouldn't say .243.  Go a little larger to the .260 or .270.  Like a couple other guys said, the managed recoil rounds are the way to go.

[Intruder]

Not sure how much ya wanna spend but you may look at a Rem Model 7.  Nice little gun.  While a 243 is hard to beat I might suggest a 260... more versitile for big game. 

[rasbo]

youth 243 great gun.Bought one for my wife and grandson..just put the bullit where it belongs on elk.hell seen a whiteface dropped in its tracks yesterday with a 22mag,1500 lb animal.

[PA BEN]

Winchester doesn't make them anymore, but if you can find one, get the Win. mod. 70 youth ranger, in 243 or 7mm-08. I started all my girls at age 9 with them.

[h2ofowlr]

.243 is probably one of the best youth calibers.  That is the one I would recommend.  It works great.  Great deer cartridge.  Many youth models available on the market.  TC makes a great single shot one with various stocks to fit the shooters needs.  H&R also has a good one you probably can get into for $150 or so.

[chim-chim]

I have seen many deer and also elk takin with a 243 its a great caliber seen a deer takin at 400 yards with one last year