Rifle for kids

[Tony]

I'm an Archery guy that knows very little about rifles but I have been talking to my son and he wants to start hunting as soon as he can pass hunter Ed. during modern season. My son would be 9 years old next season and if he takes the class and i feel he is mature enough at that time with a gun I'm wondering what a good Starter rifle would be for him? Thanks in advance for any information.

[carpsniperg2]

There are lots of good choices. h&r makes a pretty good little single shot rifle. Or you can get him a smaller bolt gun like some of the Remington 700's. The size of your son should choose the rifle. Let him handle them, and get one that fits him well. One he can hold up by himself and fits good to his shoulder. If he is a little bigger frame, tikka makes a heck of a good rifle. If that would fit him, i would get him a tikka. Calibers for young shooters: I really like the 7mm-08 and 243 for youth hunters. If he might hunt elk go with the 7mm-08 it has plenty of punch to take any animal around here within a reasonable range.

[carpsniperg2]

Here is another one to look at. About the same info you are asking for

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,62823.0.html

[2506]

tc venture in 25 06. Great caliber and not bad on recoil at all. Depends on what he/she wants to hunt. If elk is in the future then tc venture in 7mm 08. Still not too bad on recoil and a great all round caliber

[Emptyhanded]

I started out with a Remington Model 7 in .243 win and it was a sweet little rig. If i were to buy a youth rifle today it would either be the Model 7 or a Ruger Compact, depending on price difference.

[gadwall]

tc venture in 25 06. Great caliber and not bad on recoil at all. Depends on what he/she wants to hunt. If elk is in the future then tc venture in 7mm 08. Still not too bad on recoil and a great all round caliber

Good place to start.

[ICEMAN]

Look into the Savage youth .243 rifle. Great shooter, plus the accutrigger.

[oldschool]

 Ruger 243 good resale also.

[thinkingman]

whatever you choose, get a youth stock.
I'd guess Savage 243

[Tony]

What type of effective range can you get out of a .243? This rifle would be for elk and deer so i just want to make sure that this would cover both animals.

[thinkingman]

What type of effective range can you get out of a .243? This rifle would be for elk and deer so i just want to make sure that this would cover both animals.

It is the minimum allowable by WA DFW.
It will kill an elk, just not hit them as hard as a 300.
Proper bullet selection is critical (whether you use a 338 or 243, bullet selection is critical)

[seth30]

I will be doing the same thing in a few years, and can hardly wait.  Anyday now I will be a father, and have already started planning his first hunts.

[Tony]

Congratulations Seth30. I'm pretty excited to take him out were he can be the shooter for the first time.

[seth30]

thank you.  I can hardly wait to start that myself. 

[7mag.]

Rossi makes the Trifecta. It's a single shot with 3 barrels, .243, 20 gauge, and .22. It's around $300-$350. It's a smaller gun with a synthetic stock. The .243 barrel comes with a rail for mounting a scope.