weapon for a child

[rebal69972]

i have 4 children hunting this year 2 will be hunting elk 2 for deer and 1 for bear. i was thinking a 308 would be a good starter rifle for them. they will be sharing 1 weapon. i know shot placement is key but with there ages 9 10 11 and 12, i would like to get them something with a little margen for error and was big enough for elk and bear but small enough not to blow a deer to peaces and was wondering what you guys thought or what your children used. also i have a 35 cal but not being any bigger then a 30 30 i wasn't sure it would be enough to kill an elk or bear effectively. thank you for any input

[bobcat]

The 308 is what I would recommend. You just can't go wrong. There are "managed recoil" loads available for it too, which gives you a lot more versatility when it comes to kids. And there are lots of standard loads available, so you have plenty to choose from.

[carpsniperg2]

25-06-270-7mm-08-308 and 30-06 would be the cal's to look at. For what you listed I would look at the 270 and 30-06. The other cal's are great as well and all will get the job done

[rebal69972]

thanks guys i think tomorrow i start looking for a new rifle

[bobcat]

Good luck. I should say, kind of like what carpsniper said, the 270 and 30/06 would be great choices as well. If you find a good deal on the rifle you want, but they don't have it in 308, go ahead and get it in a 270 or 30/06, if that's what they have. The cartridge really isn't that important, it's the ammunition you use that really makes a difference.

[huntinhick]

I looked at one of the CVA scouts in 7mm 08 at cabelas early this year and really liked it.  they also come in compact (youth) model in stainless with a fluted barrel with a weight of about 5 1/2 lbs.  they get good reviews and you can get an adult stock for it later.  This it the way I thinking of going for my two kids. 

carl

[Raul Duke]

I have kids simialr to that age group (10G+12B) and shooting my 30.06 & .308 is a task for them. They can do it laying on the ground or off bi-pods. But in the feild that shot ain't always there.  Out of all MY rifles they like the .308 when using shooting sticks.
They have a .243 & 6mm of there own. 

My suggestion, barrow a buddys rifle(s) and let them try it out.

[predator guy]

The .270 Winchester was the first rifle my Dad bought me when I was 13. I still have it and will never get rid of it. 

[D-Rock425]

7mm08 with a good bullet would do the trick just fine.  You could shoot a good 140 grain for everything.

[demontang]

I would look toward the 06 case family. recoil from a 308 can turn a kid away from taking there time and shooting right. a 25-06, 270, or even the 243 with a good bullet is better suited for smaller shooters

[Alchase]

Both my boys grew up shooting a .243.

[sebek556]

One thing to look at when considering is the action, a semi naturaly absorbs more of teh recoil then other actions so if going for a larger caliber go for a semi.  If worryed about multiple shot then limit the rounds in the mag. Also I have a 25-06 ruger mark III and love this rifle, you know its low recoil when my 5 year old has shot it off bipods. With ballistic tips does massive damage, but stock is a little long for children. My wife is 5'2 and has a ruger gun site scout 308, awsome little rifle suprised at the low recoil but it is kinda heavy for its size. 

[rebal69972]

not sure how to say or really as this but I'll try. the 243 and 270 are the same caseing as the 30 06 just a smaller projectile? will they be enough to put an elk or bear down with a decent blood trail? i know the 243 is a good deer gun but i have never shot eather of these rifles Ive used a 30 06 most of my life and dont really know much about other rifles and all i really know about my 30 06 is it kills at both ends

[Huntnphish]

7mm08 with a good bullet would do the trick just fine.  You could shoot a good 140 grain for everything.

 Not sure if you are aware of this or not Rebal but the .243, 7mm-08 and .308 are all the same case. 7mm-08 and .243 being necked down to accomodate smaller bullets.

 My 12 year old daughter shoots a Ruger M77 youth model in 7mm-08 with 140 Noslers, is very accurate with it and has no problem packing it around. The recoil is light enough for her to shoot and not flinch, which is very important for young hunters starting out. You don't want them developing bad habits like anticipating the recoil.
 

[dscubame]

I would be interested in the general consensus of the .243 for elk.  I talked my self into buying a .308 for my nine year old using the low recoil rounds that are available but now I have changed back to the .243 again.