Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: toddtms on April 19, 2014, 05:59:32 PM

Title: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 19, 2014, 05:59:32 PM: I am sure this has been debated many times before, but I need some help in purchasing my sons first deer gun. He is 10 years old and just completed hunter safety. I am torn between a .243 and a 7mm-08. I have a friend who is selling a Remington Model 7 CDL 7mm-08 with a Burris scope on it for a really good price. I am a little concerned that a 7mm-08 may be a little too much recoil to start for him.

If I don't go with the above rifle, I will go with either a Savage Axis youth or Ruger American compact in .243. What are your thoughts and why? Please give me your opinions.

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: NW-GSP on April 19, 2014, 06:02:37 PM: I would say .243 really flat shooting caliber and even if he wants a larger caliber when he is older he will still enjoy the .243 for varment hunting.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: elkboy on April 19, 2014, 06:08:26 PM: I agree on the .243. I have shot several deer with my .243, and I love the (relatively) gentle recoil and the accuracy. Really helps in developing good shooting habits to not have to deal with a lot of kick, in my opinion. When he gets far enough along in his career to hunt elk, well, then it is just a great opportunity to go gun-shopping again! Best of luck.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on April 19, 2014, 06:12:50 PM: You can't go wrong with a .243. A friend's son got a bear with his .260 Remington when he was 9 years old. He's shooting a .300 Ultra Mag now...
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: JLS on April 19, 2014, 06:21:19 PM: If you handload, the 7m08 hands down. If you don't, I think I'd still go that route.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: thinkingman on April 19, 2014, 06:23:39 PM: Quote from: JLS on April 19, 2014, 06:21:19 PM
If you handload, the 7m08 hands down. If you don't, I think I'd still go that route.
:yeah:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: pd on April 19, 2014, 06:24:40 PM: Todd, buy the gun that fits him (stock size, weight---especially the fore end, butt stock placement). That is more important than caliber. That said .243 is hard to beat.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: JBar on April 19, 2014, 06:27:21 PM: 7-08 is a great cal. If the price is right you can upgrade the recoil pad and I believe the managed recoil rounds work as advertised.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on April 19, 2014, 06:30:50 PM: Quote from: JBar on April 19, 2014, 06:27:21 PM
7-08 is a great cal. If the price is right you can upgrade the recoil pad and I believe the managed recoil rounds work as advertised.

:yeah:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Jolten on April 19, 2014, 07:03:04 PM: I shoot a .243 savage axis and I absolutely love it. I've shot many different rifle systems and just am drawn to the axis. If you come to Yakima I'll let your son send a few rounds down range.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 19, 2014, 08:10:02 PM: Thanks for the feedback everyone, I appreciate it. Please keep it coming.

JOLTEN. Thanks for the offer, unfortunately I don't make it over there very often, but I will definitely keep that in mind.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Jolten on April 19, 2014, 08:21:36 PM: No problem.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: couesbitten on April 19, 2014, 08:25:38 PM: Keep in mind that the .243, 7mm-08, and .308 are all the same case, just different neck sizes to accommodate the different caliber bullets. I started my 10 year old son with a 30-06 shooting managed recoil ammunition, knowing that he would eventually move to standard ammo in the same gun. A year later, for elk season I bumped him up to standard .30-06 ammo and he's been there ever since. pd is correct, get him the gun that fit's him best and you'll have solved the biggest challenge to him being a comfortable shooter. I'd get the 7mm-08 just because it offers a much better selection of bullet weights than a .243.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Wacenturion on April 20, 2014, 10:20:10 AM: Surprised nobody has mentioned the .257 Roberts. `Great classic caliber and virtually no recoil.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Jolten on April 20, 2014, 10:25:26 AM: " I'd get the 7mm-08 just because it offers a much better selection of bullet weights than a .243."

Is that factory or hand loads?? I've taken mule deer and spike elk using 80gr Barnes TTSX. Although not going to lie I enjoy shooting 7mm-08 almost as much. Also .257 and .260's aren't bad. Could go with a light load .270 maybe?
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: b23 on April 20, 2014, 10:33:32 AM: Either of your choices would be good but if it were me, I'd go with a 260 Remington.

The 260 is one of those chamberings that seems to do everything well and it does it with low recoil too.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Jolten on April 20, 2014, 10:42:06 AM: I've never had the chance to shoot one but what about 25-06?
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: buckfvr on April 20, 2014, 11:23:19 AM: Quote from: b23 on April 20, 2014, 10:33:32 AM
Either of your choices would be good but if it were me, I'd go with a 260 Remington.

The 260 is one of those chamberings that seems to do everything well and it does it with low recoil too.

:yeah: I agree 100% .
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: TheFewTheProud on April 20, 2014, 11:28:52 AM: I say .243. Like it was already said, very low recoil and it will still knock a deer down. I shot my first with a .243 and every time I introduce people to shooting or first time hunters especially those with small frames I have them use my .243
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Rich_S on April 20, 2014, 11:41:05 AM: I have to agree with those who say that fit and feel is more important than caliber. My first deer rifle was a Remington 600 in .243. It kicked like a ball-peen hammer to the shoulder. I finally got rid of it and went to a S&W 7mm Rem. Mag. that kicked a lot less.

My choice would be the 7mm-08, but it's what HE likes that counts. A couple of trips to take him shooting with several different rifles would be important. Not to the range, though. Take him out somewhere where he can shoot offhand or in different real-world shooting positions. Sitting at a bench is a whole different world of recoil and rules. Give him a dirt bank and some tin cans or, better yet, day-old baked goods. You don't need to clean up your targets when you're done and the birds will love you for them.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: b23 on April 20, 2014, 12:07:45 PM: Also, I would recommend getting something that has some weight to it. Wayyyy to often the concern of getting something really light has far to much importance placed on it. Heavier guns are not only easier to shoot but you can just about always shoot a heavier gun better than you can a light one and the lighter the gun, the harder the kick. I'd look for something around 8ish lbs.

Light weight guns have their place but IMO it's not with a young shooter.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 20, 2014, 06:43:41 PM: B23. That is a great point on the weight/recoil aspect. The 7mm-08 my neighbor has is probably about middle of the road, maybe 7 to 7.5 lbs.

I think I am going to take him out with the 7mm-08 and see what he thinks. I think that will tell us right away if it is too much gun to start with.

Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Bofire on April 20, 2014, 07:11:03 PM: 7mm 08/ recoil is not a big difference in these two.
Carl
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Buzz2401 on April 20, 2014, 07:34:21 PM: I'm a 7mm fan but a 243 would do the trick too.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: arrowflinger on April 20, 2014, 08:04:55 PM: Quote from: Wacenturion on April 20, 2014, 10:20:10 AM
Surprised nobody has mentioned the .257 Roberts. `Great classic caliber and virtually no recoil.

I built one for my son when he was 10. He is 21 now and is 6' 4" and still loves it. What about a 25-06 also?
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Birdguy on April 20, 2014, 08:25:23 PM: I bought my son a Weatherby .243 when he was 8. It came with the youth and a regular stock. He was a smaller kid for a long time, he is 12 now and loves to shoot it, he probably has another year or two with the youth stock but shoots my .270 a lot now. I expect I will likely keep it a youth model for other kids and women to shoot.

toddtms, where are you located? I would gladly let your boy shoot the youth .243 to see the fit and feel of it. I am on the Kitsap peninsula.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: huntnphool on April 20, 2014, 08:45:08 PM: 7mm-08
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: HUNT on April 20, 2014, 08:47:37 PM: Quote from: Bofire on April 20, 2014, 07:11:03 PM
7mm 08/ recoil is not a big difference in these two.
Carl

I would agree with Carl. The recoil difference between the two is very negligible.

I went with the 7-08 for my boys. My youngest shot a moose at age 8 with it, and a mule deer when at age 9. I also had the Remington model 7. Great gun. I love shooting it myself. If it's a great deal, I wouldn't think twice about it. Good luck with the decision.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 20, 2014, 09:07:22 PM: I think the calibers you all are mentioning are great, except that in standard youth/compact guns you typically find a very small number of caliber choices. It seems like the .243, 7mm-08 and .308 are the most common choices, which is why I am debating between the .243 and the 7mm-08.

Thanks
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 20, 2014, 09:11:53 PM: BIRDGUY. I am across the water from you, just south of Seattle. I appreciate the offer and just may take you up on it sometime in the near future.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: huntnphool on April 20, 2014, 09:15:40 PM: Quote from: toddtms on April 20, 2014, 09:11:53 PM
BIRDGUY. I am across the water from you, just south of Seattle. I appreciate the offer and just may take you up on it sometime in the near future.

Thanks again.
I'm in Browns Point and have both a .243 and 7mm-08 compact you could have him check for fit/feel.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Dan-o on April 20, 2014, 09:18:24 PM: I won't bad mouth a 243, but I just love the ballistics of a 7mm-08.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 20, 2014, 09:25:15 PM: HUNTNPHOOL.

Thanks for the offer. I think its neat so many people on here are willing to let my son look/try their guns. It tells me that this sport has lots of good people involved in it that want to see the little guys/gals succeed. You don't see that type of attitude everywhere.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: luteai on April 21, 2014, 09:12:57 PM: 7mm-08, the CDL has the limbsaver pad already on it. With reduced loads from remington or federal you'll be in the .243 recoil arena. I have some remington reduced recoil loads you could have (26) as we reload for all 3 of our 7mm-08s now.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: rtspring on April 21, 2014, 09:21:22 PM: .243 Savage. Tack driver out of the box and can be used for the rest of his life on many diffrent critters..
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: jackmaster on April 21, 2014, 09:25:56 PM: My daughter shoots a 7 mm -08 and she is tiny, they done kick,hers is a super lite gun to.. great gun
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: ValleyHunter88 on April 22, 2014, 12:04:05 PM: I would go with the 7mm-08. Great shooting cartridge, I have one and it'll kill anything from coyotes to elk. It doesn't have much more recoil than the .243, plus you have more bullet weight options with the 7mm caliber. A 7mm-08, like a .243 will be a gun he won't outgrow. You already have a good deal on the 700, I would take it.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: et1702 on April 22, 2014, 12:18:20 PM: I started my son using my 25-06. Great caliber, low recoil and much more energy than .243 if you use the 117 or 120gr bullets. I've had the gun for 35 years and it's taken a lot of deer. Every one has dropped in it's tracks.

My second choice would be the 7mm-08.

ET
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Lingcod on April 22, 2014, 12:23:02 PM: I love the 243, and is still my favorite deer caliber. I shot my first deer with a win model 100 in 308. If/when I have kids those will be the caliber they will shooting. 308 can be used for anything from deer to black bear. Savage makes great inexpensive rifles. :twocents:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: 1bugman on April 22, 2014, 12:28:38 PM: Quote from: Wacenturion on April 20, 2014, 10:20:10 AM
Surprised nobody has mentioned the .257 Roberts. `Great classic caliber and virtually no recoil.
:yeah:
That's what I started with.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: coachcw on April 22, 2014, 12:31:51 PM: If you can pick up the 7mm08 it's a good choice . if buying new i'd lean towards the .260 rem
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 22, 2014, 07:46:41 PM: LUTEAI. Thanks very much, that is a generous offer. I my be taking you up on that.

Thanks everyone for the advice. It sounds like both calibers would do the job, but I should also take a look at the .260.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: salmonchaser on April 22, 2014, 08:34:42 PM: I too would find a 257 Roberts. Teaching kids to hunt should include doing so with honor and integrity. The Roberts is a classic, almost a century old what better way to teach ancient skills.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 22, 2014, 08:42:35 PM: I think this will fit the bill! :yike: :chuckle:

http://youtu.be/8WiLqPB4lU0 (http://youtu.be/8WiLqPB4lU0)
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: luteai on April 23, 2014, 04:49:38 PM: no problem, send me a pm if you go 7-08.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 05:45:57 PM: OP should add a poll to the top of the thread with various calibers that have been listed and are similar.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Jolten on April 23, 2014, 05:48:34 PM: Kids are usually rough on first firearms. Get him a savage axis youth .243 and if he breaks the stock I'll send you mine as a replacement.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 05:52:49 PM: For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: huntnphool on April 23, 2014, 09:01:18 PM: Quote from: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 05:52:49 PM
For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06
Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it! ;)
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: mossback91 on April 23, 2014, 09:55:52 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on April 23, 2014, 09:01:18 PM
Quote from: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 05:52:49 PM
For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06
Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it! ;)
:yeah: :iamwithstupid:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 09:56:10 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on April 23, 2014, 09:01:18 PM
Quote from: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 05:52:49 PM
For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06
Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it! ;)

You make a valid point! 2 rifles is better than 1 tho :chuckle:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: bobcat on April 23, 2014, 09:58:47 PM: A 243 will always be a great deer rifle. Doesn't matter how old you are, you will never outgrow it.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 10:37:26 PM: Quote from: bobcat on April 23, 2014, 09:58:47 PM
A 243 will always be a great deer rifle. Doesn't matter how old you are, you will never outgrow it.

most definitely! I just meant that .243 to .270 seems like a natural progression. I sure do love both calibers.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: huntnphool on April 23, 2014, 10:44:24 PM: Quote from: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 09:56:10 PM
Quote from: huntnphool on April 23, 2014, 09:01:18 PM
Quote from: PNW_Hunter on April 23, 2014, 05:52:49 PM
For what it's worth, I'm in the .243 camp. Once he outgrows that, he can use it for coyotes or varmints and then get a .270/.30-06
Or just start with a 7mm-08 and not worry about outgrowing it! ;)

You make a valid point! 2 rifles is better than 1 tho :chuckle:
Well there is that arguement isn't there. :tup:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Mxracer532 on April 23, 2014, 11:25:53 PM: Im a .243 guy bbuti would go with a .260 if I were you. I dont understand how the .260 gets no love. Ballistics is retarded good and its one of the most accurate calibers there is. Just look at how many guys use them for 1000yrd competitions. (Very little recoil also)
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Rich_S on April 24, 2014, 09:07:50 AM: Say he's on a hunt, driving to the camp. Suddenly he says, "Darn, dad! I left my ammo at home!" You turn the car around and drive to the nearest store (gas station with the "WORMS" sign on the door). While getting your wallet out of the velcroed pocket of your hunting pants (don't you hate those?) You ask the kid behind the counter, "Hey son, you got a box of (insert your rifle cartridge here)?"

If you say .30-30, he'll say "You bet!"
If you say .30-06, he'll say "Right over there!"
If you say .257 Weatherby Mag, he'll say, "Huh?"

Been there. Drove another 20 miles and paid $50 for 20 shells. Something to consider when picking a cartridge.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 24, 2014, 05:51:20 PM: Thanks everyone, these are all good points. I am torn to be completely honest. I think either would be great and eventually he will be moving up to another, larger caliber anyways. I'm getting close to a decision, I'll keep everyone posted.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Jolten on April 24, 2014, 06:51:29 PM: Remember my PM.and He can always personalize whatever you get him. Maybe show him a few brands and let him decide?
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Wacenturion on April 24, 2014, 06:52:02 PM: Might want to take a look at this. Nice, newer South Carolina Model 70 Featherweight in 7mm-08. Price seems fair...nice gun.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8769230/1/FS_Winchester_M70_Fwt_7mm_08 (http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/8769230/1/FS_Winchester_M70_Fwt_7mm_08)
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Wacenturion on April 24, 2014, 06:53:32 PM: Quote from: Rich_S on April 24, 2014, 09:07:50 AM
Say he's on a hunt, driving to the camp. Suddenly he says, "Darn, dad! I left my ammo at home!" You turn the car around and drive to the nearest store (gas station with the "WORMS" sign on the door). While getting your wallet out of the velcroed pocket of your hunting pants (don't you hate those?) You ask the kid behind the counter, "Hey son, you got a box of (insert your rifle cartridge here)?"

If you say .30-30, he'll say "You bet!"
If you say .30-06, he'll say "Right over there!"
If you say .257 Weatherby Mag, he'll say, "Huh?"

Been there. Drove another 20 miles and paid $50 for 20 shells. Something to consider when picking a cartridge.

Simple fix..........plan ahead. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: calawahsteelie on April 26, 2014, 04:45:12 PM: I'm a HUGE fan of the 7mm-08. Both of my boys have them. I love shooting that gun. I've thought about selling my 7mag many times and picking one up for myself for deer hunting. Light recoil, light in the field, excellent selection of different bullets, excellent velocity and knock down power. Plus it's a tack driver! :tup:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: toddtms on April 26, 2014, 10:26:47 PM: So I finally made a decision and bought my sons gun.

I ended up going with a Weatherby Vanguard 2 Youth in 7MM-08. I got an awesome deal so it made the decision easy.

That being said, I really liked the fact that the gun comes with an extra 1" spacer which changes the length of pull from a youth gun to a full size gun. This way as my son grows, so does his gun.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. I am looking forward to hunting with my son this year. I think this gun will provide him with years of great fun/hunting.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: PNW_Hunter on April 27, 2014, 12:17:28 AM: Quote from: toddtms on April 26, 2014, 10:26:47 PM
So I finally made a decision and bought my sons gun.

I ended up going with a Weatherby Vanguard 2 Youth in 7MM-08. I got an awesome deal so it made the decision easy.

That being said, I really liked the fact that the gun comes with an extra 1" spacer which changes the length of pull from a youth gun to a full size gun. This way as my son grows, so does his gun.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. I am looking forward to hunting with my son this year. I think this gun will provide him with years of great fun/hunting.

Good call on the vanguard 2! Those are great shooters in my experience with them. Congrats :party1: :hunter:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Rooster1981 on April 27, 2014, 08:46:05 AM: Great choice of rifle :tup:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: b23 on April 27, 2014, 10:34:20 AM: Great choice. I've always been a big fan of Howa rifles and their new trigger sounds like a HUGE improvement over the old one.

I'm sure your son will be thrilled beyond belief and he'll remember getting this rifle for the rest of his life. I'll be 46 this year and I can EASILY remember my first 3 guns from when I was your sons age. My firsts will always hold special and significant memories to me as I remember every detail about the how, when, and where of those first 3 but if you were to ask me those same questions about my most recent 3, I would struggle to recall those same details. I've had this same conversation with my dad, who is 75, and he says the same thing. Even at 75, he can tell you every detail about the first gun his father ever gave him but he couldn't begin to tell you those same details about his most recent.

Just something extra special about those first ones. Congrats again!! :tup:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Larry S. on April 27, 2014, 11:33:28 AM: Please read my post in "Virtual Campfire" on the Marlin XL-7 (if you can find one that the owner will part with). I started my son at age 9 with a .270 and a light bullet and he grew into the rifle with no problems. That said. .243 is an excellent round for deer sized game.

Larry Simoneaux
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: PNW_Hunter on April 27, 2014, 11:35:30 AM: Quote from: Larry S. on April 27, 2014, 11:33:28 AM
Please read my post in "Virtual Campfire" on the Marlin XL-7 (if you can find one that the owner will part with). I started my son at age 9 with a .270 and a light bullet and he grew into the rifle with no problems. That said. .243 is an excellent round for deer sized game.

Larry Simoneaux

OP went with a vanguard 2 in 7mm-08.

Good post tho
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: MadMooner on April 28, 2014, 07:36:52 AM: I'm a fan of the 6mm's and a 243 is my main rifle.

55 Ballitic Tips for squirrels and the like, 95 Ballistic Tips for deer and elk and if you get a 9 twist (Remington barrels are real close) you can fling 105's for steel waaaaay out there.

All with minimal recoil, blast, and bullchit.

Then again, a 7-08 will do it all too.....
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: C-Money on April 28, 2014, 07:59:05 AM: Congrats on the 7mm-08. Great cartridge, one of my favorites!! Good luck this fall. :tup:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: sneakyjake on June 25, 2014, 11:06:12 AM: Bringing it back. Went through the safe and I don't like what I see. I've read quite a bit on these cals and rifles. Anyone looking to sell or know of any rifles for sale in the 243 or 7mm-08? I'm leaning towards the 7mm. Daughter is 14 and 100#.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: lhrbull on June 25, 2014, 01:50:26 PM: got my daughter at that age 257 roberts in a youth model she did just fine with it both antelope and deer
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: gfull on June 25, 2014, 04:20:17 PM: Bought all three of my kids deer rifles when they turned 10. My girls have the Savage Axis in .243, but I bought my son one in 7mm-08. My son (10) used reduced-recoil loads and there was very little kick; less than the .243. Both are great choices for the kids.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: carpsniperg2 on June 25, 2014, 04:25:15 PM: 7mm-08 all the way!

If you decide you would like to get a new ruger, like the American. I can hook you up with one. I have a compact 7mm-08 American in the shop right now.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: huntnphool on June 25, 2014, 04:29:01 PM: Quote from: carpsniperg2 on June 25, 2014, 04:25:15 PM
7mm-08 all the way!
I have a compact 7mm-08 American in the shop right now.

Thats the ticket right there! :tup:
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: sneakyjake on June 26, 2014, 09:21:06 PM: Pm me the specifics
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: 270Shooter on June 26, 2014, 09:26:52 PM: Quote from: carpsniperg2 on June 25, 2014, 04:25:15 PM
7mm-08 all the way!

If you decide you would like to get a new ruger, like the American. I can hook you up with one. I have a compact 7mm-08 American in the shop right now.
those rifles are affordable and generally shoot pretty well right out of the box in my experience.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Dan-o on June 26, 2014, 09:49:01 PM: Quote from: Rich_S on April 24, 2014, 09:07:50 AM
Say he's on a hunt, driving to the camp. Suddenly he says, "Darn, dad! I left my ammo at home!" You turn the car around and drive to the nearest store (gas station with the "WORMS" sign on the door). While getting your wallet out of the velcroed pocket of your hunting pants (don't you hate those?) You ask the kid behind the counter, "Hey son, you got a box of (insert your rifle cartridge here)?"

If you say .30-30, he'll say "You bet!"
If you say .30-06, he'll say "Right over there!"
If you say .257 Weatherby Mag, he'll say, "Huh?"

Been there. Drove another 20 miles and paid $50 for 20 shells. Something to consider when picking a cartridge.

:yeah:

Been there.

Grateful I brought the 7mm Mag, and not the 6.5 X 284.
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: Dan-o on June 26, 2014, 09:50:09 PM: P.S. Everybody knows that the 7MM-08 is THE BEST CHOICE for a really cool starter caliber.
(Or at least it's my favorite.)
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: higunner on June 28, 2014, 09:31:15 PM: 7mm-08
Title: Re: Assistance in choosing a first hunting rifle/caliber for my son
Post by: bobcat on June 28, 2014, 10:28:24 PM: I think the 7/08 is a great cartridge, but just know that the recoil is going to be similar to the 270 and the 308.

For a young person you may need to use the reduced recoil loads, or if you're a reloader, make up some that have less velocity and a lightweight bullet, at least for practicing. For hunting you could probably use full power loads.