The kids first deer rifle?
10-18-2003, 10:04 AM
#11
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Knoxville TN USA
Posts: 83
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
Vapodog
I have to have a .25 cal because it is a state regulation in one of the states we hunt. If not for that he would be shooting the .243 with 100 grainers. And again thanks for all the info guys.
I have to have a .25 cal because it is a state regulation in one of the states we hunt. If not for that he would be shooting the .243 with 100 grainers. And again thanks for all the info guys.
10-18-2003, 12:26 PM
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location:
Posts: 2,052
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
dw, Thursday I sold a Model 7 Youth in 260 to a man who had his small 8th grader with him (would guess him at 70-80#s). Topped, with a 2x7x33 VX I Leupold it was a SWEET feeling rig. I also recommended 2 boxes of Rem 125 Nosler Parts for it, which they got. If ever a more perfect rig for small beginners that is priced VERY reasonably exists, I' ve not seen it. The recoil difference between a 125/260 vs 100/243 is non-existant. My old Vanguard 25/06 while not much in the recoil department, is more than I would recommend for kids under appx 12 and/or 120#s. Stay away from varmint/bull barrels for youngsters, its hard enough for them to properly hold a fullsized, normal weight rifle nevermind one that is an extra pound or two heavier toward the front. The Youth models in the Rem 700 ADL and Model 7 are AWFULLY hard to beat for the money. And if you have more than one child, they only make more sense as you can " hand them down" to the other kids as the oldest one ages (as is the case with my above mentioned customer and my own kids!). You can also add a simple replacement stock of full length to make it ready for anyone.
Now if you REALLY want to see slick and dont mind a lil more money, check out the Browning Abolt in 243 Win SuperShort Mag. I LOVE the feel of that lil gun and will probably get one for my oldest! Ballistically its closer to a 240 Wby Mag than a 243 Win.
RA
Now if you REALLY want to see slick and dont mind a lil more money, check out the Browning Abolt in 243 Win SuperShort Mag. I LOVE the feel of that lil gun and will probably get one for my oldest! Ballistically its closer to a 240 Wby Mag than a 243 Win.
RA
10-18-2003, 02:15 PM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: The socialist state of Massachusetts
Posts: 1,146
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
I will subject myself to hoots and howls and jeers here. Are you ready?
I currently own a 30-06, a 270, a 25-06, and a 6.5X55 Swede that has been customized. I hunt whitetails in the woods, not as a sniper on the edge of grainfields. Most of the time, I use my Marlin 44 magnum lever action carbine with a receiver sight. If you put that 240 grain ball into the vitals of a whitetail, he ain' t goin' far. We kill them with arrows, don' t we? That little 44 is the most pleasant shooting, quick pointing, easy-carrying gun I have ever owned. And this boy ain' t gettin' no younger! The truth of the matter is....100 yards is a long way in the woods. The 44 can handle that yardage quite nicely. I guess it depends on your type of hunting: do you sit watch on meadows, or do you go out and stillhunt in the woods?
Clint
I currently own a 30-06, a 270, a 25-06, and a 6.5X55 Swede that has been customized. I hunt whitetails in the woods, not as a sniper on the edge of grainfields. Most of the time, I use my Marlin 44 magnum lever action carbine with a receiver sight. If you put that 240 grain ball into the vitals of a whitetail, he ain' t goin' far. We kill them with arrows, don' t we? That little 44 is the most pleasant shooting, quick pointing, easy-carrying gun I have ever owned. And this boy ain' t gettin' no younger! The truth of the matter is....100 yards is a long way in the woods. The 44 can handle that yardage quite nicely. I guess it depends on your type of hunting: do you sit watch on meadows, or do you go out and stillhunt in the woods?
Clint
10-18-2003, 06:45 PM
#16
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
250 Savage or 257 Robert. I did have a Marlin 44 Mag lever gun too. It would shoot nearly one hole three shot groups at 100 yards Near zero recoil. Not a bad choice either. I am a 25 Junky
10-19-2003, 04:23 PM
#17
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: The socialist state of Massachusetts
Posts: 1,146
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
BigBore 1895...Clint, I was about to say the same thing. A lightening fast lever gun with open sights and a stout load would be perfect. Welcome to forum Clint, are you a lever fan?
For some time, I have used bolt action rifles mostly. However, experience has taught me that a good lever action is a wonderful option in the deer woods where shots are typically much less than 100 yards. I particularly like the way an iron-sighted lever gun balances in my hand when I am miles from no where and solely (no pun intended!) on foot. I miss an old 35 Remington lever gun that I let slip through my fingers 25 years ago! As I have grown older, I have also learned restraint. I no longer shoot at every deer I see. It is best for me and best for some deer if I let them pass. They are fine game animals. I am glad to let them pass if not given a good oportunity. A wounded and lost animal is a travesty. Thank you for your welcome to the forum. Glad to meet you folks.
Clint
For some time, I have used bolt action rifles mostly. However, experience has taught me that a good lever action is a wonderful option in the deer woods where shots are typically much less than 100 yards. I particularly like the way an iron-sighted lever gun balances in my hand when I am miles from no where and solely (no pun intended!) on foot. I miss an old 35 Remington lever gun that I let slip through my fingers 25 years ago! As I have grown older, I have also learned restraint. I no longer shoot at every deer I see. It is best for me and best for some deer if I let them pass. They are fine game animals. I am glad to let them pass if not given a good oportunity. A wounded and lost animal is a travesty. Thank you for your welcome to the forum. Glad to meet you folks.
Clint
10-19-2003, 07:01 PM
#18
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 411
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
The .260 is attracting alot of gun buyers. I picked up a NIB .25-06 win mod 70 lt sporter for $350! You can' t go wrong with ANY of the quarter bores (or larger) the other fellows have mentioned. Remember, whatever you decide on, you will have to replace it with a larger bore in the future!!!
10-19-2003, 08:08 PM
#19
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2003
Location:
Posts: 920
RE: The kids first deer rifle?
If it' s a light recoiling rifle your after I have a braked 30-378 Wby Improved that recoils the same as a 243 Win shooting 60 grainers. It' s has plenty of range too! Loaded with 115grs of H-5010 behind a 180 it does alittle over 3500fps.
oh oh oh never mind the above, it' s not for sale. Any of the small .257, .264, .284 or even .308 calibers will work. It' s a trade off though, a light rifle will be easier to handle and the recoil will slap you harder and a heavier gun will be harder handle and the recoil is moot. it' s really up to you which is the lesser of 2 evils[>:]
My small framed wife loves her 257 Roberts.......doubleA
oh oh oh never mind the above, it' s not for sale. Any of the small .257, .264, .284 or even .308 calibers will work. It' s a trade off though, a light rifle will be easier to handle and the recoil will slap you harder and a heavier gun will be harder handle and the recoil is moot. it' s really up to you which is the lesser of 2 evils[>:]My small framed wife loves her 257 Roberts.......
doubleA