First rifle for youth

IDTRAVLER · 01-22-2003, 11:31 AM

I'm considering buying a first rifle for my grandson. It will be used for Deer. It will also be passed along for other Grandkids to use as they come of age. Considering the short length of pull for a youth, any suggestions as to make and model? Will probably go with a .243 or .257 caliber but have some flexability there.

Thanks

NE Hunter · 01-22-2003, 11:59 AM

If possible start with a .22 rim fire to teach shooting skills. As for the deer rifle NEF makes a nice little single shot in .243 and Remington makes a model 7 youth in .243, .260 and 7mm-08 ( from what I've read here 7mm-08 would get my vote now but I did start my son with a .243 and use that myself too)Winchester has a youth rifle in .243 and .308. I didn't look lately but I'm betting Savage has a youth rifle too probably .243 anyway maybe some others too.

Vapodog · 01-22-2003, 12:42 PM

Winchester makes a compact in .243 and Browning makes a micro medallion in .243 as well...sadly I believe both of these require a scope due to lack of iron sights.

I don't have any love for exposed hammers for kids....it's just too darn easy to let the hammer slip under the thumb and cause an accidental discharge.....

I'd probably pick the M-7 Remington youth model.

Quilly · 01-22-2003, 01:18 PM

i would go with the 260rem right in between both of the rounds you specified

seattlesetters · 01-22-2003, 01:42 PM

I like the .260 Rem, or, if you can find one, the .257 Roberts.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

jed · 01-22-2003, 01:57 PM

I do not think Savage make a youth model currently. I would go with the Remington Model 7. I am planning on getting one for my daughter shortly, She is rather petite so I will be getting a wood stock and cut it down to fit her. I then plan to purchase an aftermarket stock, so I can swap it back to fit me or for resale later. While I am a huge fan of the 7-08 I will probably go 243 over the 260 for no other reason than I already have dies for it.

bear72 · 01-22-2003, 03:02 PM

I'd go with the Remington model 7 youth you can get it in 223,243,260,and 7mm-08.

Quilly · 01-22-2003, 05:32 PM

jed..

look at savages model 10fcm lightweight. just about the same length as the model 7, but only comes in two calibers. i have one and love it.

popeye · 01-22-2003, 06:19 PM

check out the Ruger Compact. Definately a kid sized big game rifle. Its available in 243, 260, 7mm-08 and 308. IMO the 308 is to big for a smaller hunter, especially with the short barrel that this rifle has. I think the length of pull is only 12" or 12 1/2".

Edited by - popeye on 01/22/2003 19:21:17

mauser06 · 01-22-2003, 08:15 PM

id go with the ruger no1...i forget what one but it was tiny maybe a carbine or something like that my dad had...its a single shot so it teaches disipline in making one shot count..my dad still makes me do this after killing 4 deer and my rifle holds a good number of shells...but i dont need more than one...i loved my dads no1 and if they make them when i have kids thats the way i will go...perfect little rifle..id defintently take a good hard look at it...i myself dont like bolt actions too much...when it comes to deer hunting if you need more than one i dont want you near me...sure maybe another may be needed but thats only if you wound one with the first shot which its still going to run off so your shot will be a little later and you have time to reload a single shot...i like the design of the number 1 too..kinda like a lever gun but a single shot...good luck with your grandkids...