It is possible that I am overanalyzing my daughters actions. I mean she says she is Ok with the 30-30. She proved last year that when it comes down to it she can shoot it. She practices all the time with the 22lr. I wonder if i'm better off getting the Marlin 22lr that is shaped similarly to the 336 and have her practice with that ( this was somewwhat suggested earlier in this post)

Or maybe I just buy the 223 anyway and use it as an excuse to get another gun

Im justconcerned myhunting buddywill beturned off to the sport. It just wouldn't be the same.