last year was my daughters 1st year ., we got her a .243 .,about 3 years ago ., and we have been practicing for 3 years with that gun., so when it came time to the hunt ., she was ready ,.and she knocked one down .,im glad i went with the .243 bolt because she really did get the heepie geebies when she shot ., i did have to help her steady the shooting stick cause she was a shaking ., just my 2 cents worth.,good luck on your choice