Do you reload?? If you do then the 257 Roberts would be a great rifle for the "Youngin". Short action, lightweight rifle. I am not a fan of the quarter bores.But for a "youngin" where recoil can be an issue, it would be hard to make a finer pick.

If you do not reload then the cost of ammo can be a bit prohibitive. If you do not mind the extra cost of the ammo then go for it. The Roberts is definitely above the lesser calibers for effectiveness, yet the recoil is still light.

I have an uncle who has a 257 Roberts in a Remington pump rifle. This is the only rifle he has ever had, and hunted with. I hate to admit it but he has done very well with this cartridge all his life. And he has killed a bunch of deer with it.

If ammo cost is in the equation then I would consider the 243 for less cost of ammo. However the 243 is not the cartridge the Roberts is. I say that only from the standpoint that I like a larger diameter bullet. Tom.