pdxkevin

My wife said she wants to go deer hunting with me, but only if she can shoot, too. I am very happy with her announcement and can't wait to see her harvest her first buck.

Here is the deal. She had nerve surgery in her shoulder to get her arm back functioning. Now, two years after the surgery, she has about 40% strength and difficulty raising it up, straight using only the shoulder. So the rifle need to be as light up front as possible.

I want this to be a good experience for her so I would like her to start with as little felt recoil as possible. I figure we can always put a muzzle break on if need be to reduce the felt recoil.

What rifle would you suggest? We walk the woods. In the Pacific NW coastal mountains, there are no opportunities to put up a stand or sit next to field an wait.

PaJack

My choice would be a Remington Model Seven in the .243! Lightweight and low recoil. Check one out at a gunshop,perfect for what you need,weighs about 6lb or less with a 20&quot; barrel...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hunt Safe!

Jack

hoghunter51

I would agree with Jack there. I have hunted where your hunting i belive and a well placed round from a .243 would bring down a roosvelt as well as a RM elk, there great on deer also. Also if you want to get her into the woods to get used to shooting at game , take her to greys harbor to hunt some hogs, I learned that they have a lot running wild and its open all year. Stop in a sporting good store and they will give you the info you need to find them. Good lick and Good hunting.

Chairman

Another suggestion ~ how about using a handgun? I've been having problems with my shoulders for over a year, now. I've decided to try hunting with a handgun. My Ruger M77 .270 was becoming to heavy to hold up for a period of time. The recoil was beginning to make me flinch, because of my newly acquired shoulder injuries. I sold it, and bought a T/C Encore. I've yet to get it outfitted the way I want it, but I'm definitely looking forward to hunting with it. Plus, when I decide to try a new caliber, all I have to do is buy a new barrel! If you decide to give it a try, be sure to check your local regulations first...

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If your mind should go blank...don't forget to [mute] the sound!

WRBH

Pa, that's what my baby is. I got a Remington .243 Model 700, for christmas 1997, from My Ex in laws. Very very little kick, and is dead on. Is a great all around hunting rifle. My Ex uses a .222, and would be shocked at how many deers He's taken wuth it. Best thing I could sugest,would be to ask around and see if she could try a few ones out, see which is most comfortable for Her. Everyone's needs can be diffrent.

Life is like a Box of Chocolates..... You always get stuck with those Yucky cream filled ones

carpetguy

When i read your post that was the first rifle that came to mind..243 If she shoots a lighter grain bullet say 75 gr.There will be even less recoil than the 100 gr.Just something else to consider.

It's not how big the Deer,But the size of the experiance that matters!!

Marian (Lady Hunter)

I would suggest a .270 Ruger (Featherweight). That is what I have and I am very pleased with it. I have a Decelrator recoil pad on it. For support she could use a tripod or a stick. I have found that wrapping my rifle strap around my arm helps hold the gun in place and will also aid in holding the gun against her shoulder. This will help give her a steadier shot. Good Luck and Goodhunting!

farm hunter

Has she looked into a device that straps around your waist, and your wrist. Its hinged in the middle, and when you lift your arm up, locks into place, offering assitance in holding the gun up? I'm sorry, I do not know the name of the device, but can get the information if you need it, my father-in-law uses one for bowhunting. Its being offered on the market to provide a steady rest, and not neccesarily for the disabled (though it should be).