RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

Wow, I'm kind of surprised the old 30-30 hasn't been mentioned more than it has. I started out deer hunting with a used 30-30 Marlin w/ open sights, in fact I still own that rifle, my 4 year old has already laid his claim on it for when he gets "bigger". I shot bb guns alot, and the occasional 20 ga. and .22 LR way before I was old enough to hunt deer. I say go with an open sighted 30-30.....but I'm biased I guess. ;)

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

I have a 11 yr old, H&R single shot .243. Teaches him the importance of the first shot and the .243 has mild recoil and is a great all around deer cartridge.

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

I think a NEF in 243 would be a perfect gun after the length of pull issue is resolved. it teaches the practice of using only one shot and it is a cost effective gunalong witha great cartridge

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

I got my son a Remington Model 7 Youth .243 for his 12th birthday and he used it last fall to take a couple jackrabbits in October and a pair of nice fat does in November. He's looking forward to work weekends at the ranch this summer so he can try for some more jackrabbits and maybepigs, foxes or bobcats. The .243 is a sweet shooting rifle. I liked it so much when I was sighting it in that I went out and bought myself a Model 700 .243... Took two bucks with it last December.

You may still be able to find a Model 700 Youth, which will cost a few bucks less than the Model 7. If you find one, I'd jump on it quick, because I don't think they'll be making it much longer. Howa also makes a nice youth model. I believe it's made on the same action as the Weatherby Vanguard. And, they can all be retrofitted with adult stocks when he gets a little bigger.

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

I'd have to say a .243

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

My vote would be the .243 WSSM.

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

.243, 257 roberts, 260, 7mm 08, 30-30, 308........all these would be very very nice for anyone that wants to shoot deer ( not to mention light enough recoils for ladies and children to handle)

For those really, really lucky kids, maybe a nice 250 savage or 300 savage passed down from their grandfather. These also would have sentimental value and relic qualities (say if chambered in a savage 99) This isa gun some adults might never ever have the chance to hunt with.

A gun with light recoil is nothing to be ashamed of. If you start your son with anyone of the cartridges above, he will always be able to use it (no matter how old he gets) he will never grow out of it (unless he chooses)

When you look at it, recomendations on children's and woman's cartridges are ALL very nice rounds and are very desired.

Good luck teaching your son hunting values and shooting skills. Good luck to your son as well.

(I WISH MY DAD BAUGHT ME A RUGER RSI, MANLICHER FULL STOCK IN 257 ROBERTS, OR A NICE SAVAGE 99 IN 250 SAVAGE OR 300 SAVAGE, OR EVEN A WINCHESTER MODEL 100 OR 88 CALIBERED IN 308);););). (NOW THOSE ARE SOME GUNS):):):)

RE: First Rifle for 12 year old...
 

I would have to say the good 'ol.243 Winchester.